FYI: Droid 3 Vehicle Dock with RAM Mount Floor Assembly

OK, this may be a "light" mod compared to other Prius mods on this forum, but I just wanted to share my successful experience in a vehicle dock mount setup in my 2010 Prius III. I have a Motorola Droid 3, and I used a Motorola Vehicle Dock with a RAM Mount floor assembly to have my smartphone available while I am driving. The Droid 3 CarDock software is utilized, which automatically comes up when I put the Droid 3 in the dock. See attached photos of the assembly.


Here's what you need (this is for a Droid 3, but you should be able to find an equivalent vehicle dock for your brand and type of smartphone; hyperlinks provided for details):
1. Droid 3 Vehicle Dock (currently about $30 at VerizonWireless)
2. RAM POD 1 Floor Mount RAM-B-316-1-238U (about $45)
3. RAP-SBA-RGU which is the RAM to Garmin Ball system and the RAPSB238FU which is the female part to accept the RAM Snap Link. This piece would then attach to the B316-1-238U. (About less than $10 for both)
4. 2 nuts and bolts to attach the #3 assembly to #2 diamond base (available at your local home improvement store). I don’t remember the size at the moment.

The Vehicle Dock is similar to a Garmin GPS unit which typically has a ball mount assembly. So if you use any mount that would be for a Garmin GPS (or similar), it should work. So the above list is the RAM snap link system.


To install the assembly:
1. Follow the instructions in assembling the RAM MOUNT and Vehicle Dock. Ignore the window mount instructions for the Vehicle Dock, since you will not be using it.
2. Loosen the right passenger rear bolt using #14 socket and wrench. Will take a lot of strength…
3. Remove the right passenger front bolt, again with #14 socket.
4. Install the bottom part of the RAM MOUNT assembly onto the front bolt area of the passenger seat (per #3 above).
5. Install the mid and top part of the RAM MOUNT assembly.
6. Install the Vehicle Dock and attach the USB power cable.
7. Adjust the assembly as needed. I ended up bending the mount’s mid-section so the dock is now further back (past the hazard light button). Tightened the screws and bolts as needed.

Now, I have to give credit where credit is due. GPS Zone helped me out a lot in determining the exact parts needed for this floor mount assembly. They were a referral from the RAM MOUNT manufacturer.


A little note about the Droid 3 CarDock software: when you dock the smartphone, the CarDock runs automatically. It has 3 screens of 4 square widgets each. You can only “personalize” one panel. The first screen is related to dialer/contact, the second is on Bluetooth/Music (and related), and then finally the third panel can have any widget you want. I have SirusXM, WeatherBug, and Skype Mobile on this panel. CarDock only works in landscape mode. You could bypass the CarDock with something custom, but that may require some rooting. I’m satisfied with the CarDock interface.


If you have any questions on this assembly, please let me know.


Enjoy…

 

Thanks gliderman for the post. I have not had any real problems with wobbli-ness. I believe if I move the entire mount closer to the seat then bend it so that the dock is in its current position (or as close as it can get), it would be more sturdy since the mount base is not extended beyond the seat.

 

Thanks for the response to basd, antiglare. My experience with the Droid 3 is the same as yours. I play SirusXM app using the Bluetooth stereo, and the fidelity is fine for me. I quit using the XM Radio in the car since I purchased the XM radio, portable version (XMp3i), which I gave to a family member, and I added the Internet Radio subscription.

On the Google Music app, I have the same issue. I simply quit storing any MP3 files in my Droid 3 PODCAST directory. I may end up using Tasker app to kill the Music app in a Droid 3.