Affordable Semi-DIY Phone Mount

[Rivianed]

Just joined this forum so this is my first post to share an idea, which may not be the best but hopefully could inspire others to come up with even better ideas.

Picked up my 2025 R1T Dual Standard 2 weeks ago and couldn't find an affordable phone mount that met my needs. So I bought one of those bendable metal phone mounts (see photos) and installed it my way to minimize direct sunlight on the back of my phone that could overheat when driving under scorching Southern California sunlight. Likewise the phone won't block the left air vent as I expect to be needing every bit of cool air from the relatively weak Rivian A/C while driving in hot summer days. This setup also minimizes glare on my phone screen as the mount angle can easily be customized to my liking. There is no obstruction from my sitting position. The installed mount feels very sturdy without wobbling when driving over bumps and dips. I won't be doing any harsh offroading or jumps, so I don't expect my phone to fall off the MagSafe mount. My phone is a Galaxy S22 Ultra so I rely solely on a phone case that provides passable MagSafe functionality. When mounted my left hand can easily reach the phone screen while resting my arm on the door's armrest, though I won't be doing that while driving for safety reasons obviously.
I am also ordering an ODB-to-USB-C adapter to see if I could add 10-watt wireless charging to this setup, which I expect to just work.

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[SwampNut]

Scorching...California....LOLLLL!!!

I use mine on the dash in AZ summer sun. The mount has a fan to cool it while charging. Problem solved.

Scorching CA...hilarious.

 

[Rivianed]

Scorching...California....LOLLLL!!!

I use mine on the dash in AZ summer sun. The mount has a fan to cool it while charging. Problem solved.

Scorching CA...hilarious.

You have a nice setup. Thank you for sharing.

 

[beatle]

Which mount is this? How does it attach to the side of the dash?

 

[SwampNut]

It's the non-powered version of this:

https://www.amazon.com/Baseus-Magnetic-Wireless-Charging-Dashboard/dp/B0D4VGLZYY/

https://www.amazon.com/Baseus-Magnetic-Compatible-Pro-Dashboard/dp/B0D4VFZ9YG

Which normally just uses double stick, but OP's installation shows what appears to be rivets holding it. These mounts have a very flexible flat bar between the magnetic bit and the dash mount, so you can shape it at will. Even twist it. Very useful. I find that they bounce if mounted so the flat faces up, but in OP's installation, it probably won't bounce (thin edge up).

And I joked about the heat, but IMO anyone in any desert or Southern climate should get a mount with a fan. BTDT for many years in many cars.

 

[beatle]

That's the mount I thought it was, but I didn't see the pad underneath it in the install so I figured it was something I hadn't seen before. Looks like a good setup that's out of the way, though I wouldn't want to rivet anything to my dash unless that panel is easily and inexpensively replaceable.

 

[SwampNut]

It's easy and cheap to replace it. But I've driven bolts into holes right in the top of the dash, no fucks given. Cars are meant to be used.

 

[beatle]

It's easy and cheap to replace it. But I've driven bolts into holes right in the top of the dash, no fucks given. Cars are meant to be used.

I don't think that line will work with the leasing company, but it's one way to look at it.

 

[SwampNut]

Crash it the day before the return. Solved. You're welcome.

 

[Rivianed]

Sorry for the late reply. I was so focused on the Eaton Fire (Southern Los Angeles) updates as I live 2 zones south of the closest evac warning zone.

I didn't use the sticky pad as that would add unnecessary thickness. Without it the flat mount fits well in that gap between the door panel and dash's side. I just used 2 small screws and locknuts to secure it. Yes I drew 2 small holes but thought I could use plastic plugs to cover them nicely if I don't want this mount later.

So far I like the height of the phone mounted this way. Comfortable to operate the touchscreen while resting my arm on the door armrest. Phone sits securely without any rattling at all while I drive.

The mount has a USB Type C connetor and can supply up to 15w of wireless charging power. The ODB-to-USB-C power adapter I ordered from Amazon seems to be imperfect for this mount so the wireless charging is slow, which I'm ok with.

The bigger problem is the adpater seems to draws power at all time, which causes the mount's animated LED ring to stay always on. I will test it more later by waiting longer after locking the car. Though the mount's LED doesn't draw much power from the single 12v battery I don't feel comfortable leaving it like that. Probably will need to research whatever other people use on Gen 2 and get a different one.

I'll try to add a dew more photos to make the original post more self-explanatory.

 

[SwampNut]

OBD ports stay powered, I don't even know if there's a signal wire on it to say "off." I tapped the fuse panel for mine and it does turn off.

 

[twraps]

Just joined this forum so this is my first post to share an idea, which may not be the best but hopefully could inspire others to come up with even better ideas.

Picked up my 2025 R1T Dual Standard 2 weeks ago and couldn't find an affordable phone mount that met my needs. So I bought one of those bendable metal phone mounts (see photos) and installed it my way to minimize direct sunlight on the back of my phone that could overheat when driving under scorching Southern California sunlight. Likewise the phone won't block the left air vent as I expect to be needing every bit of cool air from the relatively weak Rivian A/C while driving in hot summer days. This setup also minimizes glare on my phone screen as the mount angle can easily be customized to my liking. There is no obstruction from my sitting position. The installed mount feels very sturdy without wobbling when driving over bumps and dips. I won't be doing any harsh offroading or jumps, so I don't expect my phone to fall off the MagSafe mount. My phone is a Galaxy S22 Ultra so I rely solely on a phone case that provides passable MagSafe functionality. When mounted my left hand can easily reach the phone screen while resting my arm on the door's armrest, though I won't be doing that while driving for safety reasons obviously.
I am also ordering an ODB-to-USB-C adapter to see if I could add 10-watt wireless charging to this setup, which I expect to just work.

.

Check this out:
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...t-by-twraps-left-of-the-steering-wheel.38763/

No disassembly, drilling or adhesives - no issues @ lease return.

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