RAM Mounts are one of the most durable and versatile mounting systems available. They come with a lifetime warranty and will likely outlast every device you ever put in them. The modular ball-and-socket design means individual components swap freely between setups, so a base you bought for your motorcycle can be repurposed for your car with nothing more than a new suction cup base. That flexibility is exactly why so many people use them across multiple vehicles and applications.
The most common question we get about RAM Mounts is simply: how do I put this together? This guide walks through every component, explains the different cradle types, and covers the full assembly process step by step. Whether you bought a complete kit or are building a custom setup from individual parts, this article covers everything you need.
The Three Core Components
Every basic RAM Mount setup has exactly three parts: a base, an arm, and a cradle. Understanding what each part does makes assembly straightforward.
The base is what attaches to your vehicle or surface. It has a rubber-coated 1-inch ball on top. Common base types include suction cup bases for windshields and dashboards, U-bolt bases for handlebars and rails, flat surface bases for permanent bolt-down installs, and adhesive bases for smooth flat surfaces.
The arm connects the base to the cradle. It has a cup socket at each end that grips the ball from the base on one side and the ball from the cradle on the other. A flywheel tightening knob in the middle locks both connections simultaneously. See our dedicated RAM Arms overview article for a full breakdown of short, standard, and long arm sizes.
The cradle holds your device. It attaches to the arm via its own 1-inch ball on the back. There are several cradle types covered in detail below.
Choosing Your Base
The base you need depends entirely on where you are mounting. Here are the three most common options for 1-inch ball setups:
The RAM Suction Cup Twist Lock Base with 1-Inch Ball is the most popular base for car windshields. The twist-lock mechanism creates a strong vacuum seal. Press the cup to the surface, twist the locking lever, and it holds firmly.
The RAM U-Bolt Mounting Base with 1-Inch Ball is designed for round bars, rails, and handlebars. The U-bolt clamps around the bar and a backing plate with the ball sits on top. This is the standard base for motorcycle and bicycle handlebar mounts.
For permanent installations, the RAM flat surface base bolts directly to any flat surface through pre-drilled holes. This is the heavy-duty option used in commercial and fleet vehicles. See our RAM flat surface mounts article for more on that setup.
Choosing and Assembling Your Cradle
There are two main cradle categories: universal cradles and custom device-specific cradles. Each attaches to the arm differently.
Universal cradles like the RAM X-Grip have a 1-inch rubber ball already built into the back of the cradle. No assembly required. The ball plugs directly into the arm socket and you are done. The X-Grip is our recommended universal cradle and we have covered it in detail in our RAM X-Grip overview article.
Custom cradles for specific GPS, tablet, or phone models require an adapter plate that attaches to the back. The adapter plate has the 1-inch ball and mounts to the cradle via screws. There are two adapter plate types depending on your cradle:
Cradles with a two-hole pattern on the back use the RAM Diamond Base with 1-Inch Ball.
Cradles with a four-hole AMPS pattern on the back use the RAM 2.5-Inch Round Plate with AMPS Hole Pattern and 1-Inch Ball. The AMPS pattern is an industry standard used by Garmin, TomTom, and many other GPS manufacturers.
Assembling a Custom Cradle Step by Step
Before connecting the cradle to the arm, you need to attach the adapter plate to the back of the cradle. Here is how:
- Locate the hexagonal nut slots on the front face of the cradle. These are small recessed pockets shaped to hold the nut without it spinning.
- Press the included nut firmly into each hexagonal slot until it seats flush.
- From the back of the cradle, insert the included screw through the adapter plate hole and into the cradle hole.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw into the nut. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten.
- Repeat for all screws. Your adapter plate with its 1-inch ball is now attached to the cradle.
Full Assembly: Connecting All Three Components
With your base in place and your cradle assembled, here is how to connect everything using the RAM Double Socket Arm:
- Turn the flywheel knob counterclockwise to loosen it. The two arm halves will separate slightly, opening both ball sockets.
- Press the rubber ball from your base into one open socket at one end of the arm.
- Press the rubber ball from your cradle adapter into the socket at the other end of the arm.
- Turn the flywheel knob clockwise to tighten. Both balls will lock simultaneously into their sockets.
- Tighten firmly by hand until there is no movement in either connection.
Your mount is now fully assembled. To adjust the angle of your device, loosen the flywheel slightly, reposition the arm to your preferred angle, and retighten. The entire adjustment takes about five seconds once you are familiar with the system.
RAM Mount Component Summary
| Component | Purpose | Common Types |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Attaches to vehicle or surface | Suction cup, U-bolt, flat surface, adhesive |
| Arm | Connects base to cradle | Short (1.75″), Standard (3″), Long (5.25″) |
| Universal Cradle | Holds any phone or tablet | X-Grip, ball built into cradle back |
| Custom Cradle | Holds specific GPS or device model | Requires diamond base or AMPS plate adapter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all RAM Mount components fit together?
Only if they use the same ball size. All 1-inch ball components are fully interchangeable with each other regardless of when they were purchased. A base from five years ago will connect to an arm you buy today as long as both use the 1-inch ball. Different ball sizes are not interchangeable.
Which arm size should I buy for a standard car mount?
The standard 3-inch arm works for most car applications. If you need the device closer to the mounting surface, use the short arm. If you are using a windshield suction cup and need to pull the device back toward the driver, use the long arm. See our RAM Arms guide for full size details.
How do I know if my cradle needs a diamond base or an AMPS plate?
Count the holes on the back of your cradle. Two holes means you need the diamond base adapter. Four holes in the AMPS pattern means you need the round AMPS plate adapter. Both come with the screws and nuts needed for assembly.
Can I use my RAM motorcycle mount in my car?
Yes. That is one of the best features of the RAM system. Keep your arm and cradle from the motorcycle setup. Purchase a suction cup base with a 1-inch ball and attach it to the arm. Your full mount is now ready for car windshield or dashboard use without buying a new kit.
How tight should I tighten the flywheel?
Tighten firmly by hand until there is no movement at either ball socket. Do not use tools to overtighten as this can stress the composite cup halves. Hand tight is the correct and sufficient standard for all RAM 1-inch ball arms.
