Best RAM® Mounts for 4WD and Off-Road Touring in Australia
Australia is one of the best places in the world for 4WD touring. From the Simpson Desert to the Cape York tracks, serious off-road driving demands reliable gear. That includes a secure phone or tablet mount that can withstand corrugated roads, vibration, dust, and long travel days.
RAM® Mounts are widely used by off-road drivers because of their modular design, vibration-dampening ball system, and rugged durability. This guide explains the best RAM Mount setups for 4WD vehicles and how to choose the right configuration for off-road touring in Australia.
Why RAM® Mounts Are Ideal for 4WD Vehicles
Standard phone holders often fail on rough tracks. Suction mounts fall off, plastic clamps break, and magnetic mounts lose grip.
RAM Mounts solve these problems with:
- Rubber ball and socket system that absorbs vibration
- High-strength composite and marine-grade aluminium components
- Modular parts that can be upgraded or adjusted
- Secure cradles designed for real-world conditions
This is why RAM Mounts are commonly used in mining vehicles, fleets, emergency services, and off-road touring vehicles.
Common Devices Mounted in 4WD Vehicles
Most touring setups involve one or more of the following:
Navigation Phones
Used for Google Maps, Hema maps, or off-road navigation apps.
Tablets
Often used for:
- Hema HX-2
- iPads
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series
GPS Units and Radios
Mounted for dedicated navigation or communication.
Your device determines the cradle and ball size you should choose.
Recommended RAM Mount Setup for Phones in 4WD Vehicles
For most drivers, a smartphone is the primary navigation device.
Recommended Setup
Base
RAM Diamond Base with 1 inch Ball
SKU: RAM-B-238U
Arm
RAM Double Socket Arm for B Size Balls
SKU: RAM-B-201U
Cradle
RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Holder
SKU: RAM-HOL-UN7BU
Optional Safety Tether
RAM X-Grip Tether
SKU: RAM-TETHER1U
Why This Setup Works
- Secure even on corrugated roads
- Universal fit for most smartphones
- Easily adjustable viewing angle
- Compact and reliable
Recommended RAM Mount Setup for Tablets in 4WD Touring
Many touring vehicles use tablets for mapping or trip planning.
Because tablets are heavier, a larger ball size is recommended.
Recommended Setup
Base
RAM Round Plate with AMPs Holes and C Size Ball
SKU: RAM-202U
Arm
RAM Double Socket Arm for C Size Ball
SKU: RAM-201U
Cradle Options
Spring-Loaded Tablet Holder
SKU: RAM-HOL-TAB8U
Large X-Grip Tablet Holder
SKU: RAM-HOL-UN11U
Why C Size Ball Mounts Are Better for Tablets
- Increased holding power
- Reduced vibration on rough tracks
- More stable viewing position
Where to Mount Devices in a 4WD
Correct positioning improves safety and usability.
Dashboard Mount
Most common setup.
Advantages:
- Easy visibility
- Accessible controls
- Simple installation
Use drill-down or AMPs base mounts for best stability.
Windshield Mount
Possible with suction mounts like:
RAM Suction Cup Base
SKU: RAM-B-224-1U
However, suction mounts may lose grip in high heat or dust.
For long touring trips, fixed bases are often preferred.
Roll Bar or Grab Handle Mount
Some touring vehicles use clamp mounts attached to bars.
This is useful for:
- Patrol vehicles
- LandCruisers
- Overlanding rigs
Choosing the Right RAM Ball Size for Off-Road Driving
Ball size determines stability.
B Size (1 inch ball)
Best for:
- Phones
- GPS units
- Lightweight devices
Common SKUs include:
C Size (1.5 inch ball)
Best for:
- Tablets
- Rugged devices
- Fleet vehicles
- Off-road environments
Common SKUs include:
D Size (2.25 inch ball)
Best for:
- Large tablets
- Laptops
- Industrial or mining vehicles
Usually unnecessary for most 4WD touring setups.
Tips for Mounting Devices in Off-Road Vehicles
Use shorter arms
Short arms reduce vibration and movement.
Example:
RAM-B-201U-A
Check mounts regularly
Off-road driving can loosen hardware over time. Always check your mount during rest stops.
Use tethers for rough terrain
If you are driving extreme tracks, a tether adds extra security.
Clean rubber balls
Dust and dirt reduce grip. Cleaning rubber balls improves holding power.
Best RAM Mounts for Popular Australian 4WD Vehicles
These vehicles are commonly used for touring.
Toyota LandCruiser
Ford Ranger
Toyota Hilux
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RAM Mounts good for corrugated roads?
Yes. The rubber ball system absorbs vibration better than standard phone holders.
What RAM mount is best for 4WD navigation?
For phones, the RAM-HOL-UN7BU X-Grip with a B Size arm is the most common setup.
Should I use a tablet mount for off-road maps?
Yes. Many drivers use tablets for detailed mapping. A C Size RAM mount provides better stability.
Do suction mounts work in hot Australian conditions?
They can work, but fixed mounts or drill bases are more reliable for long trips.
Shop RAM Mounts for 4WD Touring in Australia
Mounts Australia is an authorised RAM Mounts reseller with local stock and support.
Browse our range of:
Our team can also help you build a custom mount setup for your vehicle.