9 Best Dashboard Phone Mounts for Older Motorhomes

Driving a classic motorhome down a winding mountain pass requires your full attention, yet modern navigation demands a clear view of your GPS or smartphone. Older RV dashboards present a frustrating landscape of brittle plastics, deep recesses, and textured vinyl that reject standard automotive phone mounts. Finding the right mounting solution ensures your device stays secure through engine vibrations and rough roads without damaging your vintage rig’s interior.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

The Unique Challenges of Older RV Dashboards

Vintage Class A and Class C motorhomes, like older Winnebagos or Fleetwood Bounders, feature expansive, deep dashboards that place the windshield several feet away from the driver’s seat. Standard short-arm suction mounts simply cannot reach the driver, forcing you to stretch dangerously or lose line of sight to your navigation. Furthermore, decades of UV exposure make these older plastics brittle, meaning aggressive clamping or drilling can crack your dashboard permanently.

Textured vinyl and pebbled leather-look plastics are the standard in older rigs, creating microscopic air gaps that instantly defeat cheap suction cups. Engine rumble from large gas V8s or front-mounted diesels transmits massive vibrations right through the chassis, violently shaking any mount that lacks robust shock absorption. To make matters worse, classic RVs lack modern air vents or flat, smooth consoles, leaving you with very few natural mounting points.

Suction Cup Mount – iOttie Easy One Touch 5

A reliable suction cup mount is essential for drivers who want their phone positioned directly in their line of sight without drilling permanent holes. It bridges the gap between the glass windshield and the dashboard, keeping navigation apps visible without forcing your eyes off the road. In older rigs, this mount acts as a highly adjustable workstation that can be repositioned as travel conditions change.

The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 stands out because of its patented sticky gel suction cup and its telescopic arm that extends up to eight inches. This extra reach is critical for overcoming the vast dashboard depth of older Class C motorhomes. The mechanical one-touch trigger lock allows you to mount or release your phone with a simple, single-handed press, which is invaluable when pulling into tight campsites.

• Telescopic Range: 5 inches to 8 inches
• Rotation: 360-degree pivot joint
• Mounting Base: Reusable sticky gel suction cup plus dashboard pad
• Best For: Medium-sized Class C motorhomes and campervans

Keep in mind that the sticky gel pad requires a flat, non-porous surface to seal properly, so you will need to use the included semi-permanent dashboard pad if you aren’t mounting it to the windshield. Over time, road dust will degrade the suction, but a quick rinse with warm water and an air-dry restores the gel to its original stickiness. This mount is perfect for solo RVers driving Class C rigs who need to bring their phone closer to the steering wheel, but it is not suitable for heavily textured, curved dashboards without the mounting disk.

Long Arm Mount – RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Suction

In a large Class A motorhome, the distance from the driver’s seat to the massive, flat windshield can feel like a mile. A dedicated long-arm mount solves this ergonomics crisis by physically extending the phone into your natural reach, preventing dangerous leaning while driving. It acts as a heavy-duty bridge that stabilizes your device over large gaps of dead space.

The RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Suction utilizes a marine-grade aluminum double-socket arm paired with a high-strength composite X-Grip cradle. The twist-lock suction mechanism creates an incredibly powerful vacuum seal on the windshield that resists the heavy cab vibrations of older diesel pushers. Its modular ball-and-socket design allows you to adjust the phone to virtually any angle, fighting harsh afternoon glare.

• Arm Length: 6 inches of solid aluminum reach
• Cradle Style: Spring-loaded X-Grip with rubber caps
• Suction Diameter: 3.25-inch twist-lock base
• Best For: Wide-body Class A motorhomes and bus conversions

The X-Grip cradle is highly secure, but it requires a two-handed operation to insert the phone, and you must ensure the rubber posts do not press down on your phone’s side power or volume buttons. The heavy-duty components also mean this setup is heavier than average, requiring a clean glass surface to prevent gravity from slowly pulling it down over weeks of travel. Choose this setup if you drive a wide rig and require indestructible, industrial-grade stabilization that will not sag over thousands of miles.

Magnetic Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro 2

Magnetic mounts offer the fastest, most seamless docking experience, which is crucial when you frequently exit the cab to check campsite hookups or park your rig. There are no arms to adjust or clamps to squeeze; you simply place your phone near the mounting surface and let gravity and magnetism do the work. It minimizes clutter in older, already cramped dashboard layouts.

The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 features extra-powerful Neodymium magnets that deliver a secure grip even when bouncing down washboard BLM roads. It comes with interchangeable bases, allowing you to choose between a low-profile adhesive dash mount or a secure vent mount if your older RV has sturdy vent slats. The head swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to instantly switch your GPS from portrait to landscape mode.

• Magnet Type: 100% device-safe Neodymium magnets
• Mounting Options: Adhesive base and air vent clip included
• Compatibility: Universal (works with MagSafe and standard devices)
• Best For: Quick-stop travelers and vintage Class B van lifers

Using this mount requires adhering a thin metal plate directly to your phone or sliding it inside your phone case, which can sometimes interfere with wireless charging. If your older motorhome has a heavily sloped dash, you must carefully plan the adhesive placement to ensure the phone remains visible and doesn’t block vital analog gauges. This is the ultimate choice for the frequent stops of active van lifers, but it is not recommended for those using extremely heavy, ruggedized phone cases.

Adhesive Mount – LISEN Magnetic Phone Holder

When an older dashboard lacks flat plastic surfaces or accessible vents, an adhesive mount provides the flexibility to create a mounting point virtually anywhere. It utilizes heavy-duty tape to bond directly to vertical or sloped console panels, utilizing dead space that other mounts cannot access. This bypasses the need for suction cups that dry out in hot weather or windshield mounts that block your view.

The LISEN Magnetic Phone Holder features an adjustable, flexible alloy base that conforms to slightly curved dashboard contours common in late-90s RVs. It uses genuine 3M VHB adhesive, which is engineered to withstand the extreme cabin temperatures of parked, un-airconditioned motorhomes. The compact, sleek design blends into vintage interiors without looking like a bulky piece of modern plastic.

• Adhesive Type: Automotive-grade 3M VHB
• Base Design: Flexible, bendable alloy strip
• Holding Power: 6 strong rubidium magnets
• Best For: Curved dashboards and vertical console panels

Installation requires absolute precision; you must clean the mounting area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and allow the adhesive to cure for a full 24 hours before hanging your phone. Attempting to use the mount immediately after sticking it down is the leading cause of failure on older vinyl surfaces. This holder is ideal for owners of older Class C or campervans with curved, non-porous dashboard panels, but it is not the right fit for anyone who wants to move the mount between vehicles.

Friction Dash Mount – Garmin Portable Friction Mount

If you are unwilling to stick adhesives to your vintage dash or attach suction cups to your windshield, a friction mount is the classic, damage-free alternative. It relies on weight and a non-skid silicone base to sit securely on top of your dashboard, utilizing gravity to stay in place. This allows you to position your navigation exactly where you want it and stow the entire unit out of sight when parked.

The Garmin Portable Friction Mount features a flexible, four-arm beanbag-style design that contours perfectly to the uneven top surfaces of older RV dashboards. Its heavy, tacky base clings to vinyl without leaving sticky residues or marks, resisting movement during sudden braking or sharp turns. It uses a standard ball joint that easily adapts to many universal phone cradles beyond standard GPS units.

• Base Weight: Approximately 1.1 pounds
• Base Material: Non-skid, high-friction silicone
• Joint Style: 17mm ball joint (industry standard)
• Best For: Preserved classic RVs with pristine dashboard vinyl

Because this mount relies purely on gravity and friction, extreme off-roading or severe bumps can cause it to slide if your dashboard is dusty or excessively treated with vinyl protectants. You must periodically wipe the bottom of the silicone base with a damp cloth to maintain its non-skid properties. This is the perfect option for owners of meticulously preserved classic RVs who refuse to apply adhesives to their dashboards, but it is not suitable for highly sloped, forward-leaning dashboards.

CD Slot Mount – Mpow CD Slot Car Phone Mount

Many motorhomes from the 1990s and 2000s come equipped with dash-mounted CD players that are rarely used in the age of streaming audio. A CD slot mount turns this obsolete piece of technology into a highly rigid, centrally located mounting point. It places your phone at the perfect height for quick glances without blocking your windshield or cluttering your dashboard.

The Mpow CD Slot Car Phone Mount features a sturdy three-sided cradle with a simple tightening screw that expands the mounting flaps inside the CD slot for a custom fit. This mechanical locking system ensures the mount will not sag or bounce, even when driving over rough expansion joints. The quick-release button on the back makes grabbing your phone at a rest stop effortless.

• Locking Mechanism: Manual screw-tightened expansion blade
• Cradle Width: Fits devices from 2.2 inches to 3.8 inches
• Rotation: 360-degree ball joint
• Best For: RVs with central, unused dashboard CD players

While it provides excellent stability, inserting this mount means you cannot use your CD player without removing the unit first. Additionally, you must ensure that the placement does not block critical radio controls or the backup camera screen often retrofitted into older RV center consoles. This is highly recommended for RV owners with functional, centrally located CD players, but it is useless if your rig has an aftermarket touchscreen receiver or a vintage tape deck instead.

Cup Holder Mount – WeatherTech CupFone

For drivers who find dashboard mounts distracting or unreachable, a cup holder mount keeps the phone secure and within arm’s reach. It utilizes existing center console storage, turning an underutilized cup holder into a dedicated docking station. This completely eliminates windshield obstruction and keeps the device shaded from the hot sun.

The WeatherTech CupFone is engineered with an ingenious system of interchangeable, graduated cups that allow you to customize the fit to virtually any size cup holder. This precise fitment prevents the wobbling and tipping common with cheap, twist-to-expand designs on bumpy roads. The open-access bottom design allows you to easily connect a charging cable without bending the wire.

• Base Design: Interchangeable nesting cups (fits diameters from 2.5 to 3.75 inches)
• Tilt Range: Adjustable tilt steering head
• Phone Fit: Accepts most mobile phones, including cases
• Best For: Open floor plans with low, accessible cup holders

Because this mount sits lower in the cabin, you will have to look down away from the road to see your navigation, which may not be ideal for complex highway interchanges. Additionally, it sacrifices one of your primary cup holders, which can be a premium commodity during long road trips. This mount is excellent for co-pilots who manage navigation from the passenger seat, but avoid this if your older RV’s cup holders are located too low or too far back.

MagSafe Mount – Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Mount

If you own a modern iPhone, a MagSafe mount streamlines your driving routine by combining secure magnetic mounting with wireless charging. This eliminates the daily fumbling with cords in a vibrating RV cab, ensuring your battery stays topped off during long drives. It brings modern convenience straight into the cab of a vintage motorhome.

The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Mount is built with high-quality magnets that align perfectly with your phone’s internal MagSafe array for an instant connection. It features a robust vent clip that can be reinforced for dashboard mounting, providing a reliable hold through road bumps. The built-in wireless charging delivers continuous power, preventing your phone’s battery from draining while running GPS and music simultaneously.

• Charging Output: Up to 15W fast wireless charging
• Cable Connection: USB-C power input
• Mounting Connection: Reinforced vent clip with optional adapter options
• Best For: iPhone users wanting integrated, continuous power

Older RV vents are often fragile or loose, so you must ensure your vents can support the combined weight of the mount and your phone without drooping. Alternatively, you can pair this mount with a ball-joint dash adapter to bypass vent mounting entirely. This is a premium choice for iPhone users who want a clean, cord-free dashboard layout, but it is not suitable for Android users without a MagSafe-compatible case.

Tablet and Phone Mount – Arkon RoadVise Car Mount

Many RVers prefer using large-screen tablets or oversized phones for navigation, as they make reading maps and identifying upcoming exits much easier in a wide cab. Standard phone mounts cannot handle the weight or dimensions of these larger devices, causing them to sag or fall. A heavy-duty dual-device mount provides the structural integrity needed to hold these larger screens secure.

The Arkon RoadVise Car Mount features a high-strength spring-loaded mechanism that grips devices up to five inches wide, easily accommodating large phones with thick cases or mid-sized tablets. Its heavy-duty construction minimizes shake, keeping your map stable even when driving a heavy Class A rig over uneven bridge transitions. The solid build quality ensures the tension springs do not weaken over years of exposure to hot cabin temperatures.

• Grip Capacity: Expands up to 5 inches wide
• Base Style: Heavy-duty multi-angle adhesive or drill mount
• Construction: High-strength composite and metal pins
• Best For: Drivers utilizing 7-inch to 8-inch tablets for GPS navigation

The intense spring tension means mounting and removing your device requires two hands and some physical effort. Because of its larger profile, you must be strategic with placement to ensure it does not create a dangerous blind spot on your windshield. This is the go-to mount for co-pilots and drivers who run dedicated navigation tablets, but it is overkill for anyone using a standard-sized phone who prefers a discreet, low-profile mounting solution.

How to Secure Mounts on Textured RV Vinyl

The textured, pebbled vinyl found on older motorhome dashboards is the natural enemy of suction cups and adhesives. This material is designed to resist dirt and moisture, meaning its porous, irregular surface prevents a vacuum seal from forming. Furthermore, decades of treatments like Armor All leave a microscopic oily film that destroys adhesive bonds on contact.

To successfully secure a mount, you must first strip away these old vinyl protectants from the specific mounting spot. Scrub the area thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol, repeating the process until the cloth shows no residue. For suction cups, you must use a rigid, adhesive-backed plastic mounting disc to create a perfectly flat, non-porous glass-like surface.

If you are using 3M VHB adhesive mounts, heating the dash surface slightly with a hairdryer prior to application can significantly improve the bond. Apply firm, continuous pressure to the mount for at least sixty seconds, and resist the temptation to attach your phone for a full day. This patience allows the adhesive to flow into the microscopic textures of the vinyl, creating a permanent mechanical bond.

Key Features to Prioritize for Motorhome Mounts

When shopping for an older RV mount, structural rigidity and vibration dampening should be your highest priorities. Motorhomes experience far more chassis vibration than passenger cars, which can turn a flimsy mount into a blurry, shaking hazard. Look for mounts constructed from thick composite plastics, aluminum, or those featuring dual-ball stabilization joints.

Extension capability is another critical factor due to the deep, cavernous layout of classic RV dashboards. A mount with an adjustable, telescoping arm allows you to bring the phone closer to your natural driving position, reducing eye strain and physical reaching. Ensure the locking mechanisms on these extension arms are heavy-duty screw collars rather than simple friction sliders.

Finally, consider the mounting footprint and the ease of removal. If you park your motorhome in storage for months at a time, you want a mount that can be easily stowed away to protect it from extreme seasonal heat and cold. Look for quick-release levers, twist-locks, or modular ball systems that let you detach the main cradle while leaving the base in place.

Conclusion

Equipping your older motorhome with the right phone mount transforms your driving experience from stressful to seamless. By matching your specific dashboard layout with a mount engineered for stability and reach, you protect your device and keep your focus entirely on the open road. Take the time to prep your vinyl surfaces and choose a mounting system that matches the unique scale of your vintage rig.