An invisible, solid and versatile mounting solution. The 5G 4Runner Dashtop Multi Mount (DMM)

Weather Tech floor mats.

 

Ordered #8AKC07GKI

Tired of having a phone mount stuck to my windshield. Ill get a review up as soon as I get it. I have an iOttie mount Ill be using the the 1" arm and 25mm to 17mm adapter.

 

I received my 4Runner DMM (order# 20866) on Saturday and just installed.

The entire install took about 30 minutes from start to finish. I'll show pics and make comments along the way so you can see the install.

#1 - Pic of my 2021 TRD OR dash before I pulled the head unit loose..


#2 - I removed the side covers and HVAC controls - interestingly, all 3 came off as one unit although they separate into 3 separate pieces. I disconnected the wire connector and set these parts aside.



#3- I identified the 4 bolts holding the head unit in place and removed them.


#4 - After removing the 4 Head Unit bolts, I pulled the Head Unit (snaps loose) and carefully propped it on my gear shifter padded by a couple of towels. I did not detach any of the head unit connectors... The large white connector in the pic is for the FRAC (Front Rear Anytime Camera) harness.


#5 - Next, I identified the two screws holding the plastic plate in place, removed them and removed the plastic plate.





#6 - With the plastic plate now on my workbench, I inserted the aluminum plate into the plastic plate and marked the holes with a push-punch so that I would be able to easily drill them in the correct location. After marking the holes with a push-punch, I marked them with a white paint stick to make them easy to see.




#7 - I drilled the holes in 2 steps using a small bit first and then a 9/32 for the finished hole. Once drilled, I inserted the aluminum backing into the plastic plate, placed the black anodized top plate in place and assembled using the included hex head bolts and the 4 ball mounts I included in my order.


#8 - I re-installed the plastic plate into the Head Unit surround assembly using the two screws removed during disassembly.


#9 - I reinstalled the Head Unit assembly using the 4 bolts removed during disassembly.


#11 - I reinstalled the HVAC (remember to reconnect the wiring) and HVAC surround components. Job Done!




This was a very easy install and the results are terrific. If anyone has questions, let me know..

One comment for the OP (Lost Bolt) is that I requested the black plastic slip-on covers for the bare aluminum bottom of the ball mounts but they were missing from my order - any chance you could mail me those items?

Cheers,
Bob

 

This looks like a well thought out solution. Do ram mount accessories work with this? (Sorry if this was already mentioned).

@Stoney Ranger , I’ll have to check out your install in person next on the next trail run!

 

Yes. The Ram mounts will work. I bought 4 double socket arms.
https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Double-Socket-1-Inch-RAM-B-201U/dp/B000UGZTQO?adgrpid=1229254310291668&hvadid=76828561030563&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=88717&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-76828628457612%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=599_1015098090&keywords=ram+mount+accessories&qid=1706059828&sr=8-6

If you want to mount your current phone holder, you'll probably need this adapter.

 

I use this one on my DMM for my Tacoma. It works great and is a 1” ball so no need for an adapter. It has great tension and has never allowed my phone to fall out on any trail runs. Plan on getting the same one for my wife’s 4R

 

I posted a review a couple of days ago ( order 20866) and it appears mine was number 4 so asking about the promised refund. Let me know when you process it.

Cheers,
Bob

 

Very innovative concept. Wouldn't any electronic device kept close to the air vent overheat?
My iphone turns off when the vehicles gets too hot inside.

 

I never use those vents during the winter as I dislike hot air blown towards my face, so its not a problem.

 

I usually use the defrost and footwell so it’s never been an issue in my truck. The Tacoma vents are a little different but still right there.

 

You can rotate phone horizontally to avoid hvac vent altogether or use an extension arm and it will avoid the vent just fine. I use ram mounts and a different system but also avoid the vent. Zero problems.

 

Any 1” ball mount system’s accessories will work just fine.

 

Yes we can do that. Sorry about that.

 

Well look what showed up in the mail today...
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Having done a fair amount of electro-mechanical engineering in my career I can appreciate a nice bit of machining. Chamfered edges all around is the mark of a good machinist.




I'll skip most of the console tear-down as that's been covered well in this thread. I would add that when pulling the main head unit that you do not need to disconnect all of the connectors. Skip these and save yourself a little bit of trouble.




For drilling of the plastic dress plate and since I don't have my auto-punch handy I resorted to an old machinist trick when looking to match-drill...I used one of the supplied SS SHCS and filed a point...



Simply install the machined plate to the plastic trim piece, install the pointed screw into each location, tighten down and remove...voila, center punched hole locations that are on center at each fastener position. Drill away...




When re-installing the head unit and before I re-installed the climate control, an important step...power on check! Yup, all's good.



Needless to say that I am very impressed with how well this kit is designed, every piece fit extremely well, the little details that most would not notice when it comes to designing a component to not only fit well (let me tell you that waffle pattern on the backside of the machined aluminum part is NOT a simple thing to do) but to actually look OEM (Hey Toyota, you should license this mount and include it as an option for the 4Runner!)

I'll be finishing up the ball mount installs as soon as I anodize the aluminum standoffs....
(Edit: My car battery charger that I use for anodizing took a crap so I ended up painting the aluminum standoffs with flat black paint.)



Last update to my post, the final install with mounted devices. I'm going to design/print some longer ball clamps in order to elevate my phone mount clear of the vent.

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Install pics to follow this quick review.

Overall, the shipping speed, packaging, product quality, and communication were amazing! The total installation was about 45 minutes and that was with taking pictures for the write-up.

A few things to note for the vendor and potential buyers.
1 - The full mounting kits with the slim grip and magnets come with the ball that screws in, so you don't need to order extra. I ordered 3 additional ball mounts and paid extra without knowing this. The website wasn't very clear.

2 - The vinyl tape with the logo cut out looks pretty cool and should be included with all of the ball mounts. The vinyl that you have with the red background vs the silver, would look much better in TRD Pro models. Maybe offer it as an option.

3 - The wing nut for the mount could have shorter wings. They hit the dash when tightening them. Also, having the option of the red knob would be great for TRD Pro owners.


I won't go over the complete radio removal, as this has been covered in depth.

Here is the packaging and how it arrived. I ordered it on Tuesday morning and had it to my door today.






Getting ready for the installation. You'll need a 10mm socket for the radio removal, a #1 phillips head screwdriver, a 5/32" allen wrench or socket, a 1/8" allen wrench or socket, and drill bits to start small up to 7/32.



Before you can get to the radio bolts, you will need to remove the 2 HVAC side panels (just wiggle and pull) and the HVAC controls. There is one plug behind the HVAC unit and the wire harness is clipped to the unit. Remove all of that and set aside.



Next remove the 4 radio bolts, using the 10mm socket. You'll pull on the radio assembly to detach the top clips and pull the radio out. After doing the installation with the radio in the car, I highly recommend fully removing it to prevent any damage to the screen. Just make sure that you have your radio codes available before disconnecting.



You'll now remove the 2 screws holding the plastic panel that you'll need using the #1 phillips head screwdriver.



With the plastic piece off, the metal panel snaps in snuggly. I used a metal awl tool to scribe the holes and create an indent to prevent the drill bit from walking. I also applied painter's tape to the back side of the plastic panel. This helps with the plastic burrs. I also used a 2x4 as my backing for the drilling. Start will small bits and work your way up to 7/32. This will prevent any cracking and creates a clean hole.







Once all of the holes were drilled, I used one of the silver screws to check the alignment of all of the holes and made adjustments as necessary. Once everything lined up, I attached all of the screws and balls. I tightened it all up using a 5/32 and 1/8 allen socket until snug.






Installation is just the reverse of the removal. The final product is pretty nice. I did have the black vinyl installed on my ball mounts.

 

The real problem is summertime when you get into a hot car and the phone deflects the cold air from the AC onto your hot radio screen. That's how I cracked my glass screen protector. It happened in Palm Springs so it was really hot. I was looking at the screen when I saw it crack and heard it as well.

 

Alright, short review as I just got it all together.

1. Taking the dash apart is comically easy. I was very happy about that.
2. I used a spring punch to mark my spots to drill, then 1/8 for pilot holes, then 1/4 for final hole size. Apparently I suck because all my front spots were NOT aligned when I went to screw it all together. I had to get a little creative to widen a few holes enough that I could thread the front bolts on (silver ones).
3. Popped the 1" ball mount on, then the arm and 17mm adapter and connected it to my iOttie 6 one touch mount. Dash went back together easily.

Good: the mount is solid and well made. For the price I'm satisfied as it gets my old mount off the windshield and is much less in my view.

Not so good: I only ordered one ball mount, so now I have a bunch of left over holes. I wish there would have been more of the black screws included to fill them all. I guess I could have not drilled them out, but I wasn't sure how I'd want to orient my mount, plus I didn't want to have to take it all apart if I add more in the future. I'd also prefer black bolts instead of the silver ones. Just personal preference, but it would look much cleaner.

@Lost Bolt can you tell me the exact size screws you use so I can procure some extras and replacement for the silver hardware? Thanks!

Oh, and the final product

 

Thank you for the review! All hardware is 10-32. The silver head screws are not meant to stay on, they’re just aids for the installation, the bigger heads allow you to screw them in and out by hand. That being said I understand why you would want more of the button head black ones. We’ve included those in the past on other dash mounts and you would not believe the amount of confusion it causes when people see extra screws that are all the same. However, we are going to be adding plastic “plugs” soon.

 

Refunds coming!

 

Thank you for the review! We really do appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
FWIW… We do make longer arms if you are interested.

 

Well if you need an opinion on how the plugs fit/look I'll happily test them for you

Thanks for the forum discount!

 

The 5 free sets are spoken for so we will be ending the group buy one week from now.
We are going to continue the 25% off until the end of next week.
FEB 4, 2024 at 11:59PM PT, the 25% ends, forum members will continue to receive 10% off
If you think someone you know may be interested, let them know.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb and say those with this mount installed no longer have any use for the clock display...

 

My previous phone mount partially blocked the clock and I’ve already adjusted to the clock on the head unit. So, don’t miss it….

Cheers,
Bob

 

It has been a little over a week since I received and installed this product. I did run into a few issues with some parts missing from the shipment and @Lost Bolt not properly tracking when reviews were completed for the refund. I'm going to reserve this slot for a future update, to give @Lost Bolt a few more days to resolve the issues.
And yes, I have tried communicating via the forum PM, his company email, and his company phone number.
A business is truly tested when something goes wrong and how they resolve problems.

Update 02/15/2024: @Lost Bolt resolved all of the issues a few days ago and showed how a business should handle issues. There were no excuses, no pushback, and just a genuine interest to make it right.

 

I need a bounce/vibration test posted. How well does a heavy phone-12,13,14,15 Pro Max iPhone do on a mount on a rough road?

 

So far I have had zero movement on the slim grip mount with my iPhone 12 Pro. The DMM mount itself is pretty solid. The limiting factor will be what mounts are used on the ball section.

 

Thanks. I'd still like to see a heavier phone used. I have had mounts that were great for normal sized but vibrated and bounced with plus sized.

 

I am also waiting on the promised refund for my install/review and so far, the OP has not responded to my pm requesting status.

I will likewise be patient for a few days more hoping the OP makes good on the commitment and hold on a planned order until resolved…

Bob

 

@Lost Bolt does have great reviews on TW, so we will give him a little time. Sometimes life or work gets in the way. This is understandable and he does have a great product. I will wait a few more days before trying to reach back out to him.