Why RAM Mounts Are the Standard for Securing Devices
Here's a quick look at how RAM's ball-and-socket sizing actually works.
When you've invested in critical gear like a two-way radio, a GPS tracker or a vehicle camera, the last thing you need is for it to fail because the mount let go. The RAM system's ball-and-socket mechanism does more than hold a device in place. It actively absorbs shock and vibration, like a dedicated suspension system for your electronics, reducing stress on sensitive internal components.
Built to Be Modular
The system's modular design means you're never locked into one rigid setup. Mix and match components to build the right configuration for a 4WD, a boat, or an entire commercial fleet. When you upgrade your radio or GPS later, you can usually just swap the holder rather than replacing the whole mount.
The Three Core Components
Every RAM Mount setup is built from the same three parts.
- Base: the anchor that bolts, clamps or sticks the mount to your vehicle or boat, whether that's a drill-down bracket for a ute dashboard, a suction cup for a windscreen, or a rail clamp for a vessel.
- Arm: connects the base to your device, usually a double-socket connector clamping onto the rubber balls on both the base and the holder, giving reach and articulation to position your screen or radio where you need it.
- Holder: custom-designed to grip your specific device, from a moulded cradle for a Tait portable radio to a universal X-Grip for smartphones.
Mixing and matching the right base, arm and holder builds a mounting solution suited to your vehicle, your device, and the conditions you actually face.
Finding the Right Base for Your Vehicle
Picking the right base is the most critical step. What works in a delivery van won't necessarily hold up on a quad bike bouncing across a paddock, so match the base to your vehicle's environment and the punishment it will take.
| Base type | Best application | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Drill-down ball base | Tractors, 4WDs, heavy machinery | The most secure, permanent option for high-vibration environments |
| Tough-Claw clamp | Quad bike handlebars, boat rails, roll cages | Versatile and strong, clamps onto round or flat surfaces without tools |
| Suction cup base | Cars, vans, trucks (on-road use) | Easy to install and move, suits smooth non-porous surfaces like windscreens |
| Adhesive dash base | Commercial fleet vehicles, company cars | Semi-permanent and strong without drilling, suits curved or textured dashboards |
| Marine-grade mounts | Boats, jet skis, marine equipment | Stainless steel and aluminium construction resists saltwater corrosion |
In high-vibration environments like a tractor cab or a 4WD ute on a back-country track, a permanent drill-down base is the reliable choice, bolted directly to a solid part of the dash or floor. For commercial fleets, mounts must never block the driver's view or sit near an airbag zone, so non-slip suction bases or adhesive dash mounts are common instead. On the water, corrosion is the enemy, so only marine-grade aluminium and stainless steel mounts should go near saltwater spray.
Matching Ball Size to Device Weight
Once a base is fitted, the rest of the mount needs to handle the weight of whatever is being attached. RAM uses a letter-based sizing system, where each letter corresponds to a ball diameter and a weight rating.
| Ball size | Diameter | Typical rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-Size | 1 inch | Up to roughly 0.9kg | Smartphones, handheld GPS, small two-way radios |
| C-Size | 1.5 inches | Up to roughly 1.8kg | Tablets and gear in higher-vibration environments (tractors, boats, off-road utes) |
| D-Size | 2.25 inches | Up to roughly 2.7kg | Larger laptops and ruggedised tablets in industrial or commercial settings |
See our range of RAM Mount accessories through Mobile Systems, or the RAM Suction Cup Base for a versatile everyday option.
Installation Best Practices
Here's a short product training overview covering the RAM system in more detail.
Even the best RAM Mount is only as good as its installation. Getting the setup right is part of your vehicle's health and safety compliance, ensuring the gear is an asset rather than a liability.
Line of sight must always be clear. The mount should never block your view of the road, mirrors or instruments, and should stay well away from airbag deployment zones. In an accident, a poorly placed mount can become a dangerous projectile.
If using a non-drill suction solution, always clean a non-porous surface thoroughly first to get the strongest grip. Once the base is locked down, tighten the arm until it holds the device securely without over-torquing the knob, and route cables neatly away from foot space and the gear stick with cable ties or clips.
Getting Set Up with Mobile Systems
Mobile Systems Limited is 100% NZ-owned, based in Mount Maunganui, and has supplied and installed communications equipment for New Zealand organisations for over 25 years. Our team can advise on the right RAM Mount configuration for your vehicle and device, with professional installation available nationwide and on-site support across the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Rotorua, TaupΕ, South Waikato, Volcanic Plateau and Eastern Waikato.
