Seeking iPhone holder suggestions for 2011 LR4

[cperez]

Anyone have a recommendation for a vent-mounted iPhone holder? It would go on the high vent just to the right of the steering wheel in the 2011 LR4. The side clips should be of sufficient depth to accommodate an iPhone in a case with total front to back depth of about 5/8".

I am not interested in a suction mount nor anything magnetic. I have tried and dismissed CD-slot-mounted solutions because the slightest jostle trips the adjacent hazard flasher button to comical effect.

I am considering the Kenu Airframe for $18.95. But I have seen some AMZ reviews that show deterioration of the grippy fingers that grab the vent fin. Lots of options out there but I would prefer to base my decision on a fellow LR4 owner's experience. Thanks.

PS: I may also consider a Proclip mounted just to the left of this vent. More expensive but they do look like good quality and a clean install that just barely obstructs that vent.

 

[pabs406]

I have the CD mounted one. It hasn't set off the hazards.

 

[Haleakala]

Why not magnetic? Mpow on Amazon. They are the greatest thing since sliced bread! That is as long as you have a case. I insulate the back of the phone from damage from the steel plate with a piece of paper. The magnet is strong, the mount looks good and it is adjustable.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[umbertob]

I guess it depends on the CD mount design. I also have one of those (this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JP0RTB4/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_x_5) and it doesn't come close to setting off the CD eject button (that's the closest button on my 2013, just a couple of mm under the center of the CD slot. Perhaps the buttons were rearranged from earlier model years? My hazards button is further down on the dash.) The holder is rock solid and well built, just about the only complaint I have is that it takes two hands to snap the phone between the clamp jaws - can't quite do it with one hand safely as there is considerable tension. I would never "sacrifice" a vent personally, I need plenty of cold air to blow straight up my nostrils from that vent in the long summer months! I considered the Proclip as well, but I feared the phone would end up being hidden too much behind the steering wheel with that particular mount. The other LR4 mount they offer seems like a better position, but it's far less inconspicuous. In the end I went with the CD slot holder, as I also wanted something I could quickly pull off the dash to mount on my wife's car, a rental, etc. Most cars have a useless CD slot staring at you these days.

 

[xavier4or]

I purchased both the Mpow air vent and the Kenu airframe to try out for this exact vent mount.

I would recommend the Mpow air vent since there is a ball mount so you can angle the phone towards you. The Kenu airframe is just a straight mount. The Proclip looked liked it would blocked by the steering wheel.

 

[cperez]

I guess it depends on the CD mount design.

On my MY11, the closest button under the center of the CD slot is for the hazard flashers. The cam lever that "locks" the foam tongue into the slot drops just low enough to be a constant threat to hit that button. On a bumpy road surface or if I tap the screen just right, it set off the flashers. I have tried various hacks including not inserting the device (I almost said tongue) all the way into the slot, and even tried putting it in upside down. I may take a look at the one you mentioned, but the base part looks amazingly similar to the Satechi model I have.

I'm with you on not wanting to give up my airflow. It gets pretty ****** here in DC as well during the long warm season. However, I only use a mount when on long road trips and unfamiliar routes. Around town I just toss my phone into the cubby and rely on the voice prompts. Re the Proclip I had the same concern and wondered if the wheel would block my view of the phone esp in landscape mode. But it does appear to be a very neat and discreet mounting location, and close to the line of my scan. The other Proclip location on the right of the center stack seemed too low and distant, not to mention the potential to encroach on the knee space of the passenger sitting shotgun.

To those suggesting the magnetic solutions, I have a few constraints. I keep my iPhone in a case that has a slot for 3 cards; haven't carried a wallet in years. I don't want to add weight or bulk by inserting a metal plate to interface with the magnet base. I'm also aware of the theoretical interference between the mount's magnet and my phone's GPS or even data...or my credit cards. Otherwise I think the magnet approach is pretty nice.

I think I'll take a closer look at the CD mount you linked to; thanks. But I'm also still interested in hearing from anyone with a solid vent mount recommendation.

Edit Added a photo of the MY11 dash; note Eject button above slot, hazard button below slot. The cam lever on my current phone mount exerts just enough pressure at the top of that hazard button to trigger it.

 

[cperez]

I purchased both the Mpow air vent and the Kenu airframe to try out for this exact vent mount.

I would recommend the Mpow air vent since there is a ball mount so you can angle the phone towards you. The Kenu airframe is just a straight mount. The Proclip looked liked it would blocked by the steering wheel.

Thanks @xavier4or. I wondered if the Kenu allowed any type of swivel action to better face the driver. I will check out the Mpow vent mount now. And in spite of my comment about the Proclip price, I am going to look into it further to see if it might work. I did a forum search and I think I only saw one mention of that brand which was surprising.

 

[Haleakala]

For those that are concerned with reducing airflow, redirect one of the ceiling mounted supplies to the front. Magnetic mounts do not interfere with GPS, but if you keep credit cards in a phone case, then for more than one reason, you won't be able to use one.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[cperez]

Everyone's input has got me rethinking my diss of the CD slot mount approach. I just ordered a couple of options from AMZ for under $30 total. I will report in later with my impressions.

One is the Mpow CD Slot Car Mount, Universal Cell Phone Holder with Three Side Grips for iPhone 7/6s/6 plus Samsung Galaxy S7/S6 edge S5 S4 Note 7 5 4

This one has a thumbscrew tensioner that doesn't look all that great but probably won't interfere with the hazard button. One review said that it can also be inserted into the slot upside down if necessary.

The other is the Koomus Pro CD Slot Smartphone Car Mount Holder Cradle for iPhone 6 6 Plus 5S 5C 5 Samsung Galaxy and all Smartphones

I like the minimalist form factor of the Koomus. More importantly, the bottom part of the neck that protrudes from the CD slot is flat and hopefully won't touch the hazard button at all.

I also went to the ProclipUSA site and put the high mount base and device clip into my shopping basket but didn't purchase them. I still like the look of that approach but need to see it in action first. It is pretty close to the wheel. Thanks again for the input and any other recommendations.

 

[goblue95]

ProClip mount works nicely with a magnetic mount- you can set the mount toward the top right edge. Depending on how you position the steering wheel and the size of the phone, it could come close to the wiper stalk, but I don't have an issue with my iPhone 6+.