Mounting a dash cam properly is one of the most overlooked parts of getting good footage in your vehicle. A shaky mount, poor positioning, or cheap hardware can ruin video quality—even if you have a high-end camera.
The good news is that many dash cams and most small cameras use a standard mounting system: the 1/4″-20 threaded screw. This is the same mount used for tripods and photography gear, which opens the door to a wide range of high-quality mounting solutions.
If your camera uses this standard (and most do), you are not limited to basic dash cam mounts. You can use professional-grade camera mounting hardware that is far more stable and adjustable.
Understanding the 1/4″-20 Mount Standard
The 1/4″-20 thread is the universal mounting standard used across cameras, tripods, and many dash cams. If your device has a threaded hole on the bottom, it will work with a wide range of mounts designed for stability and adjustability.
This is why many action cameras and compact cameras can double as dash cams. Instead of being stuck with proprietary mounts, you can use stronger and more flexible mounting systems.
Important exception: Some brands like Garmin use proprietary magnetic or cradle-based mounts instead of a threaded connection. If you’re using one of those cameras, you’ll need a mount designed specifically for that system.
Best Places to Mount a Dash Cam
Before choosing a mount, you need to decide where the camera will go. The mount type depends heavily on placement.
- Windshield (most common): Best visibility and most widely supported
- Dashboard: Lower profile and less visible from outside
- Rear window: For rear-facing cameras
- Headrest or interior mounts: Used for cabin or rear-seat recording
In most cases, the windshield or dash is the best option for forward-facing recording.
Types of Dash Cam Mounts
1. Adhesive Dashboard Mounts (Most Stable Option)
Adhesive mounts use high-bond tape (typically 3M VHB) to create a permanent connection to your dashboard. When installed correctly, these are extremely stable and resistant to vibration.
This is one of the best choices if you want a clean, low-profile setup that stays in place long term.
Installation tips:
- Clean the surface thoroughly before applying
- Apply pressure and let it cure for 24 hours
- Avoid installing in very cold temperatures
These mounts are ideal for drivers who want a “set it and forget it” solution.
2. Friction / Bean Bag Mounts (Best Portable Option)
Friction mounts sit on your dashboard using a weighted base with a non-slip surface. These are perfect if you want to move the camera between vehicles or avoid adhesives altogether.
The tradeoff is slightly less stability compared to adhesive mounts, but modern designs are surprisingly effective.
These are especially useful for rental cars or shared vehicles.
3. Windshield Suction Mounts (Most Popular)
Suction mounts attach directly to the windshield and are the most common solution for dash cams. The key here is quality—cheap suction mounts tend to vibrate or fall off over time.
A high-quality suction mount provides excellent stability and easy repositioning.
Look for mounts with:
- Locking suction mechanisms
- Rigid arms (not flexible goosenecks)
- Solid connection points
Gooseneck-style mounts are generally not recommended due to vibration.
Common Dash Cam Mounting Mistakes
- Using cheap mounts: leads to vibration and poor video quality
- Mounting too low: reduces field of view
- Choosing flexible arms: increases shaking
- Skipping surface prep: causes adhesive failure
- Ignoring camera orientation: results in tilted footage
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Setup
The best dash cam mount depends on how permanent you want the installation to be and how important stability is for your setup.
- Want maximum stability? Choose adhesive mounts
- Want flexibility? Choose suction mounts
- Need portability? Choose friction mounts
If you are using a larger or heavier camera, lean toward more rigid mounting solutions like RAM-style mounts or solid suction systems.
Related Mount Guides
Bottom Line
Most dash cams use the standard 1/4″-20 mount, which gives you access to better mounting options than many people realize.
The key is choosing a mount that is stable, properly positioned, and suited to your driving environment. Whether you go with adhesive, suction, or a portable solution, a good mount will dramatically improve your dash cam experience.
Don’t treat the mount as an afterthought—it’s just as important as the camera itself.
