Building the best Mount for Your SUV

How to Build the Perfect RAM Mount Setup for Your Smartphone in an SUV

Okay - we can't choose the SUV for you but if you really need that high riding people mover to do the school run we can help you out with getting your devices nicely installed.

Mounting your smartphone in an SUV can be tricky — large interiors, sloped dashboards, and different driver preferences all come into play. That’s where RAM Mounts come in. Their rugged, modular design gives you flexibility, durability, and customization you won’t get from generic phone mounts.

This guide breaks down the three essential components of a RAM Mount system and introduces several SUV-friendly base options — including cup holder mounts, grab handle bases, and more — to help you build your perfect setup.

We will only discuss B series (1"ball) parts here - if you're off road a lot or if this is a commercial vehicle where the gear gets a less gentle life then look at the C series (1.5"ball) versions.

🔧 The Three Key Parts of a RAM Mount Setup

Every RAM Mount system has three parts:

Base – Anchors the mount to your vehicle.
Arm – Provides adjustable positioning.
Cradle – Holds your smartphone securely.

Let’s walk through how to select the right option for each.

1. Choose the Right Base for Your SUV

SUVs offer more mounting opportunities than sedans — so take advantage of them. Here are the most popular base options:

✅ Windshield Suction Cup Base

Use for: Windshields or flat, smooth dashboards.
Example: RAM-B-166-UN7U
Pros: Quick install/removal, reposition-able.
Cons: Not suitable for textured dashboards or curved surfaces.

✅ Adhesive Dashboard Base

Use for: Textured or curved dash surfaces.
Example: RAP-SB-180U or RAP-B-378U
Pros: More secure than suction on uneven surfaces.
Cons: Semi-permanent install.

✅ Cup Holder Base

Use for: Center console cup holders.
Example: RAP-B-299-4-UN7U
Pros: Tool-free install, no damage, adjustable fit.
Cons: Occupies a cup holder, can wobble if not tightly secured.

✅ Grab Handle (Passenger Assist Bar) Base

Use for: Front seat grab handles or overhead assist bars.
Example: RAM-B-367BU, RAP-B-400U, RAP-B-397-2U
Pros: Great for off-road or rugged driving, very secure.
Cons: Slightly more complex install.

✅ Tough-Wedge™ Base

Use for: Wedge between seat and center console.
Example: RAM-B-407-UN7BU
Pros: No tools or adhesive needed, discrete install.
Cons: May shift during aggressive driving if not tightly wedged.

✅ Seat-Mate™ Universal Base

Use for: Passenger seat without using the dashboard.
Example: RAM-SM1-UN7U
Pros: Portable, rests on the passenger seat with a stable platform.
Cons: You've lost the passenger seat. Kind of overkill as it's designed for tablets / laptops and heavier equipment

✅ Floor/Seat Rail Mount

Use for: Permanent installs, like delivery vehicles or fleet SUVs.
Example: RAM-B-316-1-238-UN7U
Pros: Extremely stable, great for professionals.
Cons: Requires some installation but no drilling.

2️. Select the Right Arm

RAM arms connect the base to the cradle. Choose based on how much reach and adjust-ability you need.

🟦 Short (2.38") – RAM-B-201U-A

For tight mounting locations or close proximity.

🟦 Standard (3.69") – RAM-B-201U

Best all-round choice for SUVs.

🟦 Long (6") – RAM-B-201U-C

Ideal for floor mounts or if you need to reach over obstacles.

All arms feature the RAM ball-and-socket system for strong, flexible positioning.

3️. Pick the Right Cradle

The cradle holds your phone — so security and access are key.

⭐ RAM® X-Grip® (Universal)

Model: RAM-HOL-UN7BU
Fits: Most smartphones with or without cases.
Optional: Use RAM-HOL-UN7TU tether for extra security.
Pros: Open design, strong grip, small profile
Cons: From experience may push side buttons on Samsung devices

⭐ RAM® X-Grip® (Universal)

Model: RAM-HOL-UN10BU
Fits: Larger smartphones, or phablets with or without cases.
Optional: Use RAM-HOL-UN7TU tether for extra security.
Pros: Open design, strong grip, small profile
Cons: From experience may push side buttons on Samsung devices

⭐ RAM® Quick-Grip® (Universal)

Model: RAM-HOL-PD3U
Fits: Most smartphones with or without cases.
Optional: RAM-HOL-UN7TU tether for extra security.
Pros: Strong grip, single handed insertion and removal.

⭐ RAM® Quick-Grip® (Universal)

Model: RAM-HOL-PD4U
Fits: Most large smartphones and phablets with or without cases.
Optional: RAM-HOL-UN7TU tether for extra security.
Pros: Strong grip, Single handed insertion and removal.

⭐ RAM® Finger-Grip® (Universal)

Model: RAM-HOL-UN4U
Fits: Smaller phones
Pros: Strong grip, versatile for other thicker devices such as radios and GPS

⭐ RAM® Universal Phone Mounts

Model: RAM-HOL-UN1U (small) or RAM-HOL-UN5U
Fits: Most smartphones
Pros: Simple use, lightweight, economical, supports multiple phone sizes with or without case

⭐ RAM® EZ-Roll-r® cradles (Phone Model Specific)

Model: Various for Apple phones - RAM-HOL-APxxx (e.g. RAM-HOL-AP38U)
Fits: Larger smartphones, or phablets without cases.
Pros: Strong grip, lightweight
Cons: Can't use with a phone case, model specific so change phone = change cradle

⭐ Apple Mag-Safe compatible devices

Model: RAM-HOL-AP15WBU will work with any RAM B series arm and base

⭐ RAM® charging cradles

Model: RAM-HOL-UN12WB-1, RAP-HOL-GDS-DOCK-V1U
Fits: Phones and Phablets
Pros: Ideal if you are in your vehicle a lot and protects the charging port on the phone
Cons: Needs wiring or charging cables to match you vehicle and phone. May not work with all phone cases.

🔄 Example Setups for SUVs

🧼 Simple Dashboard/Windshield Setup

Base: RAM-B-166-UN7U (Suction)
Arm: RAM-B-201U (Standard)
Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN7BU (X-Grip)

🪑 Seat Rail Pro Setup

Base: RAM-B-316-1-238U (Seat Rail)
Arm: RAM-B-201U-C (Long)
Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN7BU

🧃 Cup Holder Easy Install

Base: RAM-B-132-UN7BU
No arm needed – included ball socket adjusts directly
Cradle: RAM-HOL-UN7BU

🚗 Tough-Wedge Minimalist Setup

Base: RAM-B-407-UN7BU
Cradle included – no additional parts required

🧠 Pro Tips

Make sure all components use the same ball size – most phone mounts use B size (1”).
Measure your interior before ordering.
Add a tether for bumpy roads or off-roading.
Consider the location of vents, gear shifts, and passenger access when choosing placement.

🛒 Get the Right Mount with The Gadget Guys

At The Gadget Guys, we stock the full range of RAM Mounts, and we specialize in building custom kits for SUVs, utes, and 4WDs. Whether you’re a commuter, tradesperson, or off-road adventurer, we’ll help you find the ideal setup for your smartphone.

📬 Contact Us

📧 sales@thegadgetguys.co.nz
📞 09 558 6189
🌐 www.thegadgetguys.co.nz

Ready to mount smarter? Let’s make it happen.

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