9 Dashboard Accessories for Preventing Items from Sliding While Driving Your Camper Van

Negotiating a winding mountain pass or hitting an unexpected pothole in a camper van quickly turns an unsecured dashboard into a launching pad for loose gear. When sunglasses, phones, and maps slide across the dash, they create dangerous distractions and risk costly damage to essential electronics. Securing this high-visibility area with the right accessories keeps the driving cabin safe, organized, and ready for any terrain.

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Why Secured Dashboard Gear Matters in a Camper Van

Modern camper van dashboards are expansive, plastic surfaces that offer a tempting storage space but possess almost zero natural traction. During sudden braking maneuvers or sharp turns on forest service roads, unsecured items turn into dangerous projectiles. A flying smartphone can easily crack a windshield, damage cabin controls, or end up wedged dangerously beneath the brake pedal.

Beyond physical damage, dashboard clutter causes severe mental fatigue and visual distraction for the driver. Every sliding noise triggers an instinctual reaction to grab the moving object, taking hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Establishing a dedicated, slip-resistant ecosystem on the dash ensures that essential navigation tools stay exactly where they belong during long transit days.

Non-Slip Dash Pad – JOTO Anti-Slip Cell Phone Mat

Simple non-slip pads serve as the foundation of dashboard organization by creating a high-friction surface without messy adhesives. The JOTO Anti-Slip Cell Phone Mat excels here due to its premium, heavy-duty silicone construction and raised border design. The built-in ridges and multi-angle stand slots keep smartphones securely upright for easy navigation viewing without needing a bulky mechanical mount.

This mat is particularly effective because of its tacky, textured underside that clings to curved or textured dashboards without leaving residue. It can be easily washed with warm water to restore its original stickiness when dust and pet hair inevitably accumulate on dusty dirt roads.

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.7 inches
• Material: High-quality, heat-resistant silicone
• Best for: Holding phones, sunglasses, and loose change on slightly curved dashes

This pad is ideal for van lifers who want a temporary, drill-free solution for holding phones and small items within arm’s reach. However, it is not suitable for holding heavy tablets or serving as a permanent mounting point on vertical surfaces.

Sticky Gel Pad – Besiva Anti-Slip Dashboard Mat

Sticky gel pads take slip prevention a step further by using advanced polymer chemistry to grip items that would slide off standard silicone mats. The Besiva Anti-Slip Dashboard Mat provides an incredibly strong, semi-permanent grip that resists extreme lateral forces on twisty roads. Its surface acts like thousands of tiny suction cups, holding onto keys, toll passes, and lightweight charging hubs with ease.

Unlike permanent glues, this gel pad can be peeled off, repositioned, and washed whenever it loses its grip due to cabin dust. It handles the high cabin temperatures typical of parked vans without melting or transferring sticky residue to the dashboard surface.

• Pack size: Two-pack of large mats
• Temperature resistance: Up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Compatibility: Best for flat or gently sloped vinyl and plastic dashboards

This is the perfect option for drivers who need to secure oddly shaped items like garage door openers or hand-held radios directly to the dash. It is not recommended for delicate leather dashboards, as the intense suction can damage soft natural materials over time.

Dash Organizer Tray – JKCOVER Center Console Tray

Deep dashboard valleys and empty console recesses often become chaotic drop zones for small gear. A molded organizer tray partition divides these wide spaces into distinct, rubber-lined compartments that isolate items and prevent them from rattling together. The JKCOVER Center Console Tray is engineered specifically to drop into standard van dashboard wells, transforming a useless void into structured storage.

Each compartment features removable, custom-fit rubber mats that prevent items from sliding laterally or making annoying plastic-on-plastic vibrations. The durable ABS plastic frame is designed to match the factory texture and color of the van’s interior, maintaining a clean, integrated look.

• Material: High-strength ABS plastic with non-slip rubber liners
• Compartments: Dedicated slots for coins, cards, and large devices
• Fit: Model-specific dimensions (verify compatibility with your van chassis)

This accessory is a must-have for drivers of modern chassis (such as Sprinters or Transits) who want a factory-installed aesthetic and rattle-free storage. It is not suitable for highly customized, vintage, or DIY wood dashboards that lack standard console dimensions.

Magnetic Phone Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro 2

Magnetic mounts offer the fastest, lowest-profile way to secure a smartphone or small GPS unit directly in the driver’s line of sight. The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 utilizes powerful neodymium magnets that hold devices steady even when traversing washboard dirt roads. Unlike mechanical cradle mounts, it allows for instant one-handed mounting and rotation between portrait and landscape modes.

This mount features a dual-option base that can be attached using high-strength automotive adhesive or secured directly to a vehicle’s air vent. The magnetic head is specifically designed to be compatible with Apple MagSafe devices right out of the box, ensuring a reliable connection without requiring extra metal plates.

• Magnet Strength: 100% safe, extra-powerful Neodymium magnets
• Mounting Options: Dash-adhesive or vent-clip attachment
• Compatibility: Apple MagSafe and standard phones (with included metal plates)

This mount is perfect for digital nomads who rely heavily on GPS navigation and require quick, secure phone access while driving. It is less ideal for heavy, oversized tablets, which require dual-mount systems or mechanical clamps to stay secure on rough roads.

Silicone Dash Pocket – Sunsnow Phone Holder Pad

Standard flat mats do not protect items from direct sunlight or keep them contained during sudden vertical bumps. A silicone dash pocket solves this by wrapping around devices to provide both physical containment and sun-shading. The Sunsnow Phone Holder Pad features a unique clam-shell design that keeps your phone cradled securely while blocking harsh glare from the windshield.

The soft silicone structure acts as a shock absorber, protecting sensitive electronics from the harsh vibrations of diesel engines and rough pavement. Its bottom surface is covered in a high-friction material that keeps the entire unit planted firmly on the dash without any permanent adhesives.

• Material: Flexible, heat-resistant silicone rubber
• Angle: Optimized for clear driving visibility without windshield reflections
• Sizing: Accommodates smartphones and GPS units up to 6.5 inches

This pocket is excellent for van owners who drive in hot, sunny climates where dashboard electronics are prone to overheating under glass. It is not suitable for those who need to view their screens in portrait mode, as it only supports horizontal placement.

Anti-Slip Grip Tape – CatTongue Non-Abrasive Tape

Custom built-outs and custom wood dashboards often feature irregular shapes that pre-made mats simply cannot accommodate. Heavy-duty grip tape allows you to apply targeted friction exactly where it is needed on any flat or curved surface. CatTongue Non-Abrasive Tape is the premier choice because it provides massive grip without the rough, sandpaper-like texture that scratches expensive gear or dashboards.

This tape can be easily cut to size with standard scissors, allowing for custom liners inside glove boxes, custom wooden dash shelves, or along the edges of center consoles. It is waterproof, easy to clean, and uses a residue-free adhesive that can be removed down the road without damaging the underlying surface.

• Roll Size: 2 inches x 10 feet (cut-to-size flexibility)
• Texture: Soft, non-abrasive, heavy-duty grip
• Adhesive: Damage-free, weather-resistant backing

This is the ultimate tool for DIY van builders who have custom-built dashboards and need a customizable grip solution. It is not recommended for highly textured, porous vinyl dashboards that prevent adhesives from bonding correctly.

Suction Cup Mount – RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Base

Heavy tablets, rugged GPS units, and backup camera monitors require mechanical mounting solutions that can handle substantial weight. A professional-grade suction cup mount utilizes mechanical leverage to create a rock-solid connection to glass or smooth dash plates. The RAM Mounts Twist-Lock Base is the industry standard, known for its marine-grade materials and patented rubber ball-and-socket system.

The twist-lock mechanism expels air from beneath the heavy-duty suction cup, creating a vacuum lock that will not fail during extreme temperature swings. The powder-coated, marine-grade aluminum arm dampens road vibrations, ensuring your screen remains legible even when driving over corrugated gravel roads.

• Ball Size: 1-inch “B” Size rubber ball
• Material: Marine-grade aluminum and high-strength composite
• Holding Capacity: Up to 2 pounds under high-vibration conditions

This system is designed for overland travelers and full-time van lifers who rely on large tablets for off-grid navigation. It is overkill for lightweight smartphones and is not suitable for attachment to porous, textured dashboard plastics without an adhesive base disk.

Friction Dash Mount – Garmin Portable GPS Mount

Drivers who switch between multiple vehicles or rent camper vans need a highly secure mount that requires absolutely zero installation or adhesive residue. Weighted friction mounts sit directly on the dashboard, using gravity and a high-traction bottom surface to resist movement. The Garmin Portable GPS Mount utilizes a flexible, four-arm beanbag-style design that contours perfectly to the curves of any dashboard.

The inner core is filled with heavy iron shot, which lowers the center of gravity and prevents the mount from tipping over during sudden maneuvers. The underside is covered in a specialized, high-grip polyurethane material that clings tenaciously to vinyl without leaving any oily marks behind.

• Design: Flexible contour-molding beanbag base
• Weight: Weighted core for stability under heavy g-forces
• Compatibility: Works with standard ball-joint brackets and GPS cradles

This is the best choice for part-time RVers, van renters, or owners of vintage vans who want to preserve their original dashboard. It is not suitable for vertical mounting surfaces or for vehicles that regularly tackle extreme off-road angles where gravity-based mounts can slide.

Cup Holder Expander – JoyTutus Large Car Adapter

Standard factory cup holders are notoriously small, leaving oversized vacuum-insulated water bottles and coffee mugs to roll around the floorboards. A heavy-duty cup holder expander securely locks into standard slots and widens the base to accommodate larger bottles. The JoyTutus Large Car Adapter features an adjustable, expanding base that creates a solid, wiggle-free anchor in virtually any dashboard or center console cup holder.

The upper cup portion is fitted with flexible rubber tabs that grip bottles tightly to prevent rattling while still allowing for easy, one-handed removal. The offset base design allows two large adapters to sit side-by-side without interfering with each other or blocking adjacent dashboard controls.

• Base Expansion: Adjusts from 2.7 to 3.8 inches in diameter
• Capacity: Holds bottles from 18 to 40 ounces (including large flasks)
• Special Feature: Slot for coffee mug handles

This is an indispensable accessory for long-haul van drivers who travel with large, insulated stainless steel water bottles. It is not suitable for shallow, flimsy fold-out cup holders that cannot support the leverage of a heavy, filled water bottle.

How to Prep Your Van Dashboard for Maximum Grip

Even the highest-quality non-slip pads and adhesives will fail if applied to a dirty, dusty, or oil-slicked dashboard. Over time, plastic-protecting sprays, airborne dust, and cooking grease from inside the van form an invisible barrier that prevents grip accessories from bonding. To achieve maximum traction, the surface must be meticulously cleaned and stripped of all chemical residues.

Start by wiping down the target area with a mild dish soap solution to break down surface oils, followed by a thorough wipe-down with isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration). Avoid using aggressive solvents like acetone or paint thinner, as these can permanently discolor or melt dashboard plastics. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying any adhesive mounts or laying down silicone pads.

For adhesive mounts, pay close attention to ambient temperatures during installation, as most automotive adhesives require temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to cure properly. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds and allow the adhesive to cure for a full 24 hours before hanging any heavy gear or devices from the mount.

Keeping Your Cabin Safe and Clutter-Free on the Road

Securing your gear is not a set-it-and-forget-it task; it requires regular inspection and seasonal maintenance to remain effective. Over months of travel, fine road dust and pet dander will coat sticky pads and grip tape, reducing their holding power to zero. Develop a habit of washing your silicone mats and wiping down your dashboard surfaces during your weekly van deep-clean.

Extreme seasonal temperatures also impact dashboard accessories differently. Intense summer heat can soften low-grade adhesives and cause gel pads to lose structural integrity, while sub-freezing winter temperatures can make suction cups lose their seal. When parking your van in direct sunlight for extended periods, use a high-quality windshield sunshade to protect your dashboard accessories from UV degradation and heat damage.

Finally, remember that the safest dashboard is a clear dashboard. Keep only essential navigation and communication tools on the dash, and store heavier items like laptops, cameras, and tools in secure cabinets or glove compartments. Minimizing visual clutter directly translates to a more relaxed, focused, and safer driving experience across every mile of your journey.

Investing in the right dashboard securing gear eliminates distracting rattles and prevents costly damage to your electronics. By matching your specific dashboard layout with high-quality mounts, pads, and expanders, you ensure a safer, more organized cabin. Secure your gear today, and enjoy a peaceful, worry-free ride to your next off-grid destination.