If a Garmin mount does not fit, the problem is almost always the same: wrong ball size. Garmin has used the 17mm ball system for years across most automotive GPS devices, but newer large-screen models like the DriveSmart 86, RV series, and OTR series now use a larger 22mm ball. These two systems are not compatible, and that is where most of the frustration starts. This guide discusses the Garmin 17mm vs 22mm mounts and let’s you know which mount is needed.
This guide breaks down how the two systems differ, which Garmin models use each one, and which mounts actually fit. If you own a DriveSmart 86, an RV 890 or 1090, or an OTR unit, this page will point you to the model-specific mount guide for your device as well.
Quick answer: If your Garmin has an 8 inch or larger screen, it almost certainly uses a 22mm ball. Smaller Nuvi, Drive, and DriveSmart models under 8 inches use 17mm.
| Mount | Best For | Ball Size |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin OEM Suction Cup Mount | Replacement or second mount for RV/OTR devices | 22mm |
| Garmin Portable Friction Mount | Most Nuvi, Drive, and DriveSmart owners | 17mm |
| Garmin XL Portable Friction Mount | Large-format devices, no-drill setups | 22mm |
| Bracketron Universal Friction Mount | Non-Garmin-specific setups | Universal disk base |
Garmin 17mm vs 22mm: The Core Difference
The difference between 17mm and 22mm mounts comes down to size, strength, and intended use.
| Feature | 17mm Ball | 22mm Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Common Use | Cars, small GPS | Trucks, RV, large GPS |
| Device Size | 5 to 7 inches | 8 to 10 inches |
| Strength | Moderate | Heavy-duty |
| Compatibility | Very wide | Limited but growing |
The key takeaway is simple. These two systems do not mix. A 17mm mount will not fit a 22mm socket, and there is no clean workaround short of using a mount built for the larger ball or a dual-socket friction mount that supports both.
Which Garmin Models Use 17mm?
The 17mm ball system is still the most common across Garmin’s lineup. If the GPS is smaller and designed primarily for passenger vehicles, it almost always uses 17mm.
- Garmin Nuvi series (all models)
- Garmin Drive series
- Garmin DriveAssist
- Garmin DriveSmart 5, 6, and most 7-inch models (65, 66, 76)
- Many dezl truck units with smaller screens
This is why the aftermarket is full of 17mm mounts. It has been the default for years.
Which Garmin Models Use 22mm?
The 22mm system is used on Garmin’s larger, premium GPS units. These devices are heavier and need a stronger mounting connection to stay secure over time.
- Garmin DriveSmart 86
- Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090
- Garmin dezl OTR 800 and OTR 1000
- Garmin dezl OTR 810, 820, 1010, 1020
These larger devices are covered in detail on their own pages. See our full guides to the Garmin DriveSmart 86, the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090, and the Garmin OTR 800 and OTR 1000 above for device-specific mount recommendations, including friction, suction, and permanent drill-down options for each.
Why 22mm Exists
The move to 22mm was not random. Larger GPS units put more stress on a mount, especially in trucks and RVs where vibration is higher.
- More weight means more leverage on the mount arm
- Longer arms mean more movement and vibration
- Commercial use means higher durability requirements
The 22mm ball gives a stronger connection and better stability, especially with longer mounting arms or fixed AMPS installations. Our AMPS pattern guide covers permanent, drill-down mounting options if you want a setup that will not move once it is installed.
Best Mount Options for Both Systems
Once it is clear whether a GPS uses 17mm or 22mm, the next step is finding a mount built for that system. Below are four options that cover both sizes, including the OEM mount Garmin sells for its large-format devices and three bean bag style friction mounts.
The bean bag mount, officially a portable friction mount, is a weighted base that sits directly on the dashboard without adhesives or suction. The bottom uses a rubberized, non-slip surface that grips the dash under normal driving conditions, and the GPS connects on top through a standard ball and socket cradle. There is no installation process. You set it on the dash, snap on your cradle, and you are ready to go, which is part of why these mounts are popular for rental cars and fleet vehicles.
Garmin OEM Suction Cup Mount (22mm)
This is Garmin’s official replacement suction mount for its large-format 22mm devices, including the dezl OTR800 and OTR1000, RV 890 and RV 1090, and Overlander. It is the same mount style that ships in the box with those units, so it is a good pick if you need a second mount for another vehicle or a direct replacement for a damaged OEM mount. Because it comes straight from Garmin, fit and build quality match what the device shipped with.
Garmin Portable Friction Mount (17mm)
This is the original Garmin bean bag mount and still the best option for most Garmin users with a 17mm device. It works with almost every Nuvi, Drive, and DriveSmart unit under 8 inches. Remove the cradle from your suction mount and snap it onto the 17mm ball on this mount, and you are set. It is extremely portable and works well for travel, rental cars, and anyone who does not want a permanent installation. The tradeoff is that it relies entirely on friction, so a sloped dash or a dash treated with protectant can reduce its grip.
Garmin XL Portable Friction Mount (22mm)
For larger Garmin devices, a 22mm mount is required, and this is the bean bag version scaled up to handle the extra size and weight. If you are using a DriveSmart 86, RV 890 or 1090, or a dezl OTR unit, this is the correct mount type. It is especially useful for RV and truck drivers who move between vehicles and want a no-drill, no-suction mounting solution.
Bracketron Universal Friction Mount
Bracketron has become the go-to alternative now that other friction mount options have thinned out. It follows the same bean bag concept but is built around a universal disk base, which works with an existing suction cup cradle rather than a specific Garmin ball size. This makes it a flexible pick if you are not working with a Garmin-specific setup, and its wider base can help with stability on some dashboards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a 17mm mount for an 8 inch or larger Garmin device
- Assuming all Garmin mounts are interchangeable
- Ignoring the magnetic cradle requirement on large-format units
- Choosing an undersized mount for a heavy GPS unit
A bean bag mount also has real limits worth knowing before you buy one. It can slide during hard braking, it is not ideal for sloped dashboards, and it offers less overall security than a fixed or drill-down mount. Place it on a flat section of dash, clean the surface first, and avoid curved or glossy areas for the best grip.
Bottom Line for Garmin 17mm vs 22mm Mounts
The difference between Garmin 17mm and 22mm mounts is simple once you know what to look for, even though it causes a lot of confusion at the point of purchase. Smaller GPS units use 17mm. Larger, newer devices like the DriveSmart 86, RV series, and OTR series use 22mm. They are not interchangeable.
Start by identifying your device’s ball size, then choose a mount built for that system, whether that is the OEM Garmin suction mount or one of the bean bag options above. For deeper, device-specific recommendations, the linked guides below cover mounting options in more detail for each large-format model.
