NZ buyers should choose a standard RAM® Mount for lighter devices such as phones, small GPS units and everyday vehicle use. Choose a heavy-duty RAM® Mount when the device is larger, heavier or used in a demanding environment such as a truck, ute, farm vehicle, warehouse, boat, worksite or off-road touring setup. For many phone mounts, RAM® B Size is a practical starting point. For tablets and rugged devices, RAM® C Size may be more suitable. For larger marine electronics and heavy screens, RAM® D Size may be required.
The right choice depends on the device, mounting surface, vibration level and arm length. A standard mount may work well in a delivery van, car or commuter vehicle. A heavier setup may be needed for a tablet in a commercial vehicle, a fish finder on a boat or a rugged device in agricultural machinery.
What does standard RAM® Mount usually mean?
In practical terms, a standard RAM® Mount often refers to a lighter-duty setup commonly built around B Size components. These mounts are compact and suitable for phones, small GPS units, compact cameras and other lighter devices.
A standard setup may include a phone holder, B Size double socket arm and a suction, clamp or fixed base. It is a good option when the device is not too heavy and the environment is not extremely rough.
For many NZ drivers, delivery users, commuters and general vehicle setups, a B Size RAM® phone mount is enough.
What does heavy-duty RAM® Mount mean?
A heavy-duty RAM® Mount is designed for larger or more demanding setups. These may use C Size or D Size components, stronger bases and shorter arms to reduce movement.
Heavy-duty setups are often used for tablets, rugged devices, marine electronics, fish finders, commercial vehicles, farm vehicles, forklifts, workshops and touring setups.
The goal is not simply to buy the biggest mount. The goal is to match the mount to the device and environment.
Recommended RAM® products
Recommended products and components:
- RAM-HOL-UN7BU RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder/a>
- RAM-HOL-UN10BU RAM® X-Grip® Large Phone Holder
- RAM-B-201U-A RAM® Short Double Socket Arm for B Size components
- RAM-B-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for B Size components
- RAM-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for C Size components
- RAM-D-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for D Size components
- RAM-B-202U RAM® Round Plate with B Size Ball
- RAM-202U RAM® Round Plate with C Size Ball
- RAM-D-202U RAM® D Size Round Plate
- RAP-B-404U RAM® Tough-Claw™ Medium Clamp Base
- RAP-404U RAM® Tough-Claw™ Medium Clamp Base with C Size Ball
When a standard RAM® Mount is enough
A standard setup is often enough for phones, small GPS units, compact devices and everyday driving. It is a practical choice for delivery drivers, general car use, light trade vehicles and basic navigation.
A B Size setup is also more compact, which makes it easier to position in smaller vehicles or around dashboards where space is limited.
Choose a standard setup when the device is light, the mounting point is stable and the environment is not heavily exposed to vibration or impact.
When NZ buyers should choose heavy-duty
Choose a heavy-duty RAM® Mount when the device is heavier, the vehicle is used in rougher conditions or the mount will be used daily for work.
Heavy-duty setups are often a better fit for:
- Tablets in trucks, utes and commercial vehicles
- Rugged devices in warehouses and workstations
- Fish finders and marine electronics on boats
- Farm vehicles and machinery
- Forklifts and industrial equipment
- Touring vehicles and campers
- Any setup using a longer arm or heavier device
If the device moves too much with a lighter setup, the system may need a stronger base, shorter arm or larger ball size.
B Size vs C Size vs D Size
B Size is compact and commonly used for phones and light devices. C Size is stronger and often used for tablets, rugged devices and work vehicle setups. D Size is used for larger heavy-duty applications such as bigger fish finders, screens and marine electronics.
The holder, arm and base should generally use the same ball size. Mixing sizes is not recommended unless using a suitable adapter intentionally.
The base matters as much as the holder
Many buyers focus on the holder, but the base is the foundation of the mount. A heavy-duty holder will not perform well if the base is attached to a weak surface.
For demanding NZ use, consider fixed AMPS-style bases, round plates or strong clamp bases. Suction bases are convenient for temporary use, but may not be the best choice for heavy tablets, fish finders or high-vibration work environments.
Arm length and stability
A short arm is usually more stable than a long arm. This is especially important with heavier devices. A long arm creates more leverage and can increase movement.
For boats, trucks, farm vehicles, machinery and touring setups, choose the shortest practical arm that still gives a safe and usable viewing position.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not choose a standard mount for a heavy tablet just because it is cheaper or more compact. Do not choose a heavy-duty setup without checking the mounting space. Do not use a long arm when a short arm would work.
Also avoid mounting heavy devices on flexible panels, weak surfaces or locations that block controls and visibility.
Buying checklist
Before choosing standard or heavy-duty, check the device type, device weight, case thickness, mounting surface, vibration level, arm length, whether the install is temporary or permanent, and whether B Size, C Size or D Size is most suitable.
Why buy from Mounts New Zealand?
Mounts New Zealand helps customers compare genuine RAM® standard and heavy-duty components for different NZ use cases. Customers can browse phone mounts, tablet mounts, heavy-duty arms, bases, Tough-Claw™ mounts and RAM® components in one place.
This makes it easier to choose a setup based on the device and environment instead of guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a heavy-duty RAM® Mount?
You may need a heavy-duty RAM® Mount if the device is heavy, the environment has vibration, or the setup is used daily for work, marine, farm or commercial applications.
Is B Size RAM® Mount strong enough for a tablet?
Some smaller tablets may suit B Size in light conditions, but larger or rugged tablets are often better matched to C Size components.
What is the difference between RAM® B Size and C Size?
B Size is commonly used for phones and light devices. C Size is larger and stronger, making it more suitable for tablets and heavier work setups.
Should I choose a short or long arm for heavy-duty RAM® Mounts?
A short arm is usually more stable and is often better for heavy-duty setups.
Choose a standard B Size RAM® Mount for phones and lighter devices. Choose a heavy-duty C Size or D Size setup for tablets, rugged devices, fish finders and demanding NZ environments. Keep the arm short and choose a strong base.
Explore Mounts New Zealand’s RAM® standard and heavy-duty mounts, arms, bases and components, or contact the team for help choosing the right setup.