What Might Be Missing in Your RAM® Mount Setup
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Time to read 3 min
You have selected your RAM® holder, socket arm and mounting base. The components fit together and the device is ready to install. But before you lock everything into position, it is worth checking whether the finished setup is ready for the way it will actually be used.
A RAM® Mount system can have all the right core components and still benefit from a few finishing details. Security, secondary retention, charging access and small replacement parts can all affect how practical the mount is once it is in everyday use.
If you are still choosing the holder, arm and base, start with our How to Build a Complete RAM® Mount System Step by Step guide. This checklist is for customers who have already selected those core components and want to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Mounts Australia’s existing system-building guide covers the main component selection process in detail.
1. Does the installation need additional security?
Where the mount will be installed matters.
A RAM® Mount in a personal vehicle may have different security requirements from one installed in a shared fleet vehicle, public workspace, or unattended commercial environment. Compatible RAM® Pin-Lock™ components can provide additional protection against unauthorised adjustment or removal on selected mounting systems.
Before installation, consider who needs to adjust the mount and whether access to the mounting hardware needs to be restricted.
2. Does the device need secondary retention?
The holder may be suitable for the device, but the operating environment should also be considered.
Motorcycles, boats, off-road vehicles, and other high-movement applications can expose devices to additional vibration, wind, and sudden movement. For compatible RAM® X-Grip® holders, a RAM® tether can provide an additional point of retention around the device.
Not every setup requires one. If your application does, Mounts Australia already has a dedicated RAM® X-Grip® Tether guide covering selection and installation, so there is no need to duplicate those instructions here.
3. Have you tested charging while the mount moves?
A charging cable may reach the device when the mount is stationary, but that does not necessarily mean it will work comfortably once the arm, holder or device is repositioned.
Connect the cable before completing the installation and move the mount through the positions you expect to use. Make sure the cable has enough slack to follow the device without becoming stretched, trapped, or pulled tightly against the charging port.
This simple check is especially useful for adjustable vehicle and workstation mounts where the device may be repositioned regularly.
4. Are there any small parts worth keeping on hand?
RAM® Mounts are modular, which means individual compatible components can often be replaced without replacing the entire mounting system.
For a single mount, this may not be a major consideration. For fleets or businesses using the same mounting configuration across multiple vehicles or workstations, keeping commonly used replacement parts available can make maintenance easier.
Depending on the setup, this might include replacement caps, tethers, keys, mounting hardware, or adapters. Mounts Australia carries a broad range of RAM® accessories and replacement components for this purpose.
The Final RAM® Mount Check
Before completing the installation, ask four questions:
- Security: Does the environment require additional protection against adjustment or removal?
- Retention: Does the device need additional retention because of movement, vibration, or exposure?
- Power: Can the charging cable move comfortably with the device?
- Maintenance: Are there any small accessories or replacement parts worth keeping available?
If those areas are covered, your setup is not simply compatible. It is better prepared for everyday use.
Complete the Setup Before You Install
You will not need every RAM® accessory for every mount. The goal is to identify what your particular application needs before everything is permanently installed.
A security component, tether, charging adapter, or small replacement part may be all that separates a working RAM® Mount from a setup that works well day after day.
Explore RAM® Mount Accessories at Mounts Australia to find compatible security components, adapters, tethers, replacement parts and other finishing accessories for your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else might I need after choosing my RAM® Mount base, arm, and holder?
Depending on the application, you may also need an adapter plate, security accessory, secondary device retention, installation hardware, or an appropriate charging solution.
How do I know whether two RAM® Mount components are compatible?
Check the ball size, mounting pattern, and connection type of both components. Do not assume compatibility based only on their appearance.
Do I need an X-Grip® tether?
Not necessarily. A tether provides secondary retention and may be useful when the device is exposed to greater vibration, movement, wind, or other external forces.
Should I test the setup before permanently installing it?
Where practical, yes. Assemble the device, holder, mounting components, and charging arrangement first, then check the working position, movement, and cable access before completing a permanent installation.
Can I add security to a RAM® Mount?
Compatible RAM® mounting systems can be fitted with selected security accessories, including Pin-Lock™ components, to provide additional protection against unauthorised removal or adjustment.