The Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090 were recently introduced as part of the company’s product refresh for the RV line. The mounts required for these GPS models are different from practically all others. We will discuss that in more detail below.
Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090 Mounts are Different from Anything Else
These aren’t cheap GPS devices. As part of the premium price paid, you will receive two mounts. Both are solid mounts.
Common to all mounts will be use of the magnetic cradle. Unlike other Garmin GPS devices, these are powered cradles. They provide power as well as HD traffic feeds. The cradle also comes with a video port.
The back of the magnetic cradle has a 22mm socket. This is completely different from practically all prior Garmin GPS devices that use a 17mm socket. Therefore, the majority of mounts seen on the aftermarket are not going to fit this magnetic cradle. You will need to specifically find a 22mm ball.
Included in the Box with the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090
The first mount included with the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090 is the screw down mount. These are commonly used on consoles. The 22mm ball will fit the socket on the back of the magnetic cradle. Just push it in. If you don’t mind several holes in your console, then this will work best as it’s a permanent attachment and most secure.
Also included is a suction cup mount. It’s very similar to practically every other Garmin suction cup mount except it has a 22mm ball. Deploying a vacuum lever to improve the suction attachment, these attach to almost anything smooth and flat. Most use it on the windshield but it can be used on smooth flat dash too.
Alternative Mounts for the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090
Third party mounts for this GPS series aren’t going to be easy to find. The mass market supports the Garmin automotive, smaller form factor GPS models like the Nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart and the dezl. These all use a 17mm ball. None of these mounts will fit the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090.
It’s not going to be easy to find any 22mm mounts. Easiest will be to stick with the Garmin mounts. However, for those that like to venture out onto lightly traveled roads, there are alternatives.
The photo that accompanies this article is the Arkon AMPS to 22mm Mount. These mounts feature a 22mm ball which is what you need. The bottom uses the industry standard 4-hole AMPS pattern. This mounting pattern is typically used for attaching to Vehicle Specific Mounts (VSM) which typically utilize the AMPS pattern. Screws and nuts aren’t supplied but it’s a solid mount which carries a manufacturer 2-year warranty.
This same company also makes an adhesive mount with a 22mm ball. These mounts utilize Very High Bond (VHB) adhesive. This type of adhesive is very effective and when applied properly, it’s fairly permanent and isn’t going to move. The ball will snap into the back of the cradle just like the rest of the mounts.
As previously stated, there aren’t many options for a 22mm ball, but a few are mentioned. This article will be updated as more become available.