8 Secure Solutions for Holding Navigation Devices and Gear on Sloped RV Dashboards

Imagine piloting a 24-foot motorhome down a winding mountain pass when your GPS suddenly slides off the dashboard and wedges itself under the brake pedal. RV dashboards are notoriously difficult environments for securing gear due to their steep slopes, textured surfaces, and constant exposure to intense solar heat. Finding a secure mounting solution is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety measure for anyone living or traveling on the road.

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The Challenge of Mounting Gear on Sloped RV Dashes

RV cockpits are not built like standard passenger cars. Their dashboards are vast expanses of textured plastic, vinyl, or leather that angle sharply away from the driver toward a massive windshield. This steep slope, combined with the heavy vibrations of a large vehicle chassis, means that standard off-the-shelf mounts will quickly fail, sliding around or dropping expensive devices onto the floor.

Thermal expansion is another major obstacle. The expansive front windshield of an RV acts like a greenhouse, trapping intense heat right at the dashboard level. This extreme heat degrades cheap adhesives and causes standard suction cups to lose their vacuum seal mid-drive. To keep your navigation gear secure, a mount must be engineered to withstand both the physical forces of a bouncing rig and the harsh thermal environment of the cockpit.

Friction Mount – Garmin Portable Friction Mount

Weighted friction mounts offer a completely non-permanent, stable solution for dashboards where drilling or adhesives are not an option. These mounts rely on gravity and high-friction materials to stay in place, making them incredibly easy to adjust or stow away when the vehicle is parked. They provide a sturdy, eye-level viewing platform without leaving any sticky residue behind.

The Garmin Portable Friction Mount is the industry standard for this category, featuring a flexible, four-arm design that molds itself to the specific contours of a sloped dashboard. The base is coated with a high-grip, non-skid silicone material that prevents sliding during sudden stops or sharp turns. It keeps your device stable purely through smart weight distribution and surface contact.

• Weight: 1.1 pounds of dense counterweight
• Ball Joint Compatibility: Standard 17mm Garmin ball joint
• Base Footprint: Approximately 7.5 x 5.5 inches

Because this mount relies on gravity, it requires a relatively flat or gently sloped area of the dashboard to function effectively. On extremely steep, near-vertical dashboard segments, the mount can slide under heavy braking. Additionally, the non-skid base must be kept free of dust to maintain its grip, requiring a quick wipe with a damp cloth every few weeks.

This mount is perfect for RVers who swap vehicles frequently or want to tuck their navigation gear out of sight at rest stops to prevent theft. It is not suitable for large, heavy 10-inch tablets or for dashboards that lack a horizontal resting spot.

Suction Cup Mount – iOttie Easy One Touch 5

Suction cup mounts are designed to bridge the physical gap between a deep RV dashboard and the driver’s line of sight. By attaching directly to the windshield or a smooth dashboard disc, these mounts can suspend devices closer to the steering wheel. This is crucial in Class A or Class C motorhomes where the windshield is often several feet away from the driver’s seat.

The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is a standout choice because of its patented sticky gel suction cup and a rigid telescopic arm that extends up to 8 inches. The arm rotates on a 225-degree arc, allowing you to position your phone or small GPS exactly where you need it, even on deeply recessed dashboards. The one-touch mechanism allows you to lock your device in place with a single hand motion.

• Telescopic Extension: Extends from 5 to 8 inches
• Suction Technology: Reusable sticky gel pad with a mechanical lever lock
• Device Compatibility: Holds phones and cases up to 3.6 inches wide

While the sticky gel cup provides an incredibly strong hold, it can bond semi-permanently to soft vinyl or leather dashboards if left in direct sun for too long. To protect delicate dash materials, you should use the included dashboard landing pad. If the suction cup ever loses its grip due to dust buildup, simply rinse it under warm water and air dry to restore its original stickiness.

This mount is ideal for van lifers and Class C drivers who need their phone close at hand for real-time navigation and music control. It is not recommended for highly textured, curved leather dashboards where a flat suction seal is impossible to achieve.

Magnetic Mount – Scosche MagicMount Pro 2

Magnetic mounts provide the fastest, lowest-profile way to secure and retrieve devices while on the move. Rather than wrestling with spring-loaded cradles, you simply tap your device against the mount to lock it in place. This minimalist footprint is ideal for keeping the expansive view through an RV windshield completely unobstructed.

The Scosche MagicMount Pro 2 features extra-powerful Neodymium magnets that are 30% stronger than standard magnetic mounts, ensuring your device will not shake loose on rough washboard roads. The base is secured to the dashboard with automotive-grade 3M VHB adhesive, which can be angled to counter the slope of your dash. This guarantees a perpendicular, glare-free viewing angle for the driver.

• Magnet Configuration: 100% safe, high-powered Neodymium magnets
• Adhesive Base: Uses heat-resistant 3M VHB tape
• Compatibility: MagSafe compatible out of the box; includes metal plates for non-MagSafe devices

To get the most out of this mount, the magnetic metal plate must be attached directly to the back of your device or phone case. If your phone uses wireless charging, you must place the metal plate carefully to avoid blocking the charging coil. Additionally, the adhesive base requires a warm, clean surface to bond properly during installation.

This system is perfect for quick-stop travelers who constantly grab their phone to take photos, check maps, or pay at toll booths. It is not suitable for heavy, ruggedized tablets or for users who do not want to attach a metal plate to their device.

Silicone Dash Mat – Lamicall Dash Phone Holder

Silicone dash mats offer a minimalist, low-profile alternative to bulky mechanical mounts. They sit completely flat on the dashboard, using a sticky silicone underside to stay in place without any permanent adhesives or suction levers. This design keeps the driver’s forward field of view entirely open, which is a major benefit in large motorhomes.

The Lamicall Dash Phone Holder is constructed from premium, heat-resistant silicone that will not melt, warp, or leave sticky residue behind, even under direct desert sun. Its clever clam-shell design cradles your phone horizontally between two non-slip rubber slots. This hood-like structure acts as a natural sun visor, reducing screen glare and keeping your device cooler.

• Material: Washable, non-magnetic, food-grade silicone
• Device Thickness Capacity: Accommodates devices up to 0.59 inches thick
• Mount Footprint: 4.7 x 3.8 inches

The primary limitation of this mount is its fixed horizontal orientation. You cannot tilt or rotate the phone once it is placed in the slots, and it does not support portrait mode navigation. It also requires a relatively flat, clean surface on top of the dash to prevent the silicone base from sliding during aggressive cornering.

This holder is best for budget-conscious RVers and van lifers who want a simple, tool-free solution that can be stored in the glovebox when not in use. It is not suitable for those who prefer portrait-mode navigation or who use dedicated, upright GPS units.

Drill-Base Mount – RAM Mounts Double Ball Mount

For rugged off-grid expeditions, washboard BLM roads, and heavy motorhomes, a drill-base mount is the ultimate security measure. These mounts are permanently bolted to the vehicle’s interior structure, eliminating any risk of adhesive failure or suction loss. They are engineered to carry heavy loads and withstand intense, continuous physical vibrations.

The RAM Mounts Double Ball Mount utilizes a patented rubber ball and socket system that provides unmatched shock and vibration isolation. Constructed from marine-grade aluminum, this heavy-duty mount features a diamond-shaped base that screws directly into the dashboard panel. The double-ball design allows for near-infinite adjustability, letting you lock your device in at the perfect viewing angle.

• Ball Size: 1-inch “B” size rubber ball (supports up to 2 pounds of weight)
• Material: Powder-coated, marine-grade aluminum
• Base Type: Two-hole AMPS pattern diamond base

Installing this mount is a permanent modification that requires drilling pilot holes directly into your RV’s dashboard panel. You must carefully inspect the area behind the plastic dash trim to ensure you do not drill into wiring harnesses, air ducts, or structural components. Once installed, however, it provides a rock-solid connection that will last the lifetime of the vehicle.

This is the essential choice for overland rigs, schoolie conversions, and commercial-chassis Class A RVs traveling rough terrain. It is not appropriate for leased vehicles, casual weekenders, or anyone uncomfortable making permanent modifications to their RV’s interior.

Tablet Mount – Arkon RoadVise Heavy Duty Mount

Many modern RVers prefer using large 8- to 12-inch tablets for navigation, as they can run specialized routing apps that display low-clearance bridges and weight limits. However, the weight and surface area of a large tablet will instantly overwhelm standard phone holders. A specialized, heavy-duty mount is required to handle this extra load safely.

The Arkon RoadVise Heavy Duty Mount features a solid aluminum, 4-hole AMPS drill-base pedestal paired with a spring-loaded bracket that grips tablets tightly. The bracket is designed to hold the tablet securely on both the top and bottom, preventing the device from slipping out during vertical bounces on rough roads. Its short, rigid arm minimizes leverage, keeping screen shake to an absolute minimum.

• Tablet Compatibility: Fits screens from 7 to 18.4 inches in width
• Pedestal Height: 4-inch rigid aluminum shaft
• Rotation: 360-degree swivel joint at the head

Because this mount holds large, heavy tablets, it must be mounted to a solid, structurally sound portion of the dashboard. Mounting it to thin, flexible plastic trim panels can cause the dashboard itself to flex and shake while driving. It is best installed using through-bolts with backing washers to distribute the weight.

This mount is perfect for full-time RVers and commercial drivers who rely on dedicated tablets for navigation and engine monitoring. It is excessive and overly bulky for travelers who only use a standard-sized smartphone.

Bean Bag Mount – APPS2Car GPS Dashboard Mount

Bean bag mounts offer the stability of a weighted mount with the flexibility of a suction cup landing pad. They sit on the dashboard using a heavy, moldable base that conforms to the shape of curved surfaces. This design provides a smooth, flat surface for suction mounts in vehicles with heavily textured or sloped dashboards.

The APPS2Car GPS Dashboard Mount features a weighted steel-plate core wrapped in a high-friction, non-slip polyurethane base. The center of the mount features a smooth, glossy landing disc designed specifically to accept standard suction cup brackets. This allows you to use your favorite windshield suction mount directly on the dashboard without using permanent adhesives.

• Weight: 2.2 pounds of dense counterweight
• Base Diameter: 7.8 inches
• Landing Pad Material: Smooth, non-porous polyurethane disc

This mount requires a decent amount of open real estate on your dashboard due to its wide footprint. On small, cramped van dashboards, it may block too much space or cover up climate control vents. Like all friction mounts, the bottom surface must be kept clean of dust and pet hair to maintain its grip.

This is an excellent option for vintage RVs or Class A motorhomes with wide, flat dashboards where you want to avoid sticky adhesives or screws. It is not recommended for narrow dashboards or for steep slopes that exceed 30 degrees.

Multi-Device Dash Mount – Bulletpoint RubiGrid

Modern RV cockpits often resemble command centers, requiring mounts for phones, dedicated GPS units, backup cameras, and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). Managing all of these devices with individual mounts leads to a cluttered windshield and tangled cords. A multi-device platform consolidates everything into a single, clean mounting rail.

The Bulletpoint RubiGrid is a vehicle-specific, laser-cut metal grid platform that mounts securely across the dashboard tray. It allows you to attach multiple AMPS-compatible balls along the grid, letting you customize your layout with phone holders, tablet mounts, or action cameras. The grid is secured using factory mounting points or heavy-duty hardware, creating a highly rigid, shake-free setup.

• Material: Laser-cut steel grid with carbon fiber/kevlar hybrid mounting arms
• Capacity: Supports 3 or more devices simultaneously depending on configuration
• Mounting System: Rigid AMPS pattern grid plate

This is a premium, highly specialized system that is built for specific vehicle models (such as popular RAM, Ford F-Series, or Mercedes Sprinter RV chassis). It requires assembly and a precise installation process. The initial cost is higher than simple single-device mounts, but it replaces the need for multiple separate brackets.

This is the ultimate solution for digital nomads, overland travelers, and full-time RVers who need to monitor multiple systems simultaneously. It is completely unnecessary for casual travelers who only need to mount a single phone or GPS unit.

Prep Your RV Dashboard for Maximum Adhesion

To ensure any adhesive or suction mount stays put on a sloped dash, proper surface preparation is absolutely critical. Most RV dashboards are coated in years of dust, UV protectants (like Armor All), and plasticizer film that will instantly ruin the bond of even the strongest automotive adhesives. Skipping the prep work is the number one reason why mounts fail and fall mid-trip.

Start by scrubbing the mounting area with a mild dish soap and warm water solution to remove greasy residue. Follow this with a thorough wipe using 70% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free microfiber cloth to strip away any remaining oils. Do not use household glass cleaners, as they often leave behind slick coatings that prevent proper adhesion.

Once the surface is completely dry, apply the adhesive mount or suction landing pad. For the strongest bond, apply firm pressure to the adhesive for at least 60 seconds. Crucially, let the adhesive cure for a full 24 hours before attaching the mount arm or hanging the weight of your device on it. This curing time allows the adhesive to flow into the microscopic pores of the plastic, creating a permanent bond.

Protecting Dash-Mounted Devices From Sun and Heat

The vast windshield of a motorhome acts like a greenhouse, magnifying solar radiation and trapping intense heat right at the dashboard level. When a phone, tablet, or GPS is mounted on the dash, it can easily exceed its safe operating temperature. This causes the device to dim its screen, stop charging, or shut down entirely due to thermal protection.

To protect your electronics, try to mount your devices as low on the dashboard as possible, out of the direct path of the sun. If possible, position the mount so that the device sits directly in front of one of the cabin’s air conditioning vents to keep cool air flowing over its backplate. You can also build or buy a simple clip-on sun hood that shades the device from direct solar rays.

Whenever you park your RV, make it a habit to remove your devices from their mounts and store them in a cool, shaded drawer. Leaving electronics baked on a hot dashboard not only degrades their internal lithium-ion batteries but also invites break-ins. Using a reflective windshield sunshade when parked is the best way to drop the overall temperature of your dashboard and protect your mounting equipment from UV degradation.

Understanding State Laws for Windshield Mounts

Before sticking a suction cup mount directly to your RV’s windshield, it is important to understand the legal regulations surrounding driver visibility. In many U.S. states, attaching anything directly to the windshield that obstructs the driver’s view is illegal. Law enforcement officers can, and do, issue tickets for safety violations if a GPS or phone blocks too much of the forward field of view.

States like California and Minnesota have very specific laws regarding where you can legally stick a windshield mount. For example, California law allows GPS units to be mounted only in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the passenger side, or a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the driver’s side. Other states, such as Nebraska and New Jersey, ban windshield mounts entirely, requiring all devices to be secured to the dashboard or console.

To stay compliant and ensure maximum safety on cross-country trips, the best practice is to opt for a dashboard-mounted solution. Keeping your windshield completely clear not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also maximizes your situational awareness when maneuvering a large RV through tight spaces.

Conclusion

Securing your navigation gear on a sloped RV dashboard is not just about keeping your cockpit organized—it is a critical safety measure for life on the highway. By choosing a mount that matches your vehicle’s layout and taking the time to properly prep your dashboard surface, you can keep your essential devices secure, visible, and cool. Select the right tool for your chassis, secure your gear, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a rock-solid cockpit setup.