2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New Use for Cupholder Space

[Silver Ratler]

I replaced the fold down cup holder on my '01 Ram one time... ... Replacement lasted about 6 months before the plastic hinges on it broke. Pushed it closed and just left it that way for a few years. Decided that space could be put to use so I totally removed the drop down cup holder and fabricated a "proto type" shelf to mount sat. radio, GPS and backup monitor.



Built the shelf unit out of 3/4" poplar and have mounted my equipment for an upcoming trip to see how things work and decide on final locations. At least the space is being used and I know that it will not fall apart in a couple of weeks.

 

[VolsFan]

that looks alright! If I still had my auto I would do something like that. Nice job

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Rattler, what kind of backup cam system do you have?

Cool shelf!

 

[DAN V]

poplar cover

What did you cover the poplar with? Looks like sheet metal... . ? How about some more detailed photos. I have been trying to figure where to mount my backup monitor when I get one and your setup looks pretty good.

 

[Silver Ratler]

The monitor and cameras are from Amazon... . TaoTronics cameras ( TT-CC22 & TT-CC06) and a TFT 7" Color LCD monitor. These are all hard wired components. The monitor has two RCA video inputs but is not really designed to work with two cameras... . usually a camera and DVD or something like that. In order to be able to use two cameras that were both going to be used while truck was in reverse, I wired the cameras and the monitor to a DPDT toggle switch. When I flip the switch one way it will power up the monitor and camera 1... ... Flip the switch the other way it powers up the monitor and camera 2. There is a provision for auto changing from one video feed to the other when you go into reverse, but I did not use that since both my cameras needed to be used while in reverse, but seperately.

Camera 1 on my set up is used to monitor how close I am to something with the bumper. Camera 2 is used for connecting to my 5th wheel. I placed #1 in the receiver hitch, mounted to a section of aluminum angle. It can be disconnected if I need the hitch. Camera 2 is mounted to my tool box and is set to cover the 5th wheel plate.

The mount inside the cab is made of four pieces of poplar that have been fastened together with glue and pocket screws. I placed two strips of oak over the original cupholder mounting holes and screwed them to the dash brackets. The poplar piece is fastened to the backing strips with machine screws into Tee nuts. I painted the whole thing with "Hammered" black spray paint.

Additional note on hooking up two cameras..... The inputs on the monitor are one male and one female RCA. You need to purchase an adapter to go from a male to female for RCA cable. I purchased the adapter and cable from Monoprice.com