Visit our Popular Forums

Spartanfam · 02-03-2023, 02:12 PM

I have a new Airstream FC, and struggle(d) with the suction cup mount for the rearview camera monitor inside of my truck (2017 F150).

That said, I researched multiple (expensive, complex, and cumbersome) options, only to settle on the simplest for me... a NiteIze Steelie.

3 Components:
- NiteIze Steelie Magnetic Phone Socket PLUS
- NiteIze Steelie (BALL) Dash Mount
- 2 rubber bumpers

Monitor:
- I mounted the Steelie (BALL) Dash Mount (ironically) to the Monitor in lieu of the truck dash/instrument panel.
- I adhered 2 clear bumpers on the bottom edge of the monitor to keep it positioned away from buttons for the F150's traction control, hazard lights and auto start/stop buttons.

Truck IP:
I mounted the Steelie Magnetic Phone Socket PLUS to the F150 dash/instrument panel.

I wanted to keep the magnet as far away from the monitor as possible, thus the reason I mounted it to the truck, not monitor... even if it's still close, it's a piece of mind.

I have not gone on a long trip with it, nor off-roading... but works far better than a suction cup. It set me back about $30 on Amazon, and it was far cheaper, smaller, and SIMPLER than any Ram mount or equivalent, on the market. I can install my monitor in no-time flat....

Mollysdad · 02-03-2023, 02:56 PM

Nice clean install!
As I recall, Ford accepts a bracket where the cutout in the dash is.
Then multiple RAM arms can attach to that.

Mine in my Tundra is more cluttered but I like the function.

...and I mounted the TPMS above the monitor.

My Garmin GPS, on the dash, has a very wide angle camera, so I piggybacked that so I could see the rear bumper.

hbf · 02-03-2023, 05:55 PM

Very nice. I’ve been looking for a better way to mount the monitor in my F150. Thanks for sharing.

Idaho · 02-04-2023, 10:09 AM

Another option is ProClip. They mould plastic clips that are custom designed for your vehicle onto which a variety of mounts can be attached. I use one for my phone, and have adapted another to hold my rear view screen.

gypsydad · 02-04-2023, 10:20 AM

I don't have an issue with my suction cup mount. Wife locates in middle of the dash, attached to the window, resting on the dash, slightly on the center speaker. I also have the TPMS display sitting in the dash pocket just in front of the speaker. No vision issues; no mount issues, but thanks for the information on your set up.

Mikebrady62 · 02-05-2023, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbf

Very nice. I’ve been looking for a better way to mount the monitor in my F150. Thanks for sharing.

"I’ve been looking for a better way to mount the monitor."

Thank you for sharing! I will be ordering a Steelie set up too.

solomon.m · 02-05-2023, 11:07 AM

Thanks for sharing the mounting solution details. Do you think it's practical to mount the ball lower on the display unit (possibly where the serial number label is) and then be able to access the hazard lights switch while the display is mounted? I don't have any need for the autostart cancel button since that feature is disabled when in towing mode and the traction control is rarely used, but I do use the hazards from time to time when traffic ahead is slowing suddenly and I have a vehicle in my slipstream

Mollysdad · 02-05-2023, 01:16 PM

Here's the dash bracket for Ford I mentioned in post 2.
Not for everyone, but accepts almost all devices/arms/holders.

JSteff · 02-05-2023, 04:47 PM

I also had the very frustrating issue with the suction cup on my backup monitor not sticking. We got a Tackform system for our Ford F150 and LOVE it. We mounted both phones and the monitor and they are all solid. The best part was when I called with a question about exactly what I should order, their customer service was amazing. They helped me figure it out and just took the order directly, shipping it immediately. Couldn’t be happier. Please check Tackform out!

Spartanfam · 02-06-2023, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solomon.m

Thanks for sharing the mounting solution details. Do you think it's practical to mount the ball lower on the display unit (possibly where the serial number label is) and then be able to access the hazard lights switch while the display is mounted? I don't have any need for the autostart cancel button since that feature is disabled when in towing mode and the traction control is rarely used, but I do use the hazards from time to time when traffic ahead is slowing suddenly and I have a vehicle in my slipstream

Solomon.m
I'm not certain. The monitor may become a bit top-heavy, so on bumpy roads or even accelerating (ahem, not with an Airstream) it may tip. I can flip the monitor forward very quickly to hit the hazard button as I have it set up. Good question though...

gypsydad · 02-07-2023, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartanfam

Solomon.m
I'm not certain. The monitor may become a bit top-heavy, so on bumpy roads or even accelerating (ahem, not with an Airstream) it may tip. I can flip the monitor forward very quickly to hit the hazard button as I have it set up. Good question though...

This is my rear camera monitor mounted to the windshield with the stock adjustable suction cup assembly that came with the unit. Wife just positions it, sitting on center speaker, using the suction cup attached to the windshield. In the dropdown console in front of my center speaker, is my TPMS with it's stock mount. Easy instal and very sturdy; the adjustments with the stock camera mount have several easy to adjust settings; once you get it set the way you want, lock down the knobs, installation goes pretty quick next time you use it.

Great visibility, very "secure" when driving and no speaker degradation with our radio and speaker system that came with the King Ranch. Tell me again, why you think you need some additional mounting hardware for this; what's the issue? Our phones are connected to the system via bluetooth so don't need to see/touch our phones while driving to call or receive calls. YMMV.

Mollysdad · 02-07-2023, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Tell me again, why you think you need some additional mounting hardware for this; what's the issue?

Speaking only for myself, I don't like anything attached to the windshield. Blocks my view, hard to reach, awkward, my monitor is much larger.
But most would find my RAM arm system to be clunky so I understand.

StuartsDad · 02-07-2023, 04:31 PM

My experience with both the rearview camera monitor and TPMS suction cup mounts is, lightly dampen the suction cup before placing against the windshield and it will stay put until you remove it.

rmkrum · 02-08-2023, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Speaking only for myself, I don't like anything attached to the windshield. Blocks my view, hard to reach, awkward, my monitor is much larger.

But most would find my RAM arm system to be clunky so I understand.

Also note that sticking any electronic stuff to the windshield is illegal in some states. California is one….I have data on this.

pond · 02-08-2023, 09:21 AM

The Silverado 2019 has enough room to mount in front of the radio. I used velcro strips and DAP glue. Removes nicely. The Velco strips are a conversation piece.

Mike

gblackburn · 02-08-2023, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebrady62

"I’ve been looking for a better way to mount the monitor."

Thank you for sharing! I will be ordering a Steelie set up too.

Look at Built Industries for the Tray mount and Arkon for the mounts for the camera and anything else you want. Easy to install.

https://builtrightind.com/products/b...17-f-250-f-350

I installed this bracket in my 2016 F150 on the dash tray and mounted my camera and cell phone holders from Arkon on that.

https://www.arkon.com/category/camera-mount.html

I got this from Journeyman (thiel on airforums)
https://youtu.be/giw4uMKFqDU

Great Youtube video.

Good Luck

jrob793 · 02-08-2023, 10:48 AM

a bit off topic, but my new Silverado does not have a cigarette lighter plug, only USB's. the USB's do not have enough power for the monitor, so the only solution that i have found is an AC/DC adapter plugged in to the in-console AC outlet.
When i looked at new F-150's it didn't apppear that they have a cigarette lighter plug either.
Dinosaur?

gypsydad · 02-08-2023, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Speaking only for myself, I don't like anything attached to the windshield. Blocks my view, hard to reach, awkward, my monitor is much larger.
But most would find my RAM arm system to be clunky so I understand.

So you have a "larger" monitor for the rear view camera that came with AS? I thought they were all the same from AS?

I don't have an issue with visibility nor access from driver seat, but I have an F250...may be different arrangement with the RAM. I used my same arrangement with our previous F150 and our 25'. What ever works, right?

trikdacy · 02-08-2023, 11:11 AM

I used products from procilp.com. I have my gps and backup camera on individual mounts. I got an angled adapter, so the camera faces me while mounted. These clip into the dash & A/C vent without obstructing visibilty, and no drilling required. Proclip has many adapters. Check it out.

Proclipusa.com

Mollysdad · 02-08-2023, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsydad

So you have a "larger" monitor for the rear view camera that came with AS? I thought they were all the same from AS?

I don't have the Airstream system.
I have the Haloview system with the 7" monitor. (7108) I installed the camera inside the rear window of the Airstream and power it from a USB outlet.
https://www.amazon.com/Haloview-Digi...2-63e904010ad0