Ever since I recieved a GPS unit for Christmas I've gotton really into this stuff and since I love playing with gadgets and going on trips, this stuff was right up my alley. So I picked up a good cheap LapTop on eBay to help with maps and memory needs and of course I can watch DVD's, play MP3 files through my system and a few other things. So I needed a Off Road wherthy Laptop mount that could stand-up to abuse so I did some reseach here and on the Web and couldn't find anything but ones that cost $200 dollars that cops use to $25 cheapie's on eBay. After seeing what was out there I decided to build my own so it would stand up to off road and even though I could get the $200 unit, and I'm sure that this one and other's can handle off road, I thought for $150-$200 I could build my own.
So Here's what I built.

 

thats pretty cool,

how is it mounted to the floor?

 

It took about 4 hours and about $30 to build. One thing that it needed to cleared all controls and be ajustable up-down and turn back and forth with being easy to remove.

 

I decided to see if I could make one after I saw how simple they where made.
In my research I learned a few things that where problems with LapTop mounts when used off road so I needed to make sure this was addressed as I made mine and I had about a $50 buget to get it done.

1. The first thing I made was a simple Base plate and formed it to the floor then mounted it with 3/8" nuts & Bolts. pic#1
2. welded a peice of 3/4" X .120 wall 4" long cut at 60 degree angle (guestamation) to base plate.Pic#2
3. Took a peice of 1" .120 wall tubing (3/4" tube slips into this) and at one end I used a cutting wheel to split a slit about 1-1/2" long that would be used to clamp the 3/4" tubing. Pic#3

 

I used pinch bolt set up to hold everything tight and welded a rod on a nut to add leverage for locking and unlocking the motion of the arm

 

Having the 1 '' tube butt welded a little off center to create a stoping point for the slip fit 3/4" tube. This seemed to work better then just using a longer peice of 1" that would allow the slip tube to go further causing it to bind at the bend making it hard to remove so I did this for a bottom out point.

I also started out using an air fitting to use as the swivel and quick release and this was fine on the street but when I hit the dirt it whoopled to and it had no way to lock it in place so I decided on the clamp lock set-up.

 

So now I have no whoples and it fells solid, and I'm sure there's better way's to do this but for the money and time this works for me now. If I where to do it again I would of used mild steel instead of chromoly for the reason mild steel is softer and would be less effort to clamp where chromoly is stronger and take alittle more effort to clamp.
Anyone need some more info to do one like this let me know and I will do what I can to help you build your own. Good Project for a little welding practice.

 

Fantastic job. What did you use or build for the base/cradle that your laptop sits on? Any pics? Thanks.

 

I wish i could make one of those

 

Very Cool! I got into using GPS originally when I was doing a lot of sailing. Then I started using it on my dirtbike when exploring in California and Baja. I've always wanted a laptop in the truck that I can plug my GPS into. Nice work!

 

Nice job. You might want to make something that keeps the screen from shaking around so that it doesn't fatigue the hinges and break them. I believe you can add that as an option on some of the good laptop holders.

 

I was also thinking you might want to add a little shock absortion somehow. Especially since you say that you do some high speed desert driving.

 

Yeah, shock absorption would be a good thing. I had a RAM mount on my dirt bike. The shock absorption was limited to a rubber coated ball that the holder attached to. I had to wrap electrical tape around the batteries to keep them from rattling and building up carbon on the ends . . . . until I hardwired it to the bike. It's all bike stuff . . . . but maybe you can get some ideas here: http://www.cycoactive.com/default.htm I found this site too: http://www.gpscity.com/toyota/all-mo...hbyvehicle.htm

 

Yeah I know what you mean, I had hinges come loose and the screen started to get a little floppy, There are 2 screws to tighten the hinges up and that seemed to fix it for now. And now I keep it closed while off-roading and I can still view my little GPS LegendC screen and then when I stop I open it up. I also noticed it works great as a table when closed. Red and White checkered table cloth anyone...

 

For some shocking I used foam weather strip tape on the tops base and a Velcro strap runs around the LapTop to keep in place. Also when I mounted it to the floor I left the carpet between the floor plate and floor which allows for some shocking (cheesy way) and doesn't cause whooples even though it has a little movment.

On the top I decided not to use a solid peice of material instead I used 1-1/4" X1/8" steel strips (Home Depot). I thought this might work better to help with keeping the LapTop cooler with more air flow.

 

What kind of laptop is it you use?

 

The one I use for off road is a Toshiba Tecra 8100. I found it on eBay for $300 and upgraded the hard drive to 80 Gigs.

 

Not bad, saw this on Ebay and remembered to check here for more info

 

Does the mount interfere with passengers?

I'm looking to do something with my laptop however I have no welding experience or access to such tools. I think I need to change that with the mods I would like to make.

 

No, Not at all, in fact the last couple of trips it's been real handy for the passenger to read the laptop and makes it a little more fun for them as a co-driver / navigator. Also it's adjustable for larger passengers and swivels up-down, tilt and side to side.