My iPad Mini install in 2014 Sliverado

euromade · February 4, 2014

This is my third install of my iPad mini (64GB with Verizon service). I had it in my 2011 RAM and also on my boat.

I use RAM Mount components and they work great. As my Chevy does not have the center console I used the "ashtray" compartment under the radio to mount the iPad Mini.

You can get all the parts on RamMounts website, and in my case I used:

- 1" ball with diamond base (two screw holes)

- 3.5" extension

- Ipad mini X-Grip mount (work with or without case - OtterBox Defender in my case)

I took maybe 30 minutes to do it...I pulled out the compartment tray/ashtray out and went to the hardware store as I needed 2 screws, washers, and nuts. One screw is facing out, one in...One screw did not have enough clearance to accommodate the nut and still keep the tray latched. Not a big deal, unless you look closely.

Went to BestBuy and found a coiled 3 foot iPad charging cord, which is only 1 foot long and it works great (not on the pictures)

Now, I have the iPad paired up with the head unit for music and I can use Google Maps or iPad built in navigation. I have used it for 4500 miles so far and the mount is holding up well.

On the boat I used the larger base with the 1.5"ball as I wanted to make sure it is strong enough to sustain boat/waves movement. It works great for music, weather forecast, and navigation.
Let me know if you have any questions or need help with the install...

P.S. One key difference between the iPad Mini Wi-Fi and 4G is the GPS receiver. The Wi-Fi version does not have one. In other words, you can not use the Wi-Fi version for navigation. If you do not want to pay extra monthly service you can download navigation maps locally on the iPad (tom-tom maps are not free, but there are some free ones)

cobrajet84 · February 4, 2014

cool setup

euromade · February 4, 2014

Thanks...I love the portability of the iPad mini...winter months are cold in Michigan, so It takes no time to pull the iPad with me every night. Also, in the summer time it is very easy to move it from the truck onto the boat...RAM MOUNTs are really versatile and well built...