Finding the right Garmin dash cam mount is more complicated than it looks because Garmin has used several mounting systems across its dash cam lineup. The Mini 3 and newer X-series cameras do not use exactly the same factory hardware as older models such as the Dash Cam 45, 55 and 65W, while the Dash Cam Live uses a larger ball joint of its own. Whether you need a replacement adhesive mount, a suction cup, or a rearview mirror mount, matching the hardware to your exact Garmin model matters.
Garmin Dash Cam Mount Sizes and Compatibility
Before buying any replacement mount, start with the camera model.
A large portion of Garmin’s current and recent dash cam lineup uses an 8.55mm ball joint. Garmin’s universal suction cup mount is particularly useful as a compatibility reference because Garmin supplies an 8.55mm ball for many cameras and a separate larger connection for the Dash Cam Live.
The major exception is the Garmin Dash Cam Live, which uses an 11mm ball.
| Garmin Dash Cam | Ball Size | Mount Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini 3 | 8.55mm | Current adhesive, magnetic or suction options |
| X110 / X210 / X310 | 8.55mm | Current adhesive, magnetic or suction options |
| 47 / 57 / 67W | 8.55mm | Compatible with Garmin universal suction mount |
| 45 / 54 / 55 / 65W | 8.55mm | Older low-profile magnetic system |
| 46 / 56 / 66W | 8.55mm | Compatible with Garmin universal suction mount |
| Mini / Mini 2 | 8.55mm | Low-profile mount family |
| Tandem | 8.55mm | Dual lens: road and vehicle interior |
| Dash Cam Live | 11mm | Requires Live-compatible hardware |
Best Garmin Dash Cam Mount Options
| Mount | Best For | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Universal Suction Cup Mount | Moving between vehicles | Windshield suction |
| RNVEASS Rearview Mirror Mount | No adhesive or suction cup | Mirror stem clamp |
| Garmin 010-12530-00 Magnetic Mount | Older Garmin magnetic setups | Adhesive magnetic |
| TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount | Budget removable option | Windshield suction |
Garmin Universal Dash Cam Suction Cup Mount
For drivers who want a removable Garmin dash cam mount, the Garmin Universal Dash Cam Suction Cup Mount, part number 010-12530-25, is one of the most useful options.
Instead of permanently attaching the camera mount to the windshield with adhesive, the suction cup can be removed and transferred to another vehicle.
The kit is particularly useful because Garmin includes multiple ball connections rather than assuming every Garmin dash cam uses identical hardware.
The supplied 8.55mm straight ball works with models including the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3, X110, X210, X310, 47, 57, 67W, Mini, Mini 2 and Tandem, along with several earlier Garmin cameras.
Garmin also supplies an 11mm connection for the Dash Cam Live.
That makes this mount particularly useful if you own more than one Garmin dash cam or expect to upgrade to another model later.
The suction cup uses a locking lever and remains considerably smaller than the large suction mounts traditionally associated with Garmin automotive GPS units.
RNVEASS Rearview Mirror Mount for Garmin Dash Cams
If you do not want adhesive or a suction cup on the windshield, the RNVEASS Rearview Mirror Mount is an interesting newer alternative.
Rather than attaching to the glass, the mount clamps around the stem of the vehicle’s rearview mirror. An adjustable 8.55mm ball connection then holds the Garmin dash cam high on the windshield near the mirror.
The aluminum bracket uses an anti-slip insert around the mirror stem, and the camera position can be adjusted through the ball joint.
The mount is designed for mirror stems approximately 0.4 inches in diameter or larger. Because rearview mirror designs vary considerably, check how much exposed stem is available before ordering.
Vehicles with bulky sensor housings, large auto-dimming mirror assemblies or cameras built into the windshield area may not provide enough space for a clamp-style mount.
The 8.55mm connection is intended for Garmin models including the Mini, Mini 2, Mini 3, 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, 57, 65W, 66W, 67W, Tandem and X110/X210/X310.
One advantage of this design is that there is no adhesive pad or suction seal exposed to windshield heat. Once the clamp is tightened to the mirror stem, the mounting point itself is mechanical.
The bracket also includes two 1/4-inch accessory holes that can potentially be used with other lightweight equipment.
Garmin Low-Profile Magnetic Mount for Mini 3 and X-Series
Garmin offers a newer low-profile magnetic mounting system for the Mini 3, X110, X210 and X310.
The current Garmin magnetic mount carries part number 010-13316-00 and uses an 8.55mm ball connection. The magnetic system allows the camera and mount to separate from the adhesive base without removing that base from the windshield.
Garmin also offers a low-profile adhesive mount, part number 010-13335-00, for the same generation of cameras.
These current parts should not be confused with Garmin’s older 010-12530-00 magnetic mount.
Garmin has retained a small ball connection across several generations, but that does not mean the complete mounting assemblies are identical.
Garmin 010-12530-00 Low-Profile Magnetic Mount
The older Garmin 010-12530-00 Low-Profile Magnetic Mount remains useful for owners of compatible previous-generation Garmin dash cameras.
It is associated with models such as the Garmin Dash Cam 45, 55 and 65W along with Garmin Speak and Speak Plus.
The design uses a small adhesive-backed magnetic mounting point. The camera-side portion can detach while the magnetic disk remains installed on the windshield.
That makes it useful if the original mount has failed or if you want another mounting point for a compatible camera.
What this mount should not be considered is a universal replacement for every newer Garmin dash camera.
Mini 3 and X110/X210/X310 owners should use the newer Garmin mounting options or a compatible 8.55mm alternative designed for those models.
TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount
The TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount is a lower-cost third-party alternative for several Garmin dash cams using the smaller ball-style connection.
Listed compatibility includes models such as the Garmin Dash Cam 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, 57, 65W, 66W and 67W along with Speak Plus.
The small suction cup allows the camera to be repositioned or moved to another vehicle without replacing an adhesive mounting disk.
Its adjustable ball joint also makes it easy to fine-tune the camera angle after installation.
I would buy this mount based on the exact models listed rather than assuming that every Garmin camera with an 8.55mm connection is supported.
For the Mini 3 and X110/X210/X310, Garmin’s own universal suction cup mount remains the safer choice because Garmin specifically documents those cameras.
Magnetic vs. Adhesive vs. Suction vs. Mirror Mounts
There is no single mounting style that makes sense for every vehicle.
A low-profile adhesive mount is usually the smallest option. It works particularly well when the dash cam will remain permanently installed in one vehicle.
The downside is that repositioning the mount generally means replacing the adhesive.
A magnetic mount still uses adhesive at the windshield, but it allows the camera-side portion to detach quickly. This makes removing the camera much easier.
A suction cup mount is the most flexible setup for moving a camera between vehicles. It is somewhat larger than an adhesive mount but requires no permanent installation.
A rearview mirror mount avoids the windshield entirely. The RNVEASS mount is particularly interesting for drivers who have enough exposed mirror stem to accommodate a clamp and want a more mechanical installation.
For a permanent installation, the factory low-profile setup is usually the cleanest.
For frequent vehicle changes, use the Garmin suction mount.
For a clean installation with nothing stuck to the glass, the mirror stem mount deserves consideration.
Moving a Garmin Dash Cam Between Two Cars
If you regularly move the same Garmin dash cam between two vehicles, choose your mounting system with that use in mind.
The easiest solution is a suction cup. The camera and mount simply move together.
With compatible magnetic mounts, another option is installing a mounting base in each vehicle and moving the camera between them.
Just make sure both mounting bases belong to the correct Garmin generation.
For a Mini 3 or X-series camera, use mounts intended for the Mini 3/X110/X210/X310 family instead of assuming an older magnetic Garmin mount will work.
A mirror mount is another possibility if both vehicles have suitable rearview mirror stems, although transferring the clamp takes a little longer than moving a suction cup.
Where to Position a Garmin Dash Cam
Mounting location affects both footage quality and driver visibility.
A position high on the windshield near the rearview mirror usually gives the camera a centered view of the road while keeping it away from the driver’s main sightline.
You also want the camera lens inside the area swept by the windshield wipers. Otherwise, rain or road spray can obscure the recording.
Before permanently installing an adhesive mount, power up the camera and check the live view. A small change in position can make a large difference in what the camera sees.
Avoid positioning the camera where it blocks traffic lights, pedestrians or vehicles entering your field of view from the side.
Windshield mounting laws also vary by state, so check the rules where you drive.
Can You Mount a Garmin Dash Cam Behind the Rearview Mirror?
In many vehicles, yes.
Mounting the camera high and close to the rearview mirror can keep it largely outside the driver’s field of view while still giving the lens a good view through the windshield.
This is one reason the RNVEASS mirror mount is interesting. Instead of placing another attachment point on the windshield, it positions the camera from the mirror stem itself.
There are two things to check first.
The camera must still have a clear view of the road, and the mirror assembly must leave enough space around the camera for adjustment.
Vehicles with large driver-assistance sensor housings behind the mirror can be more difficult.
The Garmin Tandem requires even more attention because its second lens records the interior of the vehicle.
A Special Note About the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
The Garmin Dash Cam Tandem has two lenses.
One records the road ahead while the second records the vehicle interior.
Because of that second lens, hiding the Tandem directly behind the rearview mirror can block part of the interior camera’s view.
Position the camera so both lenses remain unobstructed.
This is particularly important if you use a mirror-stem mount. The mount itself may fit perfectly while the mirror housing blocks part of the cabin-facing lens.
For the Tandem, camera visibility should take priority over making the installation invisible from the driver’s seat.
What About Using a Smartphone as a Dash Cam?
A smartphone can also record your drive, particularly if you already have a stable windshield or dashboard phone mount.
Modern phones provide excellent video quality, and specialized apps can add features such as loop recording and GPS information.
We cover that setup separately in our guide to using a smartphone as a dash cam.
The disadvantage is convenience.
A dedicated Garmin dash cam powers up with the vehicle and begins recording without requiring you to mount your phone and start an app every time you drive.
For people who want automatic continuous recording, a dedicated dash camera remains the cleaner solution.
If you have a camera that uses a traditional threaded mount instead of Garmin’s small ball system, see our broader guide to car dash camera mounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size ball does a Garmin dash cam use?
Many recent Garmin dash cams use an 8.55mm ball connection. Models supported by Garmin’s 8.55mm suction mount hardware include the Mini 3, X110, X210, X310, 47, 57, 67W, Mini, Mini 2 and Tandem. The Garmin Dash Cam Live uses a larger 11mm connection.
Will an old Garmin GPS mount fit a Garmin dash cam?
Usually not. Garmin automotive GPS units commonly use substantially larger mounting balls. The difference is easy to see in the comparison photo near the top of this article.
Will a normal camera tripod mount fit a Garmin dash cam?
Not directly. Garmin dash cams use their own small ball-style mounting hardware rather than the standard 1/4″-20 threaded connection found on many cameras and tripods.
What mount should I use for a Garmin Mini 3?
The Mini 3 uses Garmin’s current 8.55mm mount family. Options include Garmin’s current low-profile adhesive mount, low-profile magnetic mount and universal suction cup mount. Compatible third-party 8.55mm mounts can also work when the Mini 3 is specifically listed.
What mount works with the Garmin X110, X210 and X310?
The X110, X210 and X310 use the same current 8.55mm mount family as the Mini 3. Garmin offers adhesive, magnetic and suction mounting options for these cameras.
Does the Garmin Dash Cam Live use the same mount as the X310?
No. The Dash Cam Live uses an 11mm connection, while the X110, X210 and X310 use an 8.55mm connection. Garmin’s universal suction cup kit includes hardware for both sizes.
Can I mount a Garmin dash cam to the rearview mirror?
Yes, with a compatible mirror-stem mount. The RNVEASS mount in this guide clamps to an exposed rearview mirror stem and provides an 8.55mm connection for compatible Garmin dash cams.
Is a mirror mount better than a suction cup?
It depends on the vehicle. A mirror mount avoids attaching anything to the windshield and does not depend on suction. A suction cup is easier to move between vehicles and works in cars where there is not enough exposed rearview mirror stem for a clamp.
Can I move a Garmin dash cam between vehicles?
Yes. A suction cup is the easiest solution. Compatible magnetic systems can also use separate mounting bases in multiple vehicles so the camera can be moved without removing the windshield hardware.
Can I mount a Garmin dash cam behind the rearview mirror?
Often, yes, as long as the camera still has an unobstructed view. Be more careful with the Garmin Tandem because its second lens records the vehicle interior and can be blocked by the mirror.
Which Garmin Dash Cam Mount Should You Buy?
For the widest documented compatibility and easiest vehicle-to-vehicle use, the Garmin Universal Dash Cam Suction Cup Mount is the safest starting point.
It supports a large portion of Garmin’s dash cam lineup and includes hardware for both the common 8.55mm connection and the larger Dash Cam Live connection.
If you want nothing attached directly to the windshield, the RNVEASS Rearview Mirror Mount is a useful alternative for compatible 8.55mm Garmin cameras. Just confirm that your vehicle has enough exposed mirror stem for the clamp.
Mini 3, X110, X210 and X310 owners who want the lowest-profile permanent installation should consider Garmin’s newer magnetic or adhesive mounts designed specifically for that generation.
Owners of older cameras such as the Dash Cam 45, 55 and 65W can still use Garmin’s earlier 010-12530-00 low-profile magnetic mount.
The important part is checking the camera model before ordering. Garmin has used several similar-looking mount designs over the years, and a mount that looks right in an Amazon photo is not necessarily the correct one for your camera.
