Choosing the right RAM® Mount can feel confusing at first. With bases, arms, ball sizes, and cradles, many buyers ask the same question:
What RAM Mount do I actually need for my device and vehicle?
This guide breaks it down in simple steps so you can confidently build the perfect setup for your phone, tablet, GPS, or rugged device.
How the RAM® Mount System Works (In Simple Terms)
Every RAM® Mount setup has three core components:
- Base – attaches to your vehicle or surface
- Arm – connects the base to the cradle and allows adjustment
- Cradle – holds your device
Once you understand these three parts, choosing a RAM Mount becomes easy.
Step 1: What Device Are You Mounting?
The device you want to mount determines the cradle and ball size.
Phones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Rugged Phones)
Recommended Cradles
- RAM® Quick-Grip Phone Holder
- RAM® X-Grip Universal Phone Cradle
Recommended Ball Size
- B Size (1 inch ball) is ideal for phones
Tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Rugged Tablets)
Recommended Cradles
- RAM® TAB-LOCK Locking Tablet Cradle
- RAM® Spring-Loaded TAB-TITE Tablet Cradle
- RAM® Large X-Grip Tablet Holder
Recommended Ball Size
- C Size (1.5 inch ball) for stability
GPS, Cameras, and Small Devices
- Use universal RAM® device plates and holders
- B Size ball is usually sufficient
Step 2: Where Are You Mounting It?
The mounting location determines the base you need.
Cars and SUVs
Best Bases
Best for daily driving, rideshare, and navigation.
Trucks and Fleet Vehicles
Best Bases
Best for fleet tablets and dispatch systems.
Motorbikes and Scooters
Best Bases
Designed for vibration and outdoor exposure.
4WD, Off-Road, and Touring Vehicles
Best Bases
Recommended for corrugated roads and rugged touring.
Boats and Marine Use
- Clamp or screw-down bases
- Corrosion-resistant hardware recommended
- C or D Size ball for heavy marine electronics
- Base: RAM-B-224-1U
- Arm: RAM-B-201U
- Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN7BU
- Base: RAM-202U
- Arm: RAM-201U (C Size)
- Cradle: RAM-HOL-TAB8U
- Base: RAM-B-231ZU
- Arm: RAM-B-201U-A
- Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN7BU
- Base: RAM-B-238U
- Arm: RAM-201U (C Size)
- Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN11U
- Modular system for endless configurations
- Shock and vibration-dampening rubber ball system
- Military, fleet, and industrial-grade durability
- Made in the USA with global enterprise adoption
Step 3: Choose the Right Arm Length
The arm connects the base to the cradle.
Short Arm
Best for high vibration and compact installs
Standard Arm
Most popular and versatile
Long Arm
Best for reach but more vibration
Step 4: Pick the Correct Ball Size (B, C, or D)
Ball size determines stability and weight capacity.
B Size (1-inch ball)
Best for phones and light devices
C Size (1.5 inch ball)
Best for tablets, rugged phones, and fleet use
D Size (2.25 inch ball)
Best for laptops, marine electronics, and heavy industrial setups/p>
Simple RAM® Mount Builder Guide
Use this quick builder logic:
Phone in a Car
Tablet in a Truck or Fleet Vehicle
Phone on a Motorbike
Tablet in a 4WD
Common Mistakes When Choosing a RAM Mount
Choosing the wrong ball size
Tablets on B-size mounts often sag over time. Use C Size.
Using long arms in rough environments
Long arms increase vibration. Shorter arms are more stable.
Ignoring the mounting surface
Suction is great for temporary installs. Drill-down is best for permanent installs.
Why RAM® Mounts Are Different
Need Help Choosing Your RAM® Mount?
Mounts Australia is an authorised RAM® Mounts reseller with local stock and support. Our team can help you build the perfect setup for your device and vehicle.