10 Common RAM® Mount Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Published on

|

Time to read 5 min

10 Common RAM® Mount Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common RAM® Mount buying mistakes are choosing the wrong ball size, ignoring device weight, using an arm that is too long, selecting the wrong base, forgetting the device case, and buying parts that do not fit together. The easiest way to avoid these mistakes is to build the mount around the device, match the holder, arm and base by ball size, and choose the most stable mounting point available.


RAM® Mounts are modular, which gives customers a lot of flexibility. However, the same flexibility can make the buying process confusing. A complete system usually needs a holder, arm and base. If one part is wrong, the full setup may not perform as expected.


This guide covers the most common mistakes and how to avoid them before ordering.

Mistake 1: Choosing the holder before checking the device

Many customers start with the holder, but the first step should be the device. Check the device size, weight and whether it has a protective case. Phones and tablets in rugged cases can be much larger than the bare device dimensions.


If the holder is too small, the device may not fit. If the holder is too large, the device may not sit securely. Always measure or confirm the device dimensions with the case fitted.

Mistake 1: Choosing the holder before checking the device

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong RAM® ball size

RAM® ball sizes are not just about physical size. They also relate to strength and compatibility.


B Size is commonly used for phones, small GPS units and light devices. C Size is often used for tablets, rugged devices, commercial vehicles and heavier work setups. D Size is used for larger screens, fish finders, marine electronics and heavy-duty applications.


If you choose a ball size that is too small for the device or environment, the mount may move more than expected. If you choose components from different ball sizes, they may not fit together properly.

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong RAM® ball size

Mistake 3: Mixing incompatible components

A RAM® Mount system usually needs the holder connection, arm and base to share the same ball size. B Size components work with B Size arms. C Size components work with C Size arms. D Size components work with D Size arms.


Some adapters exist, but they should be used intentionally. Do not assume that any RAM® part will connect to any other RAM® part.


Before buying, check that the holder, arm and base all use compatible ball sizes.

Mistake 4: Using an arm that is too long

A longer arm gives more reach, but it can also create more movement. This is especially noticeable in vehicles, boats, motorcycles, farm machinery, forklifts and heavy equipment.


The better rule is to choose the shortest arm that still gives a safe and usable viewing position.


A short arm is usually more stable. A standard arm is a good middle ground. A long arm should be used only when extra reach is genuinely needed and the device, ball size and base can support it.

Mistake 5: Choosing the wrong base

The base is the foundation of the mount. A strong holder and arm will not perform properly if the base is attached to a weak or unsuitable surface.


Suction bases are convenient for temporary vehicle setups on smooth surfaces. Tough-Claw™ bases are useful for suitable rails, tubes and bars. Drill-down and AMPS-style bases are better for many permanent installs.


For rough roads, marine use, machinery and heavy work environments, the base should be chosen carefully. A temporary base may not be the best option for a heavy device or high-vibration setup.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the device case

This is one of the most common fit issues. Product dimensions are often based on the bare phone or tablet, but many customers use protective cases, rugged cases or hand straps.


A device that fits without a case may not fit once the case is installed. For tablets, the difference can be significant.


Always check the device dimensions with the case, charging adapter or accessory attached.

Mistake 7: Forgetting charging access

Many mounted devices need to stay powered throughout the day. This is especially true for navigation phones, work tablets, delivery devices, GPS units and marine electronics.


Before choosing a holder, check whether the charging port remains accessible. Also think about cable routing. Cables should not interfere with steering, controls, gear selectors, pedals, safety equipment or moving parts.

Mistake 8: Mounting the device in an unsafe location

Even the right mount can become a problem if it is installed in the wrong place. Avoid blocking airbags, controls, mirrors, screens, visibility zones, instruments, vents or safety equipment.


In work vehicles and machinery, also check entry and exit points. In boats, check fishing lines, ropes and movement areas. In retail or counter setups, check customer access and cable safety.


A mount should make the device easier to use without creating a new hazard.

Mistake 9: Buying for price instead of environment

A light-duty setup might be fine for a phone in a standard car, but it may not suit a tablet in a forklift, a fish finder on a boat or a phone in mining equipment.


Choose the mount based on the real environment. Consider vibration, weight, weather exposure, dust, heat, movement and daily usage.


For work and fleet setups, a more suitable mount can reduce device damage, downtime and replacement costs.

Mistake 10: Not planning the full system

Some customers buy one part first and then try to make the rest of the system work around it. A better approach is to plan the full setup from the start.


A complete RAM® Mount system usually includes:


  • Device holder or cradle
  • Double socket arm
  • Base
  • Correct ball size
  • Suitable mounting location
  • Charging or cable plan where needed

When the full system is planned together, it is easier to avoid compatibility and performance issues.

Recommended RAM® products

RAM® Mount buying checklist

Before buying, check:


  • Device type
  • Device size with case
  • Device weight
  • Required charging access
  • Mounting surface
  • Ball size
  • Arm length
  • Base type
  • Environment and vibration level
  • Whether the install is temporary or permanent
  • Whether all components are compatible

Why buy from Mounts Australia?

Mounts Australia helps customers avoid RAM® Mount buying mistakes by offering genuine RAM® holders, arms, bases and components in one place. Customers can browse by use case, device type and mounting style, then build a setup that suits the real environment.


If the right combination is unclear, Mounts Australia can help customers choose compatible components before ordering.

FAQs

What is the most common RAM® Mount buying mistake?

One of the most common mistakes is buying components that do not match the same ball size or choosing a mount without checking the device size with its case.

How do I know which RAM® ball size to choose?

B Size is common for phones and light devices, C Size is often used for tablets and work setups, and D Size is used for larger heavy-duty devices.

Why does RAM® arm length matter?

Longer arms create more reach but can also create more movement. Shorter arms are usually more stable.

Is the base important for RAM® Mounts?

Yes. The base is the foundation of the setup and has a major impact on stability.

Final recommendation

To avoid RAM® Mount buying mistakes, plan the full system before ordering. Start with the device, choose the right holder, match the ball size, use the shortest practical arm and select the strongest suitable base for the environment.

Explore Mounts Australia’s RAM® holders, arms, bases and components, or contact the team for help choosing compatible parts for your setup.

Contact Us
← Go back