9 Safe Ways to Mount Phones for Co-Pilot Navigation in RVs

Navigating a massive RV down winding mountain passes or busy highways requires a dedicated co-pilot who isn’t fumbling with a phone in their lap. When the passenger seat becomes the active navigation hub, a secure, highly visible phone mount is just as critical as the driver’s setup. Choosing the right mounting solution ensures the co-pilot can safely manage route changes, locate dump stations, and call ahead to campsites without causing a dangerous distraction.

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

Key Factors for Choosing an RV Co-Pilot Mount

RVs vibrate far more than standard passenger cars, especially when driving a Class C over expansion joints or towing a travel trailer down gravel washboards. A mount that shimmies or drops the phone under heavy vibration is useless and dangerous. The ideal co-pilot mount must absorb road shock while keeping the screen steady enough for quick, stress-free reading at arm’s length.

Dashboard geometry also plays a massive role in selection. Class A motorhomes have expansive, deep dashboards and vertical windshields, while Class B vans and truck campers share tighter automotive-style cabs. The co-pilot needs a mount that positions the screen within comfortable reach without blocking vital sightlines out the passenger window or interfering with airbag deployment zones.

Finally, consider heat resistance and surface compatibility. Dashboards baked under giant RV windshields can reach extreme temperatures that melt cheap adhesives and compromise suction cups. Look for high-grade silicone bases, industrial-strength suction systems, or mechanical bolt-down options that won’t degrade after a summer of dry camping in the desert.

Suction Cup Mount – RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Base

Windshield suction mounts bridge the massive gap between a deep RV dashboard and the co-pilot’s seat, bringing navigation maps directly into the user’s line of sight. This style is essential when dash surfaces are textured, curved, or made of materials that refuse to bond with adhesives. By mounting directly to the glass, you bypass dashboard limitations entirely.

The RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Suction Cup with X-Grip is a top-tier choice for this application because of its marine-grade aluminum construction and patented mechanical twist-lock suction base. Unlike standard push-and-click cups, this system uses a mechanical lever to pull a powerful vacuum against the glass, ensuring it stays anchored during severe temperature swings. The powder-coated ball-and-socket system allows the co-pilot to rotate the phone to any angle to block harsh midday glare.

• Suction Base Diameter: 3.25 inches
• Phone Compatibility: Widths from 1.875″ to 3.25″ (with protective case)
• Material: High-strength composite and marine-grade aluminum

Before buying, note that the X-Grip can sometimes press side buttons on certain phone models if not aligned correctly. The rubber tether is highly recommended for bumpy dirt roads but adds an extra step when grabbing the phone to take a quick photo of a roadside vista.

This setup is perfect for Class A and Class C co-pilots who need maximum adjustability over a deep dash space. It is not ideal for those who frequently camp in freezing climates, as extreme cold can occasionally break the suction seal on vertical windshields.

Cup Holder Mount – WeatherTech CupFone Universal Mount

When windshield real estate is limited or local laws restrict glass mounts, cup holder mounts offer a stable, rattle-free alternative. They utilize existing cab molded features, keeping the dashboard clean and the phone out of direct, overheating sunlight. This positions the screen lower, making it easy to tap without lifting an arm.

The WeatherTech CupFone Universal Mount excels here because of its unique, customizable design featuring interchangeable cups that snugly fit into virtually any factory cup holder size. Built with tough, high-density materials, it does not wobble or lean under the weight of oversized pro-model phones. The open-access bottom design lets you plug in a charging cable without bending or straining the cord.

• Base Expansion Range: Fits cup holders from 2.5″ to 3.75″ in diameter
• Phone Thickness Capability: Accommodates cases up to 0.75″ thick
• Adjustment: 360-degree rotation with tilt capability

Be aware that this mount occupies one of your front-row drink holders, which can be a tough trade-off on long road trips. Additionally, the lower positioning means the co-pilot must look further down from the road to check the map, which requires extra mindfulness.

This is the ultimate choice for co-pilots in Sprinter vans or Ford Transit conversions with abundant center-console cup holders. It is not suitable for older RVs where the cup holders are shallow, flimsily built, or positioned too far behind the front seats.

Adhesive Dash Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro 2

Adhesive mounts provide a low-profile, permanent-feeling solution for co-pilots who want their navigation screen integrated seamlessly into the cab. By attaching directly to flat plastic or vinyl surfaces, they eliminate the bulk of long arms and brackets. This keeps the phone securely positioned without cluttering the dashboard layout.

The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 stands out due to its extra-powerful Neodymium magnets and high-bond automotive-grade adhesive. The base uses genuine 3M VHB tape, which is specifically engineered to withstand high cabin temperatures without lifting or sliding. Its head rotates smoothly on a sealed ball joint, allowing the co-pilot to tilt the screen away from direct sunlight instantly.

• Magnet Type: Extra-powerful Neodymium magnets
• Adhesive Base: Semi-permanent 3M VHB adhesive pad
• Compatibility: MagSafe-ready out of the box, includes metal plates for non-MagSafe devices

Proper installation is critical; the dashboard surface must be meticulously cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to remove protectants, and the adhesive needs 24 hours to cure before supporting weight. Removing the mount later requires dental floss and an adhesive remover, making this a committed choice.

This is highly recommended for co-pilots of camper vans or smaller Class C motorhomes with flat, smooth dashboard spaces. It is not the right choice for soft-touch leather or heavily textured dashboards where adhesives cannot establish a proper structural bond.

Air Vent Mount – LISEN Magnetic Car Phone Holder

Air vent mounts are highly valued for their portability, tool-free installation, and ability to keep the phone cool. In the summer heat, when GPS apps and charging cause phones to throttle performance or shut down, placing the device directly in the path of the air conditioning is a massive advantage. They are also incredibly easy to pack if you fly to pick up a rental RV.

The LISEN Magnetic Car Phone Holder solves the classic issue of vent mounts sagging or falling out under weight by using a robust metal hook clip that mechanically locks onto the vent slat. This dual-point support system distributes weight evenly, preventing damage to fragile plastic louvers even on rough BLM access roads. The magnet array is exceptionally strong, holding heavy devices securely through thick rugged cases.

• Mounting Mechanism: Retractable metal hook with twist-lock dial
• Magnet Strength: 6 upgraded N52 magnets
• Vent Compatibility: Straight, horizontal, or vertical vents (not compatible with round, rotary vents)

Keep in mind that using this mount blocks a significant portion of the co-pilot’s air conditioning flow, which can be frustrating on hot summer drives. Conversely, running the heater in winter requires closing that specific vent to prevent the phone from overheating.

This mount is a great fit for budget-conscious RVers and those driving rental rigs who cannot make permanent modifications. Avoid this product if your RV dashboard features circular, aviation-style rotary vents, as the hook mechanism cannot clamp onto them safely.

CD Slot Mount – iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Mount

Many Class C motorhomes and older tow vehicles built on Ford, Chevy, or Ram chassis still feature dashboard CD players that sit unused. A CD slot mount utilizes this dead space, converting an obsolete feature into a highly stable, eye-level mounting platform. It positions the phone in the center stack, making it easy for the co-pilot to manage routes and share screen views with the driver.

The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 CD Slot Mount is a premier choice due to its patented one-touch trigger mechanism that instantly clamps the phone shut when pressed against the cradle. It features an expandable semi-permanent wedge that inserts into the CD slot and locks down via a mechanical lever, ensuring a tight, wobble-free fit. The bottom foot is adjustable, accommodating larger phones while leaving room for charging cables.

• Clamping Width: Holds phones and cases from 2.3″ to 3.5″ wide
• Mounting Depth: Standard CD slot insert with expansion pads
• Extras: Includes a magnetic cord organizer on the back foot

While extremely stable, inserting this mount means you cannot use your CD player without removing the entire bracket first. Over-tightening the expansion screw can also damage the internal dust flaps or mechanism of the CD slot if handled carelessly.

This is the ideal solution for co-pilots in older Class C RVs or tow vehicles with central, unused dashboard CD players. It is completely useless for modern Class A coaches or newer camper vans that have transitioned entirely to digital touchscreens.

Gooseneck Mount – Joyroom Flexible Phone Holder

When standard mounts cannot clear the deep expanses or awkward angles of a large Class A cockpit, a gooseneck mount offers the necessary reach. Its long, flexible arm can bend around dashboard curves, storage cubbies, or window pillars to put the phone exactly where the co-pilot needs it. This eliminates the need for the navigator to lean forward or stretch to read the map.

The Joyroom Flexible Phone Holder stands out because of its heavy-duty aluminum alloy core wrapped in soft silicone, which prevents the arm from drooping over time. Unlike cheap wire-core models that bounce wildly on bumpy roads, this model features a stabilizer bracket that adheres to the dash to dampen vibrations. The base uses a dual-pressure vacuum suction cup that holds fast to both windshield glass and smooth dashboards.

• Gooseneck Length: 9 inches of highly flexible reach
• Clamp Style: One-button quick-release side arms
• Base Type: Dual-step vacuum sticky suction cup

Note that because of the long lever arm, utilizing the included anti-vibration stabilizer pad is absolutely mandatory in an RV; otherwise, the phone will shake violently on highway expansion joints, making the screen unreadable.

This is the go-to mount for co-pilots in massive Class A diesel pushers with deep windshields and expansive dashboards. It is not recommended for small camper vans or compact tow vehicles where space is at a premium and a long arm would clutter the cab.

Friction Dash Mount – Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Friction mounts, often called beanbag mounts, are the preferred choice for RVers who refuse to stick adhesives to their dash or suction mounts to their windshield. They rely purely on gravity and high-friction, non-skid backing materials to stay put on the dashboard. They can be placed, moved, or stowed in a drawer in seconds, keeping the dashboard clean when parked at camp.

The Garmin Portable Friction Mount is renowned for its stability, featuring a heavy, flexible, four-arm design that contours perfectly to the shape of curved or uneven RV dashboards. The bottom is coated with a high-friction silicone grip material that resists sliding even during sudden braking or sharp mountain turns. It uses a standard 17mm ball joint, making it compatible not just with Garmin GPS units but also with most aftermarket phone cradles.

• Weight: Approximately 11 ounces of counter-weighted stability
• Footprint: Flexible four-arm design molds to curved surfaces
• Ball Joint Size: Standard 17mm Garmin compatibility

Keep in mind that because this mount is not mechanically fastened to the vehicle, it can slide off the dashboard during extreme off-road driving or in a collision. The dashboard must be kept free of dust and vinyl protectants to maintain the grip of the silicone base.

This is perfect for co-pilots who switch between different tow vehicles or want a completely non-destructive, stowable mounting option. It is not suitable for off-grid overland rigs or small vans with highly sloped, vertical-falling dashboards.

Seat Rail Mount – Arkon Heavy Duty Car Seat Bolt Mount

For the ultimate in heavy-duty, rattle-free positioning, a seat rail mount bypasses the dashboard and windshield entirely. By bolting directly to the steel seat frame of the co-pilot’s chair, it gains a rock-solid foundation that eliminates road vibration. This method places the phone on an adjustable pedestal right beside the seat, keeping the dashboard entirely clear.

The Arkon Heavy Duty Car Seat Bolt Mount features an ultra-strong 22-inch aluminum gooseneck pedestal that can be bent to the exact height and angle preferred by the navigator. The mounting bracket slides under the existing front seat track bolt, requiring only a simple wrench to install without drilling new holes. The spring-loaded Slim-Grip Ultra holder keeps a secure grip on the phone, even when driving over rough washboard roads.

• Pedestal Height: 22 inches of heavy-duty aluminum
• Mounting Style: Seat rail bolt bracket (includes floor-mount option)
• Holder Type: Spring-loaded Slim-Grip Ultra cradle

Before purchasing, verify that your RV’s front passenger seat bolt is accessible and not hidden beneath plastic trim shrouds that cannot be easily removed. Because of its solid metal construction, this mount is a permanent fixture that remains visible even when the phone is not in use.

This is the absolute best choice for full-time overland rigs, Class A motorhomes, and commercial-chassis conversions where dashboard space is cluttered or inaccessible. It is not meant for weekenders looking for a quick, temporary, or highly portable setup.

MagSafe Charger Mount – Belkin BoostCharge Car Mount

Long days on the road running GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular search algorithms will quickly drain any smartphone battery. A MagSafe charger mount solves two problems at once: it securely mounts the phone using powerful magnetic alignment while keeping the battery topped up via wireless charging. This eliminates the annoying daily routine of plugging and unplugging cables every time the co-pilot takes a photo or steps out of the rig.

The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger is engineered to work flawlessly with Apple’s MagSafe system, providing up to 10W of fast wireless power. The high-quality vent clip holds tight, and the robust magnetic face ensures the phone stays locked in place, even over jarring bridge transitions. The ball joint allows for seamless switching between portrait and landscape navigation modes with a simple, one-handed twist.

• Charging Speed: Up to 10W wireless charging
• Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C cable included
• Compatibility: iPhone 12 and newer (MagSafe-compatible cases only)

Ensure you pair this mount with a high-output USB-C CLA (cigarette lighter) adapter that supports Power Delivery (PD); otherwise, the mount will not output enough power to charge the phone while running intensive navigation apps. It also requires a MagSafe-compatible phone or a case with an integrated magnetic ring to work.

This is the perfect option for tech-forward co-pilots using modern iPhones who prioritize convenience and clean, cable-free setups. It is not suitable for Android users without magnetic ring cases, or those using extra-thick armor-style cases that block wireless charging fields.

Best Practices for Safe Co-Pilot Navigation

The co-pilot’s primary job is to reduce the driver’s cognitive load, which means the navigation setup must be optimized before the engine ever starts. Pre-load your maps—using apps like Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or RV Life—while connected to campsite Wi-Fi to ensure seamless routing through cellular dead zones. Set up low-clearance and weight-limit warnings tailored specifically to your rig’s dimensions to avoid catastrophic routing errors.

Keep the phone screen angled directly toward the co-pilot and away from the driver’s line of sight to prevent distracting screen glow during night driving. Adjust the brightness manually or set the app to dark mode before sunset to preserve night vision. The co-pilot should also manage all communication, campsite check-ins, and weather monitoring, leaving the driver to focus 100% on handling the heavy vehicle.

Finally, establish clear, standardized communication cues between driver and co-pilot. Instead of shouting “turn here,” give advance notices such as “in one mile, we need to take exit 14 on the right.” Ensure the mount is positioned so that the co-pilot can easily read these distances and lane guidance cues without having to squint or lean forward dangerously.

Managing Charger Cables in a Class A or C RV

Large RV cabs often leave a massive distance between the 12V power port and the passenger seat, resulting in dangerous, dangling cords that can catch on shift levers or feet. Managing these cables is crucial for safety and cabin organization. Use heavy-duty, braided USB cables that resist wear and are long enough to trace along the dash contours rather than stretching tightly across open space.

Secure the cables using adhesive routing clips along the lower edge of the dashboard or windshield base to keep them completely out of the way of the driver’s controls. Coiled USB-C cables are another excellent option, as they expand when the co-pilot needs to hold the phone and automatically retract out of the way when the phone is docked.

For a clean, professional finish, consider tapping into the RV’s house battery bank or running a dedicated USB outlet behind the dashboard. This allows you to power the co-pilot’s mount directly from the side panel or A-pillar, keeping wires hidden entirely behind the trim and leaving the center console free for drinks and snacks.

Conclusion

Finding the right phone mount transforms the RV co-pilot’s seat from a passive passenger spot into an efficient, stress-free navigation command center. By choosing a mount tailored to your RV’s specific dashboard geometry and road conditions, you ensure safe, reliable route tracking across every mile. Equip your rig with the right setup today, and enjoy a safer, more organized journey on your next great road trip.