8 Best Mounting Accessories for a Second Screen in a Campervan Cab

Setting up a second screen in a campervan cab turns a cramped driving cockpit into a highly functional navigation hub, mobile office, or entertainment center. But anyone who has driven a rig down a washboard dirt road knows that standard highway mounts will leave your expensive devices rattling on the floorboards. Finding the right mounting accessory is the difference between a seamless, professional-grade setup and a frustrating trail of broken plastic.

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Why You Need a Second Screen in Your Campervan Cab

A single dashboard screen is rarely enough when navigating unfamiliar territory in a heavy campervan. Drivers must monitor turn-by-turn navigation, keep track of engine diagnostics through OBD-II apps, manage off-grid power levels, and coordinate music or podcasts. Splitting these tasks across a primary dashboard screen and a dedicated secondary display reduces cognitive load and keeps eyes on the road.

When parked, the cab seats in many modern van conversions swivel to face the living area, transforming the driving compartment into a primary workspace or lounge. A securely mounted second screen serves as an auxiliary computer monitor or a television without eating up valuable counter space in the back. It bridges the gap between the vehicle’s driving functions and its role as a tiny home.

Choosing the right mounting system ensures the screen remains visible but does not block critical sightlines through the windshield. It allows both the driver and the passenger to utilize digital tools safely, even while bouncing down rugged forest service roads. A well-planned mount keeps the cockpit organized, functional, and secure.

Key Factors for Choosing a Cab-Safe Screen Mount

Selecting a mount for a mobile home requires looking past standard consumer-grade office or passenger car accessories. The extreme temperature fluctuations inside a parked van can weaken cheap plastics and cause standard adhesives to fail. Furthermore, the constant, low-frequency vibration of a diesel engine or rough pavement will quickly loosen poorly designed joints.

The primary consideration must be vibration isolation and joint locking mechanisms. A mount that sags or wobbles not only makes the screen unreadable but also fatigues the mounting surface over time. Look for components made of machined aluminum, carbon fiber, or high-density composites that utilize mechanical locking teeth or heavy-duty rubberized ball joints.

Additionally, the physical footprint and ease of removal are vital for safety and security. A mount should position the screen within easy reach but allow for quick detachment when parking in high-theft urban areas. Highly adjustable arms are preferred, as they allow the screen to be tucked flush against the dash during travel and extended toward the swivel seats when parked.

Tablet Mount – RAM Mounts Tab-Tite Spring-Loaded

The primary role of a tablet holder is to grip a mid-to-large-size screen securely without blocking access to charging ports or side buttons. When navigating rough terrain, a mount must withstand sudden vertical drops and lateral forces. This spring-loaded holder acts as the rugged interface between your tablet and the vehicle’s structural mount.

• Compatible Device Width: 6.43 to 11.25 inches
• Material: High-strength composite
• Attachment Standard: 1-inch B-size or 1.5-inch C-size RAM ball compatible
• Interchangeable End Cups: Customizable for different tablet thicknesses

The RAM Mounts Tab-Tite is engineered to provide a constant clamping force via an internal heavy-duty spring mechanism. Unlike friction-based or plastic-clip holders, this unit allows for quick, one-handed insertion and removal while ensuring the device cannot bounce out of place. The interchangeable end cups can be swapped out to accommodate thick, ruggedized tablet cases, which is highly beneficial for off-grid travelers who protect their gear.

Before purchasing, note that this product is only the cradle itself and requires a compatible RAM arm and base to function. The composite plastic construction is exceptionally durable but can feel bulky in smaller cabs. It is the ideal choice for travelers using 10-inch tablets as primary navigation screens on washboard roads, but it is overkill for lightweight smartphones.

Articulating Wall Arm – Mount-It! RV TV Mount

For those running a full-size computer monitor or small TV in their cab, a wall-mounted articulating arm is the best way to bridge the gap between work and travel. This mount anchors to the solid structural pillars of the van, allowing the screen to swing out of the way during transit. It provides a level of stability that dashboard-mounted accessories simply cannot match.

• VESA Compatibility: 75x75mm and 100x100mm
• Weight Capacity: Up to 33 lbs
• Locking Mechanism: Quick-release pull-pin lock
• Arm Extension: Up to 14 inches from the wall

The Mount-It! RV TV Mount stands out because of its mechanical locking pin, which secures the articulating arm firmly against the wall when the vehicle is in motion. This design prevents the screen from swinging wildly during sharp turns or sudden stops, a common issue with standard residential monitor arms. The dual-joint configuration allows the screen to tilt and swivel, making it easy to angle the display toward the cab seats or back toward the galley.

Because this mount requires a solid vertical surface for installation, it is best suited for vans with structural bulkheads, heavy-duty wooden cabinetry behind the driver’s seat, or exposed B-pillars. Drilling into the vehicle’s steel framing is often required, which demands careful planning to avoid hidden wiring. It is not suitable for minimalist builds without solid wall mounting points.

Suction Cup Mount – SeaSucker Naked Flex Mount

A suction mount is the go-to solution for temporary screen placement or setups that need to transition between different vehicles. It allows users to position a screen directly on the windshield or a smooth dashboard section without permanent drilling. This makes it highly versatile for seasonal travelers or those renting a campervan.

• Pull Strength: Rated up to 120 lbs
• Vacuum Cup Diameter: 4.5 inches
• Arm Type: Coated flexible gooseneck
• Device Interface: 1/4″-20 standard tripod thread

The SeaSucker Naked Flex Mount relies on a marine-grade vacuum cup rather than a standard flip-lever suction cup. The built-in pump allows users to draw out air to create an incredibly powerful seal, while a band indicator warns if the vacuum begins to lose pressure. This industrial-strength connection is immune to the temperature-induced drop-offs that cause cheap suction cups to fall off the glass on hot days.

Keep in mind that the vacuum seal requires a completely non-porous, clean surface to maintain its hold. It will not stick to textured plastic dashboards without an adhesive mounting disc. This accessory is perfect for renters or those who want to avoid drilling holes in their dashboard, but the vacuum level must be monitored and pumped every few days for safety.

Cup Holder Mount – Macally Adjustable Car Mount

A cup holder mount utilizes existing molded interior features to position a screen at a natural viewing height without blocking the windshield. It is an excellent option for campervan cabs where dashboard real estate is limited or where drilling is not permitted. This setup keeps the screen close at hand for easy physical interaction.

• Base Expansion Range: 2.5 to 4 inches
• Neck Length: 8 inches adjustable gooseneck
• Cradle Rotation: 360 degrees
• Compatibility: Devices from 4.7 to 11 inches wide

The Macally Adjustable Car Mount features an expandable base that locks tightly into almost any standard cup holder with a simple twist of the collar. This mechanical expansion creates a tight friction fit that resists swaying and vibrations far better than drop-in wedge designs. The heavy-duty gooseneck is stiff enough to hold mid-sized tablets steady while still allowing for quick angle adjustments.

The main drawback of this design is that it permanently sacrifices one of the cab’s cup holders, which can be a significant trade-off on long road trips. Additionally, if the vehicle’s cup holders are located too low in the center console, the screen may be too far below the driver’s line of sight. This mount is best for highway cruisers who prefer a clean windshield and have spare cup holders to spare.

Headrest Mount – TFY Universal Car Headrest Mount

When the front passenger seat is swiveled toward the back of the van, a headrest mount allows a screen to be suspended at eye level for comfortable viewing from the living area. It acts as a bridge between the driving cab and the house portion of the van. This keeps entertainment screens out of the way of daily foot traffic inside the living space.

• Mounting Type: Heavy-duty wrap-around elastic strap
• Device Holding Grid: Flexible silicone corner nets
• Tablet Size Range: 7 to 10.5 inches
• Profile: Ultra-low, flush against the headrest back

The TFY Universal Car Headrest Mount utilizes a durable elastic strap that wraps tightly around the headrest of the driver or passenger seat. Unlike rigid plastic brackets that protrude into the cabin, this low-profile fabric design is safe and unobtrusive when the seat is turned back to the driving position. The silicone holding net grips the corners of the tablet securely, preventing it from slipping out even when passengers bump against the seat.

Because this mount relies on the shape of the headrest, it cannot be easily tilted or angled once installed. It requires the viewer to be seated directly behind the screen for the best viewing angle. It is an ideal, budget-friendly solution for creating a rear-facing workspace or movie screen when parked, but it is not intended for driver-side navigation use.

Magnetic Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 Dash

For smaller auxiliary screens, lightweight tablets, or smartphones running secondary diagnostic apps, a magnetic mount offers unmatched convenience. It allows for instant, one-handed mounting and removal without messing with spring-loaded clamps or mechanical brackets. The low-profile design keeps the dashboard looking clean when the device is not in use.

• Magnet Type: Extra-powerful Neodymium magnets
• Mounting Base: Automotive-grade adhesive or vent clip
• Joint Type: 360-degree ball joint
• Compatibility: MagSafe compatible devices and universal metal plates

The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 features high-strength rare-earth magnets that are specifically designed to hold devices securely through the intense vibrations of off-road driving. The adhesive base uses a high-bond material that resists lifting even when subjected to intense dashboard heat during summer months. The ball joint is stiff enough to hold its angle under the weight of larger phones and small displays.

This mounting style requires adhering a thin metal plate directly to the back of the device or its case, which can interfere with wireless charging systems. It is also not suitable for large, heavy-format tablets, which can slide off the magnetic surface when hitting hard bumps. It is perfect for drivers who want a minimalist, fast-access mount for a dedicated 7-inch monitoring screen.

Drill-Base Mount – Arkon Heavy Duty Tablet Mount

When stability is the absolute priority, a direct-drill mechanical mount is the only viable option for a heavy secondary display. This mount is designed to be bolted directly to the dashboard, floor console, or internal structural framing. It eliminates all wobble, making it the standard choice for emergency vehicles and serious overlanders.

• Base Standard: 4-hole AMPS pattern
• Material: Heavy-duty aluminum and steel
• Arm Length: 4-inch solid aluminum arm
• Cradle Compatibility: Fits tablets 7 to 18.4 inches in screen size

The Arkon Heavy Duty Tablet Mount is built around a solid aluminum arm with dual ball joints that lock down via heavy-duty wing nuts. The base features the industry-standard AMPS pattern, allowing it to be screwed directly into solid console surfaces or custom dashboard mounting brackets. This solid mechanical path ensures that road vibrations are minimized, preventing screen jitter at high speeds.

Installing this mount is a permanent decision, as it requires drilling screws directly into your campervan’s interior plastics or metal dash structure. This can impact the resale value of the vehicle if not done cleanly. However, for full-time travelers navigating demanding off-road trails with a large, expensive tablet, this level of security is unmatched.

Multi-Angle Clamp Mount – SmallRig Super Clamp

Many campervan cabs feature structural grab handles, custom interior roll cages, or overhead gear lofts that can serve as perfect mounting anchor points. A heavy-duty clamp mount allows you to tap into these pre-existing structures without drilling or gluing. This opens up creative mounting locations that traditional automotive accessories cannot reach.

• Clamping Range: 0.59 to 2.1 inches
• Thread Options: 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 female threads
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel
• Load Capacity: Up to 3.3 lbs

The SmallRig Super Clamp is a legendary tool in the production world that translates perfectly to van life due to its sheer clamping force and versatility. The jaw of the clamp features slip-resistant rubber pads that grip round pipes or flat shelf edges with equal security. Its all-metal construction means it will not crack or stretch under tension, even when subjected to constant road vibration.

To use this clamp as a screen mount, you must purchase a compatible articulating magic arm and a tablet cradle to thread into the clamp’s base. It is a modular system rather than an out-of-the-box solution, requiring some creative assembly. This is the ultimate tool for DIY builders who want a custom-positioned screen clamped directly to an overhead shelf or passenger grab bar.

How to Secure Your Cab Monitor Against Road Vibration

Road vibration is the silent killer of both mounting hardware and electronic internal components. To prevent a secondary screen from constantly shaking, look for ways to shorten the lever arm of your mount. The longer the arm extending from the base, the more the screen will amplify every bump in the road. Keep the screen as close to the mounting surface as possible.

[Dashboard Base] ---> (Short Arm) ---> [Tablet]  = Low Vibration [Dashboard Base] ------------> (Long Arm) ------------> [Tablet] = High Vibration 

Another effective tactic is to create a secondary point of contact. If your screen is mounted on a flexible arm, allow the bottom or side of the tablet cradle to rest gently against a padded section of the dashboard. Applying a small strip of high-density adhesive foam or neoprene tape to this contact point will absorb vibrations and prevent plastic-on-plastic squeaks.

Finally, regularly check all mechanical fasteners. Constant road vibrations act like a manual loosening tool on screws, ball joints, and locking collars. Make it a habit to check the tightness of your mount’s locking knobs and mounting bolts during your regular pre-trip vehicle inspections to avoid unexpected failures on the highway.

Managing Power and Cables for a Clean Cab Dashboard

A messy nest of charging cables hanging across the dashboard is more than an eyesore; it is a safety hazard that can interfere with vehicle controls. When installing a second screen, map out a dedicated power path that keeps cables tucked away out of sight. Use self-adhesive routing clips or split loom tubing to secure the power cord along the seams of the dashboard panels.

[House Battery/12V Port] ──(Routed behind dash)──> [Step-down Regulator] ──> [Second Screen] 

To avoid cluttering your factory dash outlets, consider the following routing options: * Route cables along the weatherstripping inside the door frames. * Tuck wires into the natural seams between dashboard plastic moldings. * Install a dedicated USB power outlet behind the dash panel near the mount.

It is also critical to consider the power source for your secondary screen. Running a large monitor or tablet directly off the vehicle’s starter battery can drain it overnight when parked. Whenever possible, run power cords back to the campervan’s house battery bank or use a dedicated 12V DC step-down regulator connected to your solar-charged auxiliary system. This ensures your starter battery remains fully charged and ready to hit the road.

Conclusion

Upgrading your campervan cab with a dedicated second screen enhances navigation, productivity, and off-grid comfort. By choosing a high-quality mounting system that matches your specific layout and travel style, you protect your valuable electronics from the harsh realities of life on the move. Secure your mount, route your power safely, and enjoy a streamlined cockpit built for the long haul.