How to Mount a Tablet in Your Car, Truck, or 4WD with RAM® Mounts

Tablets are now an essential tool for tradies, delivery drivers, fleet operators, and off-road adventurers across Australia. Whether it’s using maps, managing jobs, or running apps on-site, a secure tablet mount keeps your device accessible and safe while driving.

RAM® Mounts are the go-to solution thanks to their rugged design, modular system, and adaptability for any vehicle. This guide will walk you through choosing the right mount, installation steps, and what you need to know about Australian laws.

Why Mount a Tablet with RAM®?

  • Safety: No more sliding devices on the passenger seat.
  • Compliance: A fixed cradle meets legal requirements for mobile device use while driving.
  • Flexibility: Adjust viewing angles easily without blocking your line of sight.
  • Durability: Built to withstand tough Aussie roads, corrugations, and heat.

Step 1: Choose the Right Base for Your Vehicle

The base connects your RAM® Mount system to your car, truck, or 4WD.

  • Suction Cup Base – Best for cars and windscreens. Easy to install and remove.
    Example: RAM-B-224-1U
  • Drill-Down Base – Permanent, ultra-secure installation. Perfect for fleet and mining vehicles.
    Example: RAM-B-238U Diamond Plate
  • Seat Rail / Floor Mount – Bolts to seat rails or vehicle floor. Keeps the dash clear.
    Example: RAM Pod HD
  • Clamp Base – Attaches to roll bars, grab handles, or tubular structures. Popular with 4WD setups.
Tip: In hot Australian summers, suction cups may loosen. For long-term installs, use a drill-down or clamp base.

Step 2: Select the Right Arm Length and Ball Size

The RAM® arm connects the base to the cradle and determines positioning.

  • Short Arm – More stable, less vibration.
  • Standard Arm – Best balance for cars and trucks.
  • Long Arm – Extra reach, but more prone to wobble.
Tip: For tablets, a C Size (1.5" ball) is recommended for added strength. Learn more in our Ball Size Guide.

Step 3: Pick the Perfect Cradle for Your Tablet

  • X-Grip® Universal Tablet Holder – Adjustable arms for different tablet sizes.
  • TAB-TITE™ / TAB-LOCK™ – Spring-loaded or locking cradles. TAB-LOCK adds theft protection.
  • Form-Fit Device-Specific Cradles – Custom fit for iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, or rugged tablets.

For fleet use in trucks or 4WDs, a locking cradle is often the safest choice.

Step 4: Stay Legal on Australian Roads

Australian laws require that devices:

  • Do not obstruct your vision.
  • Are secured in a fixed cradle.
  • Must not be handled while driving (except for one-touch navigation use).
Pro Tip: Mount your tablet low on the dash or centre console to comply with rules in QLD, NSW, VIC, and other states.

Step 5: Install Your Tablet Mount

  • Clean the surface (for suction mounts).
  • Attach the base securely.
  • Connect the arm by tightening the ball-and-socket joints.
  • Fit the cradle and insert your tablet.
  • Adjust for visibility and test under vibration.

Recommended Setups

Cars / SUVs (Daily Drivers)

Base: RAM Suction Cup Base with 1" Ball — RAM-B-224-1U
Arm: RAM Standard Double Socket Arm for B Size 1" Balls — RAM-B-201U
Cradle Options:

Trucks / Transport Fleets

Base: RAM 2.5" Round Plate with AMPs Hole Pattern & C Size Ball — RAM-202U
Arm: RAM Standard Double Socket Arm for C Size 1.5" Balls — RAM-201U
Cradle:

  • RAM® TAB-LOCK™ Locking Cradle for 10" Tablets (with case) — RAM-HOL-TABL20U

4WD / Off-Road Touring

Base Options:

  • RAM U-Bolt Rail Base with B Size 1" Ball — RAM-B-231ZU
  • RAM Diamond Plate with B Size Ball — RAM-B-238U
Arm: RAM Short Double Socket Arm for C Size 1.5" Balls — RAM-201U-B
Cradle:

Maintenance Tips

  • Check all tightening knobs before long trips.
  • Rinse mounts used in coastal or dusty conditions.
  • Keep rubber balls clean for maximum grip.

Quick Links for Australian Buyers

 

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