Tackform Jeep Phone Mounts That Actually Stay Put | Full Interview

Tony sits down with Nick from Tackform (tackform.com) to dig into the world of rugged, vehicle-specific phone, tablet, radio, and device mounts built for Jeeps and serious off-road use.** Nick has been designing and producing phone and device mounts since 2012. The company started in the consumer space, expanded into motorcycles and commercial trucks, then pivoted hard into pickup trucks and SUVs—especially the Jeep community. They specialize in modular, all-metal systems using 20 mm (and larger 26-series) ball-and-socket arms, slim track and Assault Track (Picatinny-style) dash brackets, MagSafe/magnetic holders, spring cradles, and wireless charging options. ### Key topics covered - Why vent mounts and suction cups fail hard on Jeeps (and why solid, no-drill OEM-hole solutions matter) - Building custom dash kits for Gladiator, JL, JK, and working backward toward TJ/YJ/XJ - Wireless inductive charging cradles (including their new 25-watt version with Peltier cooling plate to fight heat) - Magnetic mounts for GMRS handhelds and Midland MXT series mics - Starlink mounting options (and why the 26-series ball is better for the heavier load) - Load ratings, vibration control, billet CNC aluminum vs. injection-molded parts, and why they constantly iterate - Funny customer requests and the realities of scanning new vehicles for perfect fitment - The modular "Lego" ecosystem that lets you mix phone holders, radios, switch panels, and cameras Nick walks through how Tackform approaches engineering for real-world abuse, why they prefer billet for many Jeep brackets (easier to iterate), and the challenges of getting hands on brand-new vehicles for scanning and prototyping. **Check out the full lineup and build your own kit at:** **https://www.tackform.com** Find them on Instagram (tackform.systems / @tackform), Facebook, and their YouTube channel for install videos. 00:00 Show Opening and Guest Introduction 01:17 Phone Mount Market and CarPlay Subscription Issues 03:03 Developing Wireless Charging Phone Mounts 04:29 Configurable Dash Kit Builder Overview 05:34 Custom Power Wiring and Hidden Installation 06:39 OEM Mounting Points and Integrated Power Ports 08:13 Jeep Modification Culture and Device Mounting Trends 09:13 Starlink Mount Solutions for Jeeps 11:01 Ball-and-Socket Mount Architecture and Load Limits 13:53 GMRS/CB Radio Mounts and Magnetic Attachments 15:43 Product Development Process and Continuous Innovation 17:17 Gathering and Evaluating Unusual Product Ideas 17:49 Creative and Quirky Mount Ideas 18:45 Safety Limits for Mount Extensions and Airbag Zones 19:19 Vehicle Acquisition, Scanning, and Prototype Timeline 21:51 Vibration Management and Material Rigidity in Mount Design 22:56 Testing Deflection and Vibration on Plastic Tray Mounts 24:04 Engineering Specificity and Design Optimization 24:44 Balancing Design Complexity and User Needs 25:22 Material Choice: Billet vs Injection Molding and Iterative Design 26:49 CNC Machining vs Tooling: Cost and Volume Trade‑offs 28:44 Aesthetic Design and Billet Manufacturing Appeal 29:40 Adapting to New Vehicle Models and Resource Constraints 32:10 Vehicle Scanning Process and Development Cycle 34:20 Community Involvement and Simplified Kit Options 35:09 Customer Commitment and Apology 35:57 Highlighting Best‑Selling Phone Holder Products 37:23 Wireless Charging Cradle with Peltier Cooling 39:08 Phone Overheating, Wireless Charging, and Shade Solutions 40:53 Inductive Charging in Autonomous Vehicles and Future Outlook 42:27 Future of Vehicle Mounts, Subscriptions, and Emerging Technologies 43:46 Tech Evolution and Subscription Model Critique 44:16 Overview of Best‑Selling Products and Product Range 44:55 Grab Handle Mounts and Product Variety 45:26 Manufacturing Capabilities and Equipment Flexibility 46:17 Managing Overseas Suppliers and Quality Control 47:05 Automation Costs and Custom Manufacturing in the US 49:14 US Manufacturing Facilities and Automation Examples 50:03 Plans for Behind‑the‑Scenes Video Content 54:54 Closing Remarks and Appreciation Tackform All Metal Dash Mount Phone Holder Compatible with 2024–2025 Jeep Wrangler JL, 4xe & Gladiator JT https://www.amazon.com/Tackform-Metal-Mount-Holder-Compatible/dp/B0DKB1MYWY Tackform TRAXX Slim Track / Assault Track Dash Mounts (MagSafe options) for JL & Gladiator https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Tackform+TRAXX+Jeep Tackform Link Grab Handle / A-Pillar Mount with Magnetic Phone Holder for JL & Gladiator https://www.amazon.com/Tackform-Handle-Pillar-Magnetic-Holder/dp/B0DY2LV7MG Tackform Magnetic CB / GMRS Microphone Holders and related Jeep dash kits https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Tackform+Jeep+mount Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon