Mounting a phone, tablet or GPS securely isn’t just about the cradle — the base underneath is where it all starts. If you pick the wrong base, your device can wobble, loosen, or even fall off. In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the correct RAM® Mount base depending on what you’re mounting and where you’re mounting it in Australia or New Zealand. Then we’ll show you some complete kits so you can pick what you need and get mounted quickly.
1. Understand Your Mounting Environment
What “where” really means
- Is the mount going on a vehicle dash, windscreen, boat rail, forklift mast or bar?
- Will it be exposed to vibration, dust, moisture, saltwater or heavy use (e.g., off-road, industrial)?
- The base you choose must match the surface and durability needs of the environment.
Key questions to ask yourself
- Flat surface or tubular bar?
- Permanent install or removable?
- Outside or inside?
- Heavy device (tablet) or lighter device (phone)?
2. Match Ball Size & Base Strength to the Device
Why ball size matters
RAM® Mounts uses a ball-and-socket system, where the ball size (B, C, D, E) determines strength, movement and durability.
- B-Size (1″ ball): ideal for phones and lighter tablets.
- C-Size (1.5″ ball): heavier tablets and moderate-use vehicles.
- D-Size / E-Size (2.25″+ ball): heavy tablets, laptops, industrial use.
- Choose a base rated for your device and environment.
Base material & durability
Look for marine-grade or powder-coated aluminium if you’ll be in wet/outdoor use. RAM® stock bases are made for saltwater, boats or industrial environments.
3. Choose the Right Base Type for Your Surface
Flat surface bases
Round or diamond plate bases for dashboards, tabletops or flat surfaces.
Our recommendation: RAM® Twist-Lock Suction Cup Base with 1″ Ball – great for rentals or removable use where drilling isn’t preferred (but suction requires clean flat glass, and not ideal on bumpy roads).
Clamp, rail or U-bolt bases
For bars, rails, handlebars (motorcycles, bikes, boats).
Our recommendation: RAM Zinc U-Bolt Rail Base with 1" Ball (RAM-B-231ZU) – ideal for fitting around a tubular rail.
Adhesive or no-drill bases
Where you can’t drill (rental vehicles, glass surfaces). However, you must check load ratings and surface compatibility.
Our recommendation: RAM PSA Adhesive Base with 1" Ball (RAP-B-378U) – ideal for use in vehicles, boats, and other flat surfaces.
Industrial/vehicle-floor bases
Fixed bases bolted to the floor or chassis for work vehicles, forklifts.
Our recommendation: RAM Universal Base with 1.5" Ball (RAM-111BU) – a versatile base that works across vehicles.
4. Match the Device & Use-Case to a Complete Kit
Choosing components separately can be complex. That’s why RAM® offers complete kits that include base + arm + cradle — smart for DIY buyers or trades. Here are some tailored recommendations:
Car & 4WD Phone Mount Kit
Ideal for windscreen/dash use, everyday driving or off-road.
Our recommendation: RAM Twist-Lock Suction Cup Mount with Universal X-Grip™ Phone/Phablet Cradle (RAM-B-166-UN10U).
Boat / Marine GPS & Tablet Mount Kit
Waterproof or corrosion-resistant components for marine conditions.
Our recommendation: RAM Universal Marine Electronic Mount (RAM-D-115-C).
Fleet / Work Vehicle Tablet Mount Kit
Heavy-duty base, longer arm, tablet cradle with charging option — ideal for logistics, trades, utilities.
Our recommendation: RAM® Dashboard Mount with Backing Plate for 9"-10.5" Tablets with Cases (RAM-101B2-TAB20U).
Forklift / Warehouse Mount Kit
No-drill floor/seat-rail mount kit designed for tablets in vehicles, compatible with heavy-use environments.
Our recommendation: RAM® Tab-Tite with RAM® Pod I Vehicle Mount for iPad Gen 1-4 + More (RAM-B-316-1-TAB3).
Industrial / Vehicle-Floor Bases
Fixed bases bolted to the floor or chassis of work vehicles, forklifts, or service vans.
Our recommendation: RAM Pod No-Drill™ 7" Tablets Mount w/ Universal X-Grip® Cradle (RAM-B-316-1-UN8B).
5. Installation & Safety Tips
Torque & tightening
RAM® recommends correct torque and checking bolts periodically. Loose parts = risk of failure.
Regular inspection
Especially in high-vibration or saltwater environments, check for corrosion, loose joints, and cracked bases.
Device position & visibility
Ensure device doesn’t obstruct driver’s view and complies with local vehicle laws or OS&H for fleet use.
Upgrading & compatibility
Future-proof your mount: choose bases compatible with other arms/cradles so you can reuse when upgrading devices.
6. Quick Base Selection Checklist
- What device are you mounting? → phone, tablet or GPS
- Where will it mount? → windscreen, dash, rail, bar, floor, boat deck
- What’s the environment? → daily drive, off-road, marine, industrial
- Choose base type: flat, suction, U-bolt, no-drill
- Match ball size: B, C, D, or E
- Choose complete kit if you want a one-stop solution
- Install & inspect regularly
Selecting the right RAM® Mount base is the foundation of a reliable mounting system. Whether you’re fitting a phone in your 4WD, installing a tablet in your forklift, or mounting a GPS on your boat, the correct base, ball size and kit will make the difference between a setup that works and one that fails. Start with your “where”, then pick the “what”, and choose a base rated for your environment. When in doubt, go for a complete kit and work with a trusted local supplier like Mounts AU/NZ, who stocks Australian-local stock, understands the conditions and can advise you.