Mobile Device Mounts and Accessories

Keeping a phone usable on the trail

Phones double as GPS units, trail maps and cameras, and rough roads make a loose phone a nuisance. The products here hold a device where you can see it and keep it powered. The range goes from simple mounts to vehicle-specific charging pads built into the console.

Mount types

• Switch-bar and rail mounts: Clamp to a roll bar, dash bar or accessory rail, such as the compact switch-bar mounts in this category.
• Vent, dash and windshield mounts: Universal options that attach with clips or adhesive.
• Vehicle-specific mounts: Shaped to fit a model's dash or console, often with no drilling.
• Wireless charging kits: Pads built into an armrest or console that charge a compatible phone without a cable.

Pick a mount that grips firmly through bumps, allows adjustment, and does not block airbags, gauges or your view of the road. A mount should be placed where it does not interfere with deployment of an airbag.

Power and wiring

USB chargers plug into a power outlet and give one or two ports. Hard-wire kits connect to the fuse box or battery and provide a cleaner installation, usually with a USB port at the end of a cable. OBD-II splitters share the diagnostic port so that a monitor and a charger can both use it. Always check amperage, port type such as USB-A or USB-C, and the charging standard your phone supports.

What to compare

• Device size range, and case compatibility.
• Mounting style, clamp size or adhesive.
• Port types and charging output.
• Whether the product is universal or fits a specific vehicle.
• Wireless charging standard, such as Qi, and phone support.

Installation notes

Plug-in items are simple. Hard-wire kits require tapping a fuse circuit, so use an add-a-circuit fuse tap rated properly, choose a switched circuit so the charger does not drain the battery, and route cable clear of pedals and moving parts. Disconnect the battery when working with wiring if you are unsure. Wireless pads can leave some heat, so choose products with temperature protection and confirm that a thick case will not block charging.

Fitment

For vehicle-specific kits, confirm fitment for your exact year, make and model, and review the manufacturer's specifications. Laws on handling phones while driving vary by state, so check local regulations.

Matching a mount to your phone and vehicle

Measure your phone with its case on, since thick cases may be too wide for some holders. Consider the orientation you prefer, landscape for maps or portrait for calls, and whether the mount lets you rotate it. If your vehicle has a factory rail or roll bar, the diameter of the bar decides which clamp you need.

Mistakes to avoid and care

• Mounting on a surface that blocks an airbag panel or gauge.
• Using a long cable that dangles near the shifter or pedals.
• Leaving a phone in direct sun on a dash, which can cause overheating.

Rinse dust off the clamps and check the spring tension, since grip fades over time. Check connectors for corrosion if the vehicle is open to rain. Use a fuse tap with the correct amp rating for the circuit.