Garmin’s RV GPS lineup has been around long enough that there are now two very different generations sitting in dashboards across the country. The older units — the RV 660LMT, 760LMT, and 770LMT-S — use a 17mm ball mount system. The newer units — the RV 890, 895, 1090, and 1095 — moved to a larger 22mm ball system with a powered magnetic cradle. Same brand, completely different mounts. The two systems are not interchangeable.
This guide covers both generations. If you’re not sure which ball size your unit uses, check the section below before buying anything. Getting this wrong is the most common and most expensive mistake RV GPS mount buyers make.
17mm vs. 22mm: Which Do You Have?
This is the single most important thing to get right before purchasing a mount. Garmin used the 17mm ball on virtually all of their automotive GPS units for over a decade. When they designed the RV 890 series, they moved to a larger 22mm ball to better support the size and weight of those larger screens.
- 17mm ball: Garmin RV 660LMT, 760LMT, 770LMT-S (and most older Garmin nuvi/Drive units)
- 22mm ball: Garmin RV 890, 895, 1090, 1095 (and the Garmin dezl OTR series)
If you’re still unsure, read our full guide to Garmin 17mm vs. 22mm mounts before proceeding.
Why RV Mounting Is Different From a Car or Truck
RV interiors create a mounting environment that’s unlike any standard vehicle. The challenges are real and worth understanding before you choose a mount style.
- Windshields are large, upright, and often a long reach from the driver’s seat
- Dashboards are wide with varying angles and surface textures
- A co-pilot or passenger frequently needs to interact with the GPS
- Long trips mean the mount needs to stay secure for hours at a time over rough road surfaces
These factors make positioning just as important as the mount itself. A mount that works great in a Honda Pilot may be completely wrong for a Class A motorhome.
Quick Comparison: All Recommended Mounts
| Mount | Best For | Compatible Models |
| Arkon GN115 Suction Mount | Windshield, everyday use | RV 660LMT, 760LMT, 770LMT-S |
| Garmin Portable Friction Mount | Dashboard, no-drill install | RV 660LMT, 760LMT, 770LMT-S |
| Extended Suction Mount (22mm) | Long-reach windshield installs | RV 890, 895, 1090, 1095 |
| AMPS-Based Dash Mount (22mm) | Permanent, clean dash install | RV 890, 895, 1090, 1095 |
| Flexible Gooseneck Suction (22mm) | Custom angle positioning | RV 890, 895, 1090, 1095 |
| Garmin Portable Friction Dash Mount (22mm) | No-install, flexible placement | RV 890, 895, 1090, 1095 |
Mounts for the Garmin RV 660LMT, 760LMT, and 770LMT-S (17mm Ball)
These three units were Garmin’s RV GPS lineup for most of the 2010s. They’re excellent GPS devices that still work well — the 770LMT-S in particular was a significant upgrade with its larger screen and updated cradle design. All three use the standard 17mm ball that fits Garmin’s universal mount ecosystem, which means there are a lot of compatible options available.
Garmin includes a basic suction cup mount in the box. It works, but the neck is short, and in an RV the windshield is often far enough from the driver’s seat that a longer-reach mount makes a real difference in usability. The two best upgrades are below.
1. Arkon GN115 Suction Cup Mount — Best Windshield Option
The Arkon GN115 has been a go-to replacement for the stock Garmin suction mount for years, and for good reason. The build quality is noticeably better than the OEM mount, the suction cup uses a lever-release mechanism that creates a firm hold, and the 3-inch adjustable arm adds positioning flexibility that the stock mount doesn’t offer. The 17mm ball fits directly into the socket on the back of the RV 660, 760, and 770 cradles.
For RV use specifically, the longer neck helps bridge the distance between the windshield and the driver’s seat. It’s not an extended arm, but it’s a meaningful improvement over the factory mount. Arkon backs it with a two-year warranty, which is better than most competitors in this price range.
Best for: Windshield mounting, everyday use, replacing a failed OEM suction cup
2. Garmin Portable Friction Mount — Best Dashboard Option
The Garmin bean bag friction mount is one of the most practical dashboard solutions available for 17mm ball units. It sits directly on the dashboard surface, held in place by its own weight and a non-skid base that molds to the contour of the dash. No suction cup, no adhesive, no drilling. The 17mm ball on the arm accepts the cradle from the RV 660, 760, and 770 directly.
This is an especially good choice in RVs with wide, flat dashboards where suction cup real estate is limited or where the windshield angle makes suction mounting awkward. Because the GPS sits closer to the driver on the dash rather than up on the glass, it’s also easier to interact with while traveling. For co-pilot use, you can simply pick it up and reposition it without tools.
Best for: Dashboard installs, co-pilot positioning, no-drill setups
What Comes in the Box With 17mm Units
All three of these units ship with Garmin’s standard suction cup pedestal and a longer neck than the smaller Drive series mounts. If the suction cup is failing, our guide on reviving a failing suction cup mount is worth reading before replacing it. Sometimes a thorough cleaning and re-seat is all it takes.
Mounts for the Garmin RV 890, 895, 1090, and 1095 (22mm Ball)
The RV 890 series is a different animal. These are large, heavy GPS units with screens up to 10 inches, and Garmin designed a new mounting system to support them. The 22mm ball and powered magnetic cradle provide excellent stability, but they also mean that nothing from the 17mm world will fit. Every mount in this section is specific to the 22mm system.
Garmin includes both a suction cup windshield mount and a screw-down dash mount with most RV 890 series units. Unlike in trucks, these mounts often work reasonably well in motorhomes thanks to the large windshield surface area. But many owners still upgrade for reach, positioning, or a cleaner install.
1. Extended Suction Mount — Best Overall for Motorhomes
The most common complaint from RV 890 owners is that the GPS ends up too far away to interact with comfortably. In a Class A motorhome, the windshield can be a significant distance from the driver’s seat. An extended suction mount solves this by bringing the GPS forward while keeping it at windshield height and in the driver’s sightline.
This mount uses a 22mm ball head, locks into the cradle cleanly, and provides the kind of reach that the stock mount simply cannot match. It works well on both the driver side and center windshield positions that are common in larger RVs.
Best for: Class A motorhomes, large windshields, reaching the driver’s seat
2. AMPS-Based Dash Mount — Best for Permanent Installs
If you’re a full-timer or simply want the GPS in one fixed location without the risk of suction cup failure, an AMPS-based mount with a 22mm ball is the cleanest solution. AMPS is a standard four-hole bolt pattern used across a wide range of professional-grade mounts. You can attach it directly to the dashboard, to a custom bracket, or to an existing AMPS mounting plate.
Once installed, there’s no movement, no re-sticking suction cups, and no positioning drift. For the weight and size of the RV 890 or 1090 screen, this level of stability is worth the extra installation effort.
Best for: Full-time RVers, permanent installations, maximum stability
3. Flexible Gooseneck Suction Mount — Best for Custom Angles
For situations where you need the GPS angled toward a specific position — slightly toward the passenger, canted for a co-pilot, or positioned to avoid a reflection — a gooseneck suction mount gives you that flexibility. You position it manually, then lock it in place with the lever. The gooseneck holds that angle without creeping.
This is particularly useful in RVs where the driver and co-pilot share navigation duties on long trips. It’s also the right call when your windshield angle or dash layout doesn’t accommodate a rigid-arm mount cleanly.
Best for: Co-pilot use, custom angle requirements, shared navigation setups
4. Garmin Portable Friction Dash Mount — Best No-Install Option
If you split time between an RV and another vehicle, or simply want a mount you can move without tools, a friction dash mount is worth considering. It sits on the dashboard, held by weight and grip, and accepts the 22mm powered cradle directly. No adhesive, no mounting hardware.
The tradeoff is stability — friction mounts shift more than fixed or suction installs on rough roads. For smooth highway driving over long RV routes, they’re generally fine. For aggressive terrain or steep grades, a fixed mount is the better choice.
Best for: Multi-vehicle use, temporary setups, no-install preference
Best Mounting Locations Inside an RV
Where you put the mount matters as much as which mount you choose. RVs have more flexibility than cars, but also more variables to manage.
Windshield mounting is the most common approach and works well in motorhomes thanks to the large glass surface. The key is reach — if the windshield is farther than arm’s length from the driver, an extended arm is essential rather than optional.
Dashboard mounting puts the GPS closer to the driver and tends to feel more natural for interaction on long trips. It works best on flat, wide dash surfaces common in Class A and Class C vehicles. A friction mount or AMPS installation both work well here.
Passenger-side positioning is often overlooked but valuable. Many RV travelers rely on a co-pilot to manage navigation while the driver focuses on the road. Mounting the GPS slightly toward center or angling it with a gooseneck mount makes this genuinely practical rather than an awkward stretch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the wrong ball size: Confirm 17mm or 22mm before purchasing anything. This is the most common and most avoidable mistake.
- Mounting too far from the driver: A GPS you can’t comfortably reach or read defeats the purpose. Prioritize reach, especially in large motorhomes.
- Using a weak mount for a large screen: The 1090 and 1095 are heavy units. A mount rated for a phone or small GPS will vibrate and sag over time.
- Blocking sightlines: Never mount in a position that limits your forward view, even partially.
- Skipping the test phase: Before committing to an adhesive or permanent install, test the position with a temporary mount first.
Bottom Line
The right mount for your Garmin RV GPS comes down to two things: which ball size your unit uses, and where in the RV you need the GPS positioned. Get the ball size right first — that narrows the field immediately. Then choose between windshield and dash based on your setup and how much you rely on a co-pilot.
For the older 17mm units, the Arkon GN115 and the Garmin friction mount are the two most reliable options with real track records in RV use. For the newer 22mm units, the extended suction mount handles most motorhome installs well, and the AMPS mount is the right call for anyone who wants a permanent setup.
