Garmin has spent years building a strong lineup of compact dash cameras, from the palm-sized Mini 3 to the wide-angle 67W and the dual-channel Tandem and X-series models. They record reliably, connect to the Garmin Drive app, and hold up well over time. But the mounting system is a different story for a lot of owners.The magnetic adhesive mount that ships in the box works fine at first. After a few months in a hot car, though, the adhesive can loosen and the camera starts to sag or fall. If you have ever reached up to adjust your Garmin only to have it drop onto your dashboard, you already know the problem. This guide covers the best replacement and upgrade mounts for every current Garmin dash cam, including the Mini 3, 67W, X110, X210, and X310, organized by mount type so you can find the right solution for your setup.
The above photo is from my personal collection. It shows the vast difference in size between the traditional Garmin GPS mount versus the one for a current Garmin dash cam. A lot of people think their old GPS mount will work. It won’t.
Before buying anything, it helps to understand one key detail about Garmin dash cams: they do not use the standard 1/4″-20 threaded mount found on most cameras and tripods. Instead, they use a small proprietary ball joint. Most current models use an 8.55mm ball head, while some older and GPS-adjacent accessories use a 17mm ball. Any mount you buy needs to match that pattern, which is why generic camera mounts will not work here. If you want to learn more about the 1/4″-20 standard used by other cameras, check out our dash cam mount guide for cameras with a threaded mount.
Garmin Dash Cam Mount Comparison
| Mount | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin OEM Low-Profile Magnetic Mount | OEM replacement, clean look | Windshield / dash adhesive |
| Garmin Universal Suction Cup Mount | Moving between vehicles, rental cars | Windshield suction |
| TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount | Flexible positioning, budget upgrade | Windshield / dash |
| Triplinger Mirror and Handlebar Mount | No windshield mounting, clean interior | Rearview mirror stem |
Garmin OEM Low-Profile Magnetic Mount
The OEM magnetic mount (part number 010-12530-00) is the direct replacement for the mount that came in your camera’s box. It uses the same two-piece magnetic system: a small adhesive disk goes on your windshield or dash, and the camera snaps onto it magnetically. Installation takes about two minutes.
The advantage of replacing like-for-like is perfect fit every time. The ball joint size matches exactly, the camera sits at the same angle it was designed for, and the low profile keeps your sightline clear. If your original mount’s adhesive pad has given out or you want a second mount in another vehicle, this is the most reliable solution.
One thing to know: the adhesive disk and the magnetic mount ship together as one unit, with the disk pre-attached. You will need to pry them apart before installation, which takes a little patience. Read through the included instructions before you start. Once the adhesive disk has cured for 24 hours, the hold is strong and reliable. Compatible with the Mini 2, Mini 3, 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, 57, 65W, 66W, 67W, X110, X210, X310, Tandem, and Speak Plus.
Garmin Universal Suction Cup Mount
The Garmin Universal Suction Cup Mount (010-12530-25) is Garmin’s own suction-based alternative to the adhesive system. It attaches to the windshield with a lever-lock suction cup and comes with multiple mounting arm configurations so you can dial in the exact position for your vehicle. It is compatible with the same range of cameras as the OEM magnetic mount.
This is the right choice for drivers who need to move the camera between vehicles regularly. Detach the suction cup, reinstall in the next car, and you are done in seconds with no adhesive residue left behind. It is also a solid option for leased vehicles where you would rather not stick anything permanently to the glass.
The suction mechanism uses a lever to create a firm vacuum seal. On clean glass it holds well, including on rough road surfaces. Clean the windshield with isopropyl alcohol before mounting for best results. The included mounting arms give you several length options so you can position the camera high and centered without blocking your sightline. Garmin rates this mount for use with all current dash cams that have the 8.55mm ball joint.
TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount for Garmin Dash Cams
The TUSITA Mini Suction Cup Mount is a compact third-party option for drivers who want a suction-based alternative to the OEM adhesive system. It uses a self-locking suction cup mechanism that grips the windshield firmly and holds through everyday driving conditions including rough roads. The mount is compatible with all current Garmin dash cams using the 8.55mm ball joint, including the Mini, Mini 2, Mini 3, 45 through 67W, and the full X-series lineup.
The design is deliberately small so it does not obstruct the driver’s view, and the ball joint allows 360-degree rotation so you can set the camera angle precisely for your vehicle. Installation and removal are quick, which makes this a practical choice for drivers who move the camera between cars or want the option to bring the camera inside when parked.
Triplinger Mirror and Handlebar Mount for Garmin Dash Cams
Some drivers prefer not to put anything on the windshield at all, whether due to local laws, lease restrictions, or simply wanting a cleaner look inside the car. The Triplinger mirror mount clips onto the stem of the rearview mirror using an ultra-slim 9.7mm clamp, positioning the camera just behind the mirror where it is nearly invisible from the driver’s seat.
The mount includes multiple adjustable joints so you can dial in the exact angle for your camera and vehicle. It is compatible with the full range of current Garmin dash cams using the 8.55mm ball joint, including the Mini series, 45 through 67W, X110, X210, X310, and Speak Plus. The same mount can also be used on a bicycle or motorcycle handlebar, which makes it a flexible accessory if you use your Garmin camera across multiple setups.
Positioning behind the mirror keeps the camera hidden from view outside the vehicle, which also reduces the chance of a smash-and-grab. The camera points forward through the windshield just below the mirror, so the field of view is not affected. Once the joints are tightened down the mount holds its position reliably through normal driving.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Situation
The OEM magnetic mount is the right choice if your original has failed and you want the same setup you started with. It is simple, low-profile, and engineered specifically for Garmin cameras. The only drawback is that the adhesive disk commits you to one location on one vehicle.
The suction cup options, whether from Garmin or TUSITA, are better for drivers who move the camera between vehicles or want the flexibility to reposition it without leaving adhesive behind. Both work well. The Garmin suction cup is the cleaner OEM match; the TUSITA version is a compact budget-friendly alternative with the same basic functionality.
The mirror mount is for a specific audience: drivers who want the camera hidden behind the rearview mirror where it is out of sight from outside the car. If that matters to you, the Triplinger mirror mount is a well-built option designed specifically for Garmin’s ball joint pattern.
One scenario worth planning for is the multi-vehicle owner. If you regularly move your Garmin dash cam between two cars, consider buying two OEM adhesive disks and permanently mounting one in each vehicle. The camera then snaps magnetically between both without removing any hardware. It takes about 30 seconds to switch cars that way.
Where to Position Your Garmin Dash Cam
Placement affects footage quality more than most people expect. The center of the windshield, just below the rearview mirror, is the standard position for a reason: it captures the full lane width ahead, stays within the wiper sweep area in rain, and keeps the camera out of the driver’s peripheral vision. Most Garmin mounts are designed with this position in mind.
Avoid placing the camera too low on the windshield, where the hood of the car can creep into the bottom of the frame. Avoid the passenger side, where your sightline to the right is partially blocked. And avoid the driver’s side A-pillar area, where the camera can block your view of pedestrians and cyclists entering from the left.
In states like California, Minnesota, and a few others, there are specific laws about what can be mounted on a windshield and where. Garmin cameras mounted in the lower corner of the passenger side windshield typically comply with most of these rules, but it is worth checking your state’s statutes before mounting on the glass. The mirror mount option sidesteps most of these concerns entirely.
What About Smartphone Dash Cam Apps?
If you are on the fence about a dedicated dash cam versus using your phone, it is worth knowing that modern smartphones can do a credible job of recording your drives. The camera quality on most current phones outpaces what you get from a budget or mid-range dash cam, and the right app adds loop recording, GPS logging, and collision detection. We cover the full setup in our guide on how to use a smartphone as a dash cam.
The tradeoff is that your phone is not dedicated to the task. A Garmin dash cam records automatically every time the car starts and stops when you park, with no interaction required. For drivers who want hands-off recording and the reliability of purpose-built hardware, a dedicated camera with a solid mount is still the better tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a universal phone mount or GoPro mount work with a Garmin dash cam?
No. Garmin dash cams use a proprietary 8.55mm ball joint that is not compatible with the 1/4″-20 threaded mount used by GoPro accessories and most camera mounts. You need a mount specifically designed for Garmin’s ball pattern.
Which Garmin dash cams use the 8.55mm ball?
All current models do, including the Mini, Mini 2, Mini 3, 45, 46, 47, 55, 56, 57, 65W, 66W, 67W, X110, X210, X310, Tandem, Speak, and Speak Plus. Older models like the Dash Cam 10, 20, 30, and 35 used a different mounting system.
Can I use the same mount in two different cars?
Yes, if you use a suction cup mount. The Garmin Universal Suction Cup Mount and the TUSITA suction cup both detach in seconds and reinstall cleanly in another vehicle. If you prefer the magnetic adhesive system, buy two adhesive disks and install one in each car permanently.
My OEM magnetic mount keeps falling. Can I fix it?
The most common cause is adhesive failure from heat exposure. Remove the adhesive disk, clean the glass with isopropyl alcohol, and apply a new adhesive disk. Let it cure for 24 hours before reinstalling the camera. If the magnet itself is weak, the whole mount needs to be replaced.
Is there a mount that works for the Garmin Tandem or X-series with a rear camera?
Yes. The OEM magnetic mount and both suction cup options listed above are compatible with the Tandem, X110, X210, and X310. For those cameras, mounting position matters more because the rear lens needs an unobstructed view. Garmin recommends centering the mount just under the rearview mirror and ensuring the rear camera has a clear line of sight through the rear glass.
Do I need to remove the mount when I park?
Most security experts recommend removing the camera (or at minimum the mount) when parking in public, particularly in urban areas. A suction cup mount makes this easier since it detaches in seconds. The magnetic mount lets you pop the camera off while leaving the disk on the glass, which is a good middle ground.
