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Installation guides and resources for all Tactic Engineering products.

Awning Supports → Interior Parts →
MagSafe Phone Mount →

Section 01

What's in the Box

Item Details
Vehicle-specific phone mount Industrial SLS sintered nylon, approx. 70 g
McDodo MagQ Qi2 charger Aluminium finish, 60 mm diameter, 12.75 mm height
USB-C cable 100 cm braided cable, integrated with charger
This instruction manual Quick-start guide

Note

A USB-C PD power source is required but not included. For full 15 W Qi2 charging speed, use an 18 W+ USB-C PD charger. Your vehicle's USB port may charge at lower speeds (5 W).


Section 02

Safe Handling of the Mount

The Qi2 charger contains a powerful N52 neodymium magnet array (16 magnets, 5200 Gs). While the mount itself is non-magnetic sintered nylon, the charger head requires careful handling.

1

Keep the charger away from sensitive items

Do not place the Qi2 charger head near credit cards, hotel key cards, magnetic ID badges, or mechanical watches. The magnetic field can erase data on magnetic stripe cards.

2

Do not bring two chargers together

If you have multiple Qi2 chargers, keep them separated. Two strong magnets snapping together forcefully can crack the aluminium housing and pinch fingers.

3

Handle the sintered nylon mount with care

Although industrial-grade, the SLS nylon mount can chip if dropped on hard surfaces from significant height. Store it safely when not installed in your vehicle.

Medical Device Warning

If you have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump, maintain at least 15 cm (6 inches) of distance between the Qi2 charger and your medical device. Consult your doctor before use.


Section 03

Installation

Tactic Engineering phone mounts are vehicle-specific and require no tools, adhesive, drilling, or suction cups. Each mount is precision-engineered for a specific location in your vehicle's dashboard.

1

Identify the mounting location

Locate the designated mounting point for your vehicle model. For the Mercedes Sprinter, this is the dash pocket next to the central screen. For other vehicles, check the vehicle-specific card included in your box or visit tacticengineering.com.

2

Clean the mounting area

Wipe the dash pocket or mounting slot with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris. The mount relies on a precision friction fit, so a clean surface ensures secure installation.

3

Insert the mount

Align the mount with the dash pocket or slot and push it in firmly. The engineered edges create a friction lock that prevents rattling and scratching. You will feel it seat securely. This takes about 5 seconds.

4

Attach the Qi2 charger

Snap the McDodo Qi2 MagSafe charger into the mount's charger cradle. The charger clicks into place magnetically and mechanically. Ensure it sits flush and the cable routes cleanly downward.

5

Route the USB-C cable

Run the 100 cm USB-C cable to your vehicle's USB port or a separate PD charger. Tuck excess cable behind the dashboard trim. Do not let the cable hang loose where it could catch on the gear lever or controls.

6

Adjust the angle

The precision ball joint allows you to tilt the charger head to your preferred viewing angle. Adjust it so your phone screen is clearly visible from the driver's seat without obstructing your view of the road.

Tip

Installation is fully reversible. To remove, simply pull the mount straight out of the dash pocket. It leaves no marks, adhesive residue, or damage whatsoever.


Section 04

Daily Use & Qi2 Charging

1

Attaching your phone

Simply bring your MagSafe or Qi2-compatible phone near the charger head. The magnets will align and snap your phone into place automatically. Works through cases up to 3 mm thick (MagSafe or Qi2-compatible cases recommended).

2

Charging begins automatically

Once your phone is magnetically attached and the USB-C cable is connected to power, Qi2 wireless charging begins immediately. You'll see the charging indicator on your phone. Delivers 5–15 W depending on your power source and phone model.

3

Detaching your phone

Grasp your phone and pull it straight away from the charger. The magnetic connection is strong enough to hold during rough driving but easy enough to detach with one hand.

Charging Tips

The Qi2 charger includes an MSC chip that monitors charging 1,500 times per second with 9-point safety protection (overcurrent, overvoltage, temperature, short circuit, overpower, overdischarge, overcharge, foreign object detection, and electromagnetic field shielding). If your phone gets too warm, the charger automatically reduces power. This is normal and protects your battery's long-term health.

For best charging performance, use a USB-C PD charger rated at 18 W or higher. Your vehicle's built-in USB-A ports may only deliver 5 W, which charges slowly.


Section 05

Positioning Tips

1

Optimal viewing angle

Adjust the ball joint so your phone's screen is visible with minimal eye movement from the road. The phone should be at roughly dashboard height and within your peripheral vision—not above the steering wheel where it blocks your view.

2

Avoid airbag deployment zones

Never mount anything in the direct path of an airbag. The Tactic mount's vehicle-specific design already accounts for airbag placement, but do not reposition the mount to non-standard locations.

3

Reduce glare

Tilt your phone slightly downward to minimize reflections from sunlight. Using your phone's auto-brightness feature also helps with daytime visibility. A matte screen protector can further reduce glare.

Local Regulations

Phone mounting regulations vary by country. Always check local laws regarding phone mount placement and use of phones while driving. In many jurisdictions, the driver must not interact with the phone while the vehicle is in motion.


Section 06

Phone Compatibility

The included Qi2 charger works with all MagSafe iPhones and Qi2-compatible Android devices.

Apple MagSafe

iPhone 17 / Air / Pro / Pro Max
iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max
iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max
iPhone 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max
iPhone 13 / mini / Pro / Pro Max
iPhone 12 / mini / Pro / Pro Max

Qi2 Android & Others

Google Pixel 10 / Pro / Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra*
Samsung Galaxy S26 series
HMD Skyline
AirPods (wireless charging case)
Other Qi2-compatible devices

About "Qi2 Ready" phones

Phones labeled "Qi2 Ready" (such as Samsung Galaxy S25 series) require a MagSafe-compatible or Qi2 magnetic case for proper magnetic alignment and charging. Without a magnetic case, these phones may not hold securely on the mount.


Section 07

Troubleshooting

Phone not charging

Ensure the USB-C cable is connected to a powered USB-C PD port (18 W+ recommended). Check that your phone case is not thicker than 3 mm. Remove any metal plates, cards, or non-MagSafe accessories from the back of your phone or case. Try repositioning the phone on the charger to ensure proper alignment.

Phone charges slowly

Your power source may not deliver enough wattage. A standard USB-A vehicle port outputs only 5 W. For full 15 W Qi2 speed, connect to an 18 W+ USB-C PD charger. Also, charging slows automatically when the phone or charger is hot—this is a built-in safety feature.

Phone doesn't stay on the mount

Ensure you're using a MagSafe-compatible or Qi2 magnetic case. Cases without magnetic rings won't hold securely. Cases thicker than 3 mm may weaken the magnetic connection. Try removing the case to test the bare phone connection.

Mount feels loose in the dash pocket

Check that you're using the correct mount for your vehicle model and year. The mount should friction-fit snugly. If it was exposed to extreme heat, the dash pocket may have expanded slightly—allow the vehicle to cool and reinsert.

Charger makes a noise or gets warm

A slight hum during wireless charging is normal for Qi2 chargers. Warmth during charging is also expected—the aluminium body acts as a heat sink. If the charger becomes uncomfortably hot, disconnect it and contact Tactic Engineering support.


Section 08

Safety Warnings

Important Safety Information

Magnetic stripe cards: Keep credit cards, hotel key cards, transit cards, and magnetic ID badges at least 5 cm away from the charger head. Strong magnets can erase magnetic data.

Medical devices: If you have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump, or other electronic medical device, maintain at least 15 cm distance from the Qi2 charger. Consult your physician.

Mechanical watches: Automatic and mechanical watches can be magnetized by proximity to strong magnets, affecting their accuracy. Keep watches clear of the charger.

Laptops & hard drives: Avoid placing traditional spinning hard drives near the magnet. Modern SSDs and flash storage are unaffected.

Do not disassemble: Do not attempt to disassemble the Qi2 charger or the mount. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Disassembly voids the warranty.

Water & liquids: The Qi2 charger is not waterproof. Keep it dry. Do not charge a wet phone.

Driving safety: Always keep your eyes on the road. Do not interact with your phone while the vehicle is moving. Set your navigation and music before driving.

Children: Small magnets can be a choking hazard. Keep the charger away from small children.

Foreign objects: Keep metal objects (coins, keys, paper clips) away from the charger surface. The Foreign Object Detection system will pause charging, but trapped metal objects can heat up.

Charger Certifications & Safety
Safety chip MSC chip monitors charging 1,500×/sec
Certifications RoHS, CE, FCC
Overcurrent protection Yes
Overvoltage protection Yes
Temperature protection Yes — auto-reduces power when hot
Short circuit protection Yes
Overcharge protection Yes
Foreign object detection Yes
Electromagnetic shielding Yes
Outdoor Magnetic Accessories →

Section 01

Product Range Overview

Tactic Engineering outdoor magnetic accessories all use the same core technology: industrial-grade neodymium magnets rated at 55 kg holding force each, coated in a protective rubber layer, paired with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic mounting pins with aluminum reinforcement.

Recovery Board Mounts

MaxTrax MK2/LITE/XTREME, TRED GT/PRO/HD, Generic boards. Flat and curved surface versions.

Awning Supports

For Thule Omnistor/Hideaway, Fiamma F35/F45/F65/F80, and Dometic awnings.

Starlink Mounts

Gen.2 (flat and curved), Gen.3, and Starlink Mini. Rooftop satellite internet.

Ski/Snowboard Carrier

Magnetic carrier for skis, snowboards, and kites. Mounts to roof or body panels.

RotoPax Plate

Magnetic mounting plate for RotoPax fuel and water containers.

Shower & Hooks

Outdoor shower mount, towel hook, soap holder. Attach anywhere on the van body.

Specification Value
Magnet type Industrial neodymium (NdFeB)
Holding force per magnet 55 kg (121 lbs)
Magnet coating Protective rubber layer (paint-safe)
Pin material Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic + aluminium
Manufacturing Industrial SLS 3D printing, hand-finished
Origin Designed and made in Switzerland
Quick-release system Ball-bearing pin mechanism

Section 02

Safe Handling

Each Tactic Engineering magnet holds 55 kg of force. These are industrial-strength magnets that demand respect. Please read this section carefully before unboxing.

Critical: Pinch Hazard

These magnets are extremely powerful. Two magnets snapping together can crush fingers, shatter the rubber coating, and crack the magnets themselves. Always keep magnets separated when not in use.

1

Never let two magnets snap together

When unpacking, remove magnets one at a time. Do not allow the magnetic faces of two magnets to approach each other. At close range, the attraction is sudden and violent—fingers can be badly pinched or crushed.

2

If two magnets do come together

Do not try to pry them apart by inserting a tool or finger between them. Instead, slide them apart sideways—grip one firmly and push the other laterally until they separate.

3

Keep away from electronics and cards

Keep magnets at least 10 cm from credit cards, key fobs, laptops, mechanical watches, and USB drives. The magnetic field can erase magnetic stripe data and affect sensitive electronic components.

4

Supervise around children

Strong magnets are dangerous if swallowed. Keep all Tactic Engineering magnets away from children and pets. Swallowed magnets can attract through intestinal walls and cause serious injury or death. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.


Section 03

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is the single most important factor in achieving full holding strength and preventing paint damage. Never skip this step.

1

Wash the vehicle surface

Thoroughly wash the area where you plan to mount the magnets. Remove all dirt, mud, road grime, bird droppings, and insect residue. A standard car wash soap and water works well. Rinse completely.

2

Remove wax, sealant, and coatings

If your vehicle has a fresh wax coat, paint sealant, or ceramic coating in the mounting area, the magnets may not grip at full strength. Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on a microfiber cloth to wipe the area and remove any slippery residue.

3

Dry completely

Wipe the area dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. Ensure no water droplets or moisture remain between the magnet and the vehicle surface. Trapped moisture can cause water spots over time.

4

Inspect for grit and debris

Run your fingertip across the clean surface. Any trapped sand, grit, or debris between the magnet and your paint is the only real risk of scratching. The rubber coating protects the paint—but trapped particles do not.

Caution: Paint Protection Films (PPF)

If your vehicle has paint protection film applied, the magnets will work but may leave impressions on the film in hot weather. Test in an inconspicuous area first. Most PPF impressions disappear once the film warms up and relaxes.


Section 04

Installation on Your Vehicle

Installation takes under 5 minutes with zero tools. The process is the same for all Tactic Engineering outdoor magnetic products.

1

Prepare the surface

Follow the surface preparation steps in Section 03. Ensure the mounting area is clean, dry, and free of debris.

2

Plan your layout

Before placing magnets, plan where you want your accessories. For recovery boards, measure the spacing to match your board's mounting holes. For awning supports, position at the recommended distance from your awning's mounting bracket.

3

Place the magnets

One at a time, place each magnet onto the vehicle's steel body panel. Do not drop or slam the magnet onto the surface—place it gently and let the magnetic force pull it into position.

4

Attach your accessory

Slide your recovery boards, awning arm, or other accessory onto the mounting pins. Push down until the quick-release pin engages—you'll hear and feel a click as the ball bearings lock into place.

5

Verify the installation

Give the accessory a firm tug in all directions. It should feel solid and immovable. Check that all magnets are making full contact with the vehicle surface.

Curved Surfaces

If you're mounting on a curved surface (like a van roof), use the Tactic Engineering curved-surface versions, which have an angled base designed for rounded panels. Standard flat-base magnets won't make full contact on curves and will have reduced holding strength.


Section 05

Compatible Surfaces

Tactic Engineering magnets work on ferromagnetic (steel) surfaces. They will not work on non-magnetic materials.

Works On

Steel body panels (most vans)
Mercedes Sprinter
VW Transporter T5 / T6
VW Crafter
Ineos Grenadier
Ford Transit (steel body)
Hymer motorhomes
MAN TGE
Iveco Daily
Steel roof racks

Does Not Work On

Aluminium body panels
Fiberglass / GRP panels
Carbon fiber bodywork
Plastic bumpers or trim
Aluminium roof racks
Stainless steel (most types)
Glass surfaces
Wood or composite panels

The Kitchen Magnet Test

Not sure if your vehicle's body panels are steel? Hold a standard kitchen fridge magnet to the area where you want to mount. If it sticks firmly, Tactic Engineering magnets will work. If it slides or falls off, that panel is non-magnetic.


Section 06

Weather Resistance & Care

Tactic Engineering outdoor magnets are engineered for all-weather use. Customers use them year-round in environments from Saharan heat to Scandinavian winters.

Condition Performance
Rain & water Fully functional. Water-resistant. Dry after prolonged exposure.
Snow & ice Fully functional. Clear ice before applying.
Extreme heat Maintains strength up to 80°C (176°F).
Extreme cold Magnets gain strength slightly in cold.
UV exposure UV-stable pins and rubber coating.
Dust & mud Functional. Clean surface before applying.
Salt & coastal air Rinse with fresh water after salt exposure.

Cleaning Your Magnets

1

Remove from the vehicle

Slide the magnets off the vehicle surface (see Section 07 for removal technique).

2

Wipe with a damp cloth

Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with lukewarm water. Do not soak or submerge. Wipe the rubber-coated surface and mounting pins.

3

Dry thoroughly

Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Ensure no moisture remains, especially in the quick-release pin mechanism.

4

Lubricate the quick-release mechanism

Apply a small drop of Ballistol or WD-40 near the ball bearings to keep the quick-release mechanism smooth. Wipe off excess.


Section 07

Removing & Repositioning

One of the core advantages of magnetic mounting over drilling or bolting: you can remove, reposition, and move your accessories between vehicles in seconds.

1

Release the accessory

Press the quick-release button on the pin to disengage the ball-bearing lock. Slide the accessory off the mounting pins.

2

Slide the magnet sideways

Do not pull straight up. 55 kg of magnetic force resists straight-up removal. Instead, grip the mounting pin firmly and slide the magnet sideways across the vehicle surface until it reaches the edge of the panel.

3

Lift away from the edge

Once you've slid the magnet to the edge of the steel panel, tip it up from one side. It will release easily from the corner. Handle carefully—it will snap onto any nearby steel surface.

4

Clean before repositioning

Before placing the magnet in a new position, wipe both the magnet's rubber face and the new mounting location to remove any dust or grit.

Caution

When handling a removed magnet, keep it away from other magnets and steel objects until you're ready to reposition it. An unsecured 55 kg magnet snapping onto an unintended surface can cause injury or damage.


Section 08

Storage When Not in Use

1

Always store magnets separately

Never store two magnets face-to-face. The force can shatter the rubber coating and crack the magnets. Place spacers (cardboard, foam, or the original packaging) between magnets during storage.

2

Store on a steel surface if possible

Attaching magnets to a steel shelf, toolbox, or storage rack keeps them secure and prevents them from sliding around and snapping onto unintended objects.

3

Keep dry

Ensure the magnets are clean and dry before storing. Store in a dry environment.

4

Keep away from electronics

Maintain at least 15 cm of separation from hard drives, credit cards, key fobs, medical devices, or sensitive electronics in storage.

Long-Term Storage

Neodymium magnets retain their strength for decades. There's no battery to run down or expiration date. Store them properly and they'll be ready whenever you need them.


Section 09

Safety Warnings

Important Safety Information

Pinch hazard: Each magnet holds 55 kg. Two magnets snapping together, or a magnet snapping onto a steel surface, can crush fingers and cause serious injury.

Swallowing hazard: Strong magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Multiple swallowed magnets can attract through internal tissue and cause life-threatening injuries. Keep away from children and pets. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if swallowing is suspected.

Medical devices: If you or anyone nearby has an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, insulin pump, or other electronic medical device, maintain at least 20 cm distance. Consult a physician.

Magnetic stripe cards & electronics: Keep magnets at least 10 cm from credit cards, transit cards, hotel key cards, USB drives, laptops, and mechanical watches.

Do not machine or modify: Do not attempt to drill, cut, grind, or modify the magnets or mounting pins. Neodymium magnets are brittle and can shatter explosively if cut.

Fire hazard: Neodymium magnets are flammable at high temperatures. Do not expose to open flame.

Driving responsibility: Before driving, always verify your magnetically-mounted accessories are securely attached. Check again after driving on rough terrain.

Weight limits: Do not exceed the rated capacity. A set of four magnets provides 220 kg of combined static holding force. Dynamic forces (vibration, wind, cornering) effectively reduce this. Always use the recommended number of mounting points.

Air shipping restrictions: Strong neodymium magnets may be subject to air shipping regulations. Check with your carrier before shipping by air.

Need Help?

If you have questions about your specific vehicle, accessory compatibility, or installation, contact the Tactic Engineering team at team@tacticengineering.com. We respond within 24 hours.

OWL Install Videos → Recovery Boards Supports → Ski/Snowboard/Kite Carrier →

Need more help?

Email us at team@tacticengineering.com