Secure Your Gadgets in Passenger Area!

Editor’s Note: Story by our friend Tom Severin, images from Corey Osborne. At the time of this writing, there needs to be an acknowledgment for “doing what you can” to secure your gadgets. We understand that spending hundreds of dollars to secure a device can be prohibitive if not economically impossible. Please be as safe as you can out there! Many companies offer a variety of mounts these days. Be selective and plan your needs!

Electronic gadgets and equipment can add to a four-wheeling adventure. But careful attention must be paid when installing that equipment. Whether a GPS receiver, tablet, smartphone, or other device, plan well how and where you’ll install the gear.

Safety of driver and passengers is paramount

Safety isn’t normally top of mind when installing electronics. But as you’ll see, it should be – not just for the driver, but any passengers, as well.

Preventing injuries: Improperly mounted equipment can injure in a number of ways.

Anything mounted near or over the steering wheel can harm you if the airbag deploys. The driver is quickly stabbed or smashed in the face or chest by the object. Always keep the area immediately around the airbag clear of equipment. Same issue for the passenger area.

Be mindful of any switches or brackets you plan to mount under the dash. Do any get in the way of leg movement? The sharp edge on a switch or bracket could wreck a knee in an accident.

Notice a theme here? I’m trying to get you to imagine a worst-case scenario. As you plan for the installation, ask yourself, What could happen if I’m in an accident? If a piece of gear could become a hazard, install it elsewhere, or eliminate it all together.

Once upon a time, an old 1970 CJ5 dropped off a 3-foot bank and came to a sudden stop. The passenger seat latches broke. Even though the passenger was wearing a seat belt, the broken seat allowed the passenger’s forehead to hit the row of bolts in the dash. Nobody died!

Fire extinguishers deserve special mention. While important to have, care must be taken in mounting or storing the unit. It should be placed where anyone can see it, but not be in anyone’s way.

A common place is on the floor, lying sideways. Some firms sell a mount that attaches to the seat. When the fire extinguisher is attached to that, the whole unit moves forward or backward as you do. And it doesn’t interfere with legs or feet.

Finally, ensure equipment won’t become flying debris during a crash. Avoid loose items in your vehicle, including in the back. Those turn into missiles if the car ever comes to a sudden stop. Every installation must be solid.

Maintain access to controls: Don’t mount (or store) equipment in such a manner that it could interfere with operating the emergency brake lever or any pedals.

Similarly, anything that would get tangled up in the steering wheel or shift lever is dangerous. Mic cords and power cords can drape down and get in the way. Watch for those.

Don’t allow cords to block the vehicle’s touch screen. Doing so could prevent you from making important adjustments to the vehicle’s controls. Ensure that the touch screen is clear and easily accessible. An extra outlet was wired in to prevent running wires aver the dash in this example.

Clear sight lines: Make sure that you can see well outside all windows. Don’t install equipment too high on the dash. All mirrors must be visible, too.

Additional concerns include reflection and glare. Some equipment, when placed just right, generates a reflection in the windshield. Radios and smartphones may produce glare. Either condition is distracting. Move the equipment to prevent these issues. Besides, most electronics despise solar gain and overheat.

Regarding ham radio equipment, install in such a way that there’s minimal need to take your eyes off the road to adjust the radio. Always maintain eye contact on the road and good mental focus.

Multiple options for mounting

If you’re not sure how to mount equipment in your vehicle, ask around. Perhaps a buddy can assist.

Google is a great resource, too. A search based upon the year and type of vehicle, along with the equipment, will offer a number of options. There will be good idea, bad ideas, and clever ideas. You may see links to videos as well.

As for manufacturers, Bullet point®, RAM® and Akron® are the big names in the business. Each offers multiple styles of mounting hardware. You’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

Don’t give thieves an excuse to help themselves
All that gorgeous gear makes a tempting target for thieves. There’s no worse feeling than seeing shards of glass on the ground and a destroyed interior where expensive gear once was.

Consider removing equipment from the vehicle when it’s parked outside. I don’t care how safe your neighborhood seems to be. As you plan your installation, think about how you’ll remove the gear for storge. If possible mount gadgets below the belt line of your vehicle to reduce visibility from outside.

Look for mounts that offer easy release. Some ham radio gear features a detachable front panel. The body of the radio is installed out of sight. The mic and front plate, installed near the user, can be removed when not in use. The face of the this ham radio is installed on magnets.

Electronic equipment can be very useful while off-road. Just remember some fundamentals about installation:

– Position the gear so it can’t harm anyone while moving or during an accident.
– Bolt down solidly. Vibration can harm the equipment, and the rattle is annoying.
– Keep sight lines open.
– Hide the equipment when not in use.

You can only do so much, as resources and space are limited. You’ll have to compromise on the final arrangement. Even so, you can still enjoy that equipment. Good luck!

A few links to companies that we have had experience with and recommend include: CMM Offroad; Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions; 67 Designs; QuickFist

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