RAM® Tough-Claw™ vs Suction Cup vs Drill-Down Base: Which Mounting Base Is Best?
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Time to read 3 min
Choosing the right RAM® mounting base is one of the most important parts of building a stable mounting setup. The base is the foundation of the system and affects stability, adjustability, portability and long-term usability.
Three of the most common RAM® mounting base styles are Tough-Claw™, suction cup and drill-down bases. Each has different strengths depending on the vehicle, device and environment.
What is a RAM® Tough-Claw™ base?
A RAM® Tough-Claw™ base is a clamp-style mount that attaches to rails, bars and tubular surfaces without drilling.
It is popular because:
- it is removable
- installation is quick
- no permanent modifications are required
- it works on bars and rails
- it can move between vehicles or equipment
Recommended Tough-Claw™ compatible products
| Product | SKU | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RAM® Double Socket Arm for B Size 1" Balls | RAM-B-201U | Standard Tough-Claw™ setups |
| RAM® Short Double Socket Arm | RAM-B-201U-A | Compact and lower-vibration setups |
| RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder | RAM-HOL-UN7BU | Phone mounting |
| RAM® Diamond Plate with B Size Ball | RAM-B-238U | Connecting compatible holders |
Best use cases for Tough-Claw™ bases
- forklifts
- warehouse carts
- boats with rails
- off-road bars
- temporary mounting setups
- shared equipment
What is a RAM® suction cup base?
A RAM® suction cup base attaches to smooth surfaces such as windscreens and dashboards.
It is commonly used for:
- cars
- delivery vehicles
- rental vehicles
- temporary mounting
- shared fleets
Recommended suction cup mounting products
| Product | SKU | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RAM® Suction Cup Base with 1" Ball | RAM-B-224-1U | Portable phone and GPS mounting |
| RAM® B Size Double Socket Arm | RAM-B-201U | Adjustable viewing |
| RAM® X-Grip® Phone Holder | RAM-HOL-UN7BU | Universal phone compatibility |
Best use cases for suction cup bases
- delivery drivers
- rideshare vehicles
- temporary setups
- users changing vehicles regularly
What is a RAM® drill-down base?
A drill-down base creates a fixed mounting point by attaching directly to the mounting surface.
This style is often used when:
- maximum stability is needed
- the setup is permanent
- larger devices are being mounted
- the vehicle or workstation is dedicated
Recommended drill-down mounting products
| Product | SKU | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RAM® 2.5" Round Plate with AMPS Hole Pattern | RAM-B-202U | Standard fixed mounting |
| RAM® 2.5" Round Plate with C Size Ball | RAM-202U | Heavy-duty tablet and rugged setups |
| RAM® Long Socket Arm | RAM-B-201U-C | Additional reach where needed |
Best use cases for drill-down bases
- fleet vehicles
- fixed tablet installations
- warehouse workstations
- marine electronics
- heavy-duty setups
Quick comparison: Tough-Claw™ vs suction cup vs drill-down
| Feature | Tough-Claw™ | Suction Cup | Drill-down |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent install | No | No | Yes |
| Easy to move | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best for rough environments | Moderate | Moderate | Strong |
| Best for shared vehicles | Yes | Yes | Less ideal |
| Best for larger devices | Moderate | Moderate | Best option |
| Installation required | Minimal | Minimal | Requires drilling |
Which RAM® base is best for phones?
For phones, all three base styles can work depending on the setup.
- Tough-Claw™ works well on bars and rails
- suction cup bases are practical for portable setups
- drill-down bases are ideal for dedicated commercial vehicles
Which RAM® base is best for tablets?
Tablets are heavier than phones, so stability matters more.
For tablets:
- drill-down bases are often the strongest option
- Tough-Claw™ may work for lighter tablets on suitable rails
- suction cup setups may suit temporary use but should be chosen carefully
Which RAM® base is best for fleets?
For fleet standardisation, drill-down bases are often preferred because they create a consistent and stable installation.
For shared or changing vehicles, suction cup or Tough-Claw™ systems may offer more flexibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a portable base for a heavy industrial setup
- Using a long arm in a high-vibration environment
- Mounting on weak or flexible surfaces
- Forgetting future device upgrades
Recommended Mounts Australia categories to explore
Final recommendation
The best RAM® mounting base depends on whether you need portability, flexibility or permanent stability.
- Choose Tough-Claw™ for rail and clamp-style mounting
- Choose suction cup for temporary vehicle setups
- Choose drill-down for stable long-term installations
FAQs
What is the best RAM® mounting base for delivery drivers?
Suction cup bases are popular for delivery drivers who move between vehicles, while fixed drill-down bases suit permanent commercial setups.
Is Tough-Claw™ better than suction cup?
Tough-Claw™ is better for bars and rails, while suction cup bases are better for smooth surfaces like windscreens.
What is the strongest RAM® mounting base?
Drill-down bases are often the strongest option because they create a fixed mounting point.
Are suction cup mounts reliable?
A quality RAM® suction cup mount can work well when installed correctly on a suitable smooth surface.
Explore Mounts Australia’s RAM® mounting bases and components or contact our team for help choosing the best setup for your vehicle, workstation or equipment.