Choose a RAM® suction cup base when you need a temporary mount on a suitable smooth surface. Choose a RAM® Tough-Claw™ base when you need a removable clamp-style mount for a suitable rail, tube or bar. Choose a drill-down or AMPS-style base when you want a more permanent and stable installation. For New Zealand buyers, the best base depends on the vehicle, device weight, mounting surface and whether the setup is temporary, semi-permanent or permanent.
The base is the foundation of a RAM® Mount system. A strong phone or tablet holder will not perform properly if the base is attached to the wrong surface. Choosing the right base can make the difference between a mount that feels stable and one that moves too much.
What is a RAM® suction cup base?
A RAM® suction cup base attaches to a suitable smooth surface such as a windscreen or smooth flat panel. It is popular because it is easy to install, remove and move between vehicles.
Suction bases are useful for temporary setups, shared vehicles, delivery drivers, rental vehicles and customers who do not want to drill into a surface.
However, suction bases depend on surface condition. Dust, heat, texture and vibration can affect performance. They are not always the best choice for heavy tablets, rough-road use or permanent installations.
What is a RAM® Tough-Claw™ base?
RAM® Tough-Claw™ bases are clamp-style bases designed to attach to suitable rails, tubes, bars and similar mounting points. They are useful when there is no smooth surface for suction and drilling is not preferred.
Tough-Claw™ bases are commonly used for motorbikes, boats, kayaks, farm vehicles, work areas, temporary installs and certain vehicle interiors where a suitable rail or bar is available.
The key is the mounting point. The clamp must attach to a secure and suitable surface.
What is a drill-down or AMPS-style base?
A drill-down or AMPS-style base is used for a more permanent installation. It can be attached to a suitable surface using screws or bolts, then paired with a RAM® arm and holder.
This type of base is often the most stable option for work vehicles, boats, warehouses, retail counters, commercial vehicles, machinery and dedicated tablet setups.
Because it is a permanent install, the mounting location should be checked carefully before drilling.
Recommended RAM® base products
- RAM® Tab-Tite™ tablet holders for compatible tablets and cases
- RAM® X-Grip® tablet holders where universal fit is needed
- RAM-HOL-UN7BU RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder
- RAM-B-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for B Size components
- RAM-201U RAM® Standard Double Socket Arm for C Size components
- RAM-B-202U RAM® Round Plate with B Size Ball
- RAM-202U RAM® Round Plate with C Size Ball
- RAM-B-238U RAM® Diamond Ball Base
- RAM-B-238U RAM® Diamond Ball Base with B Size Ball
- RAM® AMPS-compatible plates and adapters
- RAM® Tough-Claw™ bases where suitable rails or bars are available
When to choose a suction cup base
Choose a suction cup base when you need flexibility. It is useful for personal vehicles, temporary delivery setups, shared cars and situations where the mount needs to move often.
It works best with lighter devices and suitable smooth surfaces. It may not be ideal for heavy tablets, dusty work environments, high heat, textured dashboards or high-vibration use.
When to choose a Tough-Claw™ base
Choose Tough-Claw™ when you have a suitable rail, tube or bar and want a removable clamp-style setup. It can be useful for motorbikes, marine setups, kayaks, farm vehicles, workstations and some machinery.
Tough-Claw™ is also useful when drilling is not allowed or when the mounting location may need to change.
Make sure the clamp does not interfere with controls, cables, movement or safety equipment.
When to choose a drill-down base
Choose a drill-down or AMPS-style base when stability matters and the mount will stay in place. This is often the best option for tablets, rugged devices, fleet vehicles, boats, workstations and commercial environments.
A fixed base is less flexible than suction or clamp mounting, but it provides a more stable foundation.
Which base is best for NZ vehicles?
For a personal car or temporary delivery setup, suction may be convenient. For a ute, truck or work vehicle used daily, a fixed base may be better. For a motorbike or vehicle with a suitable rail, Tough-Claw™ may be practical.
The best base depends on the device and the mounting point, not just the vehicle type.
Which base is best for boats and kayaks?
For boats, fixed round plates or AMPS-style bases are often stable choices for fish finders and electronics. For kayaks or rails, Tough-Claw™ or rail-based mounting may be useful. Suction bases are less ideal for many marine applications, especially where water, movement and heavier devices are involved.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use a suction mount on an unsuitable surface. Do not attach a Tough-Claw™ to a weak or flexible rail. Do not drill into a vehicle, boat or counter without checking clearance and suitability.
Do not use a temporary base for a heavy device if a permanent fixed base is the safer or more stable option.
Buying checklist
Before choosing a base, check the device weight, mounting surface, vibration level, whether the mount needs to move, whether drilling is allowed, arm length, ball size and daily usage.
Why buy from Mounts New Zealand?
Mounts New Zealand offers genuine RAM® suction bases, Tough-Claw™ bases, drill-down plates, AMPS plates, arms and components. Customers can compare base options and build a setup for cars, utes, trucks, boats, motorbikes, warehouses and workstations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RAM® Tough-Claw™ better than suction cup?
Tough-Claw™ is better when there is a suitable rail or bar. Suction is better for temporary mounting on a suitable smooth surface.
When should I use a drill-down RAM® base?
Use a drill-down base when the mount will stay in place and stability is more important than removability.
Can I use a suction cup base for a tablet?
It may work for some light temporary setups, but heavier tablets usually need a stronger and more stable base.
What is the best RAM® base for boats?
For many boat setups, a fixed round plate or AMPS-style base is more stable than a suction base, especially for fish finders and larger devices.
Choose suction for temporary smooth-surface mounting, Tough-Claw™ for removable rail or bar mounting, and drill-down or AMPS-style bases for permanent stable setups. Match the base to the device, surface and environment.
Explore Mounts New Zealand’s RAM® suction bases, Tough-Claw™ bases, AMPS plates and mounting components, or contact the team for help choosing the right base.