The Garmin OTR 800 and OTR 1000 were recently introduced as part of the company’s product refresh for the trucker line. The mounts required for these GPS models are different from all others. We will discuss that in more detail below.
A New Ball Size for the Garmin OTR 800 and OTR 1000
These aren’t cheap GPS devices. As part of the premium price paid, you will receive a magnetic cradle and mount.
Common to all mounts will be use of this 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 difference between the two devices are screen sizes. The OTR 800 has an 8 inch screen and the OTR 1000 has a 10 inch screen. Those are large screens.
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.
Garmin seems to heading in this direction for their larger GPS devices. It looks like it kicks in with a GPS larger than 7 inches diagonal screen size. We have seen this one before on mounts for the Garmin RV 890 and RV 1090.
Included in the Box with the Garmin OTR 800 and OTR 1000
Garmin includes a suction cup and screw down mount with a 22mm ball. These fit the socket on the back of the magnetic cradle.
These are good mounts and if they suite your needs, no reason to read further. You will be well served by these mounts. However, if you’re open to some optional types of mounts, read on.
Alternative Mounts for the Garmin OTR 800 and OTR 1000
Third party mounts for this GPS 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 OTR 800 and OTR 1000.
The photo that accompanies this article is the AMPS to 22mm Ball Flat Surface 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 works great on flat surfaces or for attaching to a VSM mount. The mount can also be attached directly to a dashboard.
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.
A unique mount to consider is this Extra Long Suction Cup Mount for the Garmin Drivesmart 86. It extends from 14 to 18 inches and has a metal rod in the middle. A great choice for SUVs and trucks. Suction cup has a lever that when pressed creates a vacuum lock. The added extension is really great for a truck.
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.