2016 F-150 Dash Tray Phone/Accessory Holder Mount System

This is a phone holder "system" for a 2016 F150 that fits into the existing dash tray. Note that I have the lariat model but I think the dash trays are all the same for the 2016 lineup of the F150. Other years may have the same size and shape of dash tray. It looks like from internet photos that it will fit the 2015 to 2020 models.

This set includes a base with splined sockets in it to set accessories into that you want to mount on top of the dash, such as cell phones. I'm using it for holding my phone used for my WiFi trailer backup camera. The splines are tapered and allow the easy insertion and removal of a dash item. They also allow for the device to be rotated every 22.5 degrees for more flexibility in facing the driver/passenger.

This sits on top of the existing rubber tray insert snugly to minimize movement front to back and side to side. It also fits without the rubber insert but has a little bit of movement from left to right.

The version that I printed has 4 trays that go into the base which I filled with modeling clay to add more weight. You might not need to do this part so try it first before printing the trays and the base cover plate. The base cover plate holds the modeling clay trays in with an excessive quantity of #6x1/2" wood screws. Also consider the hollowed out version I discuss below. This full print with PETG at 30% gyroid infill was a 60 hour print. Midway through the print I considered maybe I overdid the infill, I'll let you decide after you slice it yourself.

I also made a hollowed out version where it is a 2 (or 3, I can't remember) shell with reinforcement ribs on the underside. Everything else on the top side is the same so it will look identical and there is at least 1 additional contact point for each socket underneath to help with strength. I didn't print this one because I did not know if there would be enough weight on the bottom end to avoid lifting the base when removing a device from the block.

The inserts are set up to accept a 1/4"-20 heat set threaded insert which I got from amazon. I added a recessed model as well because I found that many of the phone holders had a 1/4" socket instead of a 1/4" stud on the bottom. I bought some adapters with 1/4" studs on both sides for this (you can see an example of one in the picture). The recess in the recessed socket is 5mm in depth.

There is a different mounting pin for PLA prints instead of PETG prints because I found that it was necessary to make the PETG pin slightly smaller than the PLA pin for a nice and snug fit (the PLA sidewall pullback is 0.15mm where the PETG is 0.2mm pullback). The difference isn't much but I'll let you decide what fits best. There are also cylinders which go with each mounting pin to act as support blockers/infill changers in Cura. Adding both the mounting pin and the respective support blocker to Cura, set the cylinder as a support blocker with 3mm wall, select both with Ctrl+Left Click, then right click and selecting merge will align the support blocker to the heat set insert area of the mounting pin. This gives more wall thickness where the heat set insert will be melting into.

I have included the test block that I used for sizing the mounting pin for a snug fit. This helps dial in your dimensions before committing to a full print. This also comes in handy later as a holder for when putting in the heat set inserts.

I have also included 2 holding trays that section the original dash tray in half. These are 2mm thick and it comes in a 2 compartment or 4 compartment style. I did not print these myself but I used a very thin version of these to prove out the angles that plague this dash tray. So I figured, why not include them as a dash tray along with this design.

Finally, as a bonus, I have included a profile block that these are constructed from which fits into the dash tray. Might as well include this incase someone else could use it for their own project.

Updated: I have added the .STEP file for anyone that want's to take the profile and modify it for themselves. I have noted that after living on my dash for an extended period of time that the PETG print has deformed and curved up due to heating from the sun. Some of the receptacles for the inserts are deformed and don't fit correctly any longer. I suspected this would happen but haven't looked further into avoiding it.

Updated Again: After about 2 years or so of continuously sitting on the dash there is some deformation and the original mounting pins are too tight. As such i have uploaded 2 "reduced size" pins that fit better. I'd rather make new pins than reprinting the entire mount just for it to happen again or have to reprint with a more exotic material.