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.

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 and Gladiator JT View on Amazon

Tackform TRAXX Slim Track / Assault Track Dash Mounts (MagSafe options) for JL and Gladiator View on Amazon

Tackform Link Grab Handle/A-Pillar Mount with Magnetic Phone Holder Compatible with MagSafe, 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator JT | All-Metal | CNC Billet Aluminum | Black View on Amazon

Tackform Magnetic CB / GMRS Microphone Holders and related Jeep dash kits View on Amazon

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