Phone install

Earlier I mentioned that the Excursion is far from a modern vehicle.

I, however, am “the very model of a modern major-general”

Not really, I’ve never served. But I do like my modern communications devices. Two things had to be installed, USB ports for charging and a mount to keep my iPhone visible and stable while driving.

First was a dual 2.4A USB port in place of the cigarette lighter. I know the common person would just put an adapter into the existing cigarette lighter, but I prefer to keep things uncluttered.

The unit I purchased is a marine USB port from Blue Sea Systems.

1. Remove trash bag hook (or ashtray if you have an early Excursion)
2. Push cigarette lighter out of dash.
3. Cut cigarette lighter out of wiring harness. Cut off as little wire as you can.
4. Strip wires & crimp (or solder) female terminals on.
5. Slide spade terminals onto USB port.
6. Tighten USB port
7. Install lower dash.

Both ports on this unit supply 2.4 amps, so I can charge a tablet if needed.

The second phase of this project was to install a phone mount. I’ve used this mount in my F-150 for a few years and I like it. It holds the phone just above my knee, doesn’t block access to any of the vehicle controls, but I can see it easily when needed.

It actually mounted better in the F-150. In the pickup, I removed one of the seat mount bolts, and ran the bolt through the foot of the RAM Mount and back into the original hole. In the Excursion, none of the seat mount points are useable for this foot.

Instead, I bolted the foot to the underside of the center console

I had to cut out a bit of the plastic.

I cleaned up the install by feeding the charging wire for my iPhone through the plastic sleeve. Also inside that sleeve is a 1/2″ thick solid aluminum rod. You bend the rod to put your phone exactly where you want it.

This photo shows my work phone, as I was using the phone to take this shot.

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