Travelers Integrating RV Tablet Mounts Into Navigation Setups
Today’s RVs are more of an extension of your home, with smart-tech features like RV tablet mounts enhancing navigation and control, than a solid tent-house with basic amenities. The integration of technologies such as automation, off-grid capabilities, voice-controlled lighting, modern bathrooms, and fully functioning kitchens makes them fully integrated living spaces on wheels. Upfront in the pilot's seat is no exception, with 360° camera systems, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warnings, to name a few.
Navigation is a fundamental part of RV life, and getting from A to B (adventure to beyond) safely and on schedule is key. Having a securely mounted tablet or phone up front for the driver is essential in any motorhome. Although many drivers use smartphones in their RVs, there is enough space up front for a larger tablet, making navigation easier on a larger screen. It must be within operational reach, in the driver's line of sight, secure, robust, and adjustable. It can be mounted to the windshield, dash, or console, whichever the driver prefers.
This is where an RV tablet mount comes in. Having a correctly positioned device in a secure tablet mount can make hitting the road less stressful and more seamless.
Why RV Travelers Are Choosing Tablets for Navigation
Throwing away paper maps and moving up to a digital format is absolutely necessary for any RV driver. Especially when in control of a large and heavy motorhome that takes skill and spatial awareness to maneuver.
Having a larger screen up front for navigation improves visibility and allows for the management of several navigation and trip-planning tools that offer real-time updates on traffic and road closures. RV-specific apps can be controlled from a larger screen. These include weather, fuel and campground tool apps, offering a larger central RV control panel right at the fingertips of any pilot.
Tablets must be mounted securely and safely. ARKON Mounts offers a wide range of RV tablet mounting options suitable for RVs and extended road travel.
The Importance of a Secure Mounting System
Safety First with Hands-Free Navigation
RVs are big and, if not controlled properly, dangerous, so having securely mounted tablets in the cabin is paramount for a safe road trip. It allows safe, hands-free navigation without the constant need to adjust or lean to check the route.
Stability on Rough Roads
Occasionally, you may have to take an off-road detour. Whether that's a shortcut or a track to a campground. In these situations, you need a tablet mount that's stable and secure.
Whether that's a mounting system that fixes to your dash with its AMPs drill base, like the Slim-Grip® Tablet Holder with Drill Base Mount, or a secure seat mount, Heavy-Duty Car or Truck Seat Rail Tablet Mount. Using a secure car or truck mount keeps the tablet steady while navigating tricky roads. ARKON Mounts offers AMPs drill bases separately to upgrade your existing mount for a more secure fit.
Avoiding DIY Mounting Mistakes
Unsecured tablet mounts are dangerous. If your tablet comes loose or moves while driving, it can cause damage to the tablet or the interior of your RV. It can even cause a distraction if the tablet comes loose or falls away from its mount. This can be an issue, especially if you're trying to get it back into position while driving. Insecure mounting systems can come loose during sudden stops as well.
A secure, solid mounting system almost eradicates this issue, keeping it in place while driving, so you can keep your eyes on the road with a quick glance at your navigational software.
Benefits of Professional Tablet Mounting Systems
Having a secure, solid RV tablet mount offers many benefits for your long-haul adventures. They are:
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Enhanced Safety: A fixed mounting system in your RV keeps your tablet in place, reduces distractions, and helps prevent you from having to handle your device while driving.
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Better Navigation Experience: With your tablet positioned at an optimal viewing angle, you can easily follow navigation instructions and directions without any obstructions.
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Durability and Stability: Professional mounting systems for your vehicle are designed to withstand vibrations on bumpy or uneven roads during long journeys, keeping your tablet in place at all times.
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Security: Using a lockable tablet mount, such as the LockVise™ Locking Tablet Mount with Multi-Angle Arm, can add an extra layer of security for your tablet when taking rest stops and in high-traffic areas.
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Better Ergonomics: Adjustable mounts let you position your tablet at the best height and angle for your view, helping reduce neck or eye strain during long drives.
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Customized To Your Vehicle: Mounts can be chosen and installed to match your specific RV setup, whether you need drill-base, suction, dash, console, or seat mounts, ensuring a good fit and convenient access for your needs.
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Protection for Your Device: Securing your device in a car or truck mounting system reduces the risk of drops, damage, or wear caused by movement while traveling.
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Hands-Free Convenience: Whether you're using your tablet for GPS, music, or trip planning, having it mounted lets you use it seamlessly and hands-free.
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Professional Aesthetic: You want your RV to look good? A smart-looking tablet mounting system delivers a clean, organized interior.
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Reduced Clutter: A dedicated tablet mount keeps loose cables and accessories in check, helping keep your RV's interior neat and tidy.
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Multi-Functional Use: Not only can your device be used for RV duties, but it can also serve as an entertainment hub, smart control center for the RV, or a workstation when parked.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your RV Setup
Whether it's for your own personal RV or your fleet of rental RVs, choosing the correct mounting type is crucial for security and safety. There are many mounting system types available, and some are better suited to your RV or fleet of RVs than others. The design of your cabin can determine which mounting system you need.
ARKON Mounts has ready-made RV tablet mounts which can be upgraded and customized with different tablet holders, arms, shafts, bases, and ball-ends. Or you can build a custom mount that meets your personal requirements.
Dashboard vs Windshield Mounting
Windshield Mounts
Similar in mount position, windshield and dash mounting systems tend to be located in the same area but attached very differently. Windshield mounting systems are attached via suction, such as the Windshield Suction Slim-Grip® Tablet Mount. It can be a single-suction or a double-suction, like the SkyHold™ Windshield Dual Suction Tablet Mount for extra purchase and security.
Suction mounts are strong and stable, and can be detached by switching the lever on the suction. This allows you to remove the mounting system once you've finished with it.
Dash and Console Mounts
Dashboard mounting systems can still use suction mounts and sometimes feature an adhesive disk to make attaching the suction mount easier. Again, the suction mounting system can be removed when not in use.
Other dashboard mounting systems include a drill-base mounting system, such as the Slim-Grip® Ultra Pro Drill-Base Tablet Mount, which provides a more permanent fixture on your dashboard using screws or bolts.
Seat Rail and Floor Mount Options
Whether you want your windshield or dashboard clutter-free or you want the space to mount a phone mounting system for alternative uses, using a tablet seat rail or floor mounting system is another way to keep your device safe and secure. These mounting systems are usually heavy-duty and can be attached to the floor of your RV via a drill base or come with a seat-fixing adapter for securely attaching to your seat mounts.
They usually have a flexible, yet solid gooseneck arm, like the Slim-Grip® Ultra 22" Seat Rail or Floor Car Mount, arriving in different lengths, or a multi-angle arm, such as the Car or Truck Seat Rail Tablet Mount, which can be positioned and locked into place with the tightening knobs. These mounting systems will fit cars, trucks, semis, and RVs.
Lockable Tablet Holders
Lockable tablet holders are available to secure your tablet in the mount and provide an extra layer of protection for your devices. Holders such as the LockVise™ Metal Locking Tablet Mount feature the LockVise locking device.
You can lock your device in the holder with a key, providing additional protection when stopping at a rest stop or visiting a store, so you don't have to remove it from its holder.
Other Mount Types
If the dash, windshield, floor, or seat mounts are not suitable, other RV tablet mount types are available. A cupholder mounting system fits neatly into your RV's cupholder and can be tightened with a twist mechanism. There is also the central console device mounting system, which fits snugly between your front seat and console.
Why ARKON Mounts’ RV Tablet Mounts Are Different
Because you need strength and stability in your RV tablet mounting system, it’s important that the mounting system is designed for longevity and durability. ARKON’s modular systems are designed for heavy-duty use, with different ball sizes, shaft lengths, and mounting options.
They can be completely customized to your specifications. ARKON supplies different drill-base types constructed from high-density composite or metal, and some with rubber ends for extra grip. They have a range of shaft lengths made from different materials to allow you to personlize them to your RV’s cabin requirements.
Different tablet holders are available, from lockable models to spring-loaded mechanisms for quick release. Plus, when you get a new tablet or even a camper, you can easily upgrade your existing mount to fit.
ARKON Mounts systems can be completely built from the ground up or customized to meet any RV need, giving you a secure, reliable, and tailored mounting solution for every weekend getaway or longer US tour. Plus, when you get a new tablet or even a camper, you can easily upgrade your existing mount to fit without having to buy a new system.
Integrating Tablets With Other Devices
Using a tablet for navigation and trip planning is essential, but some RV owners need an extra mount for their smartphone, whether as a backup or for communication. Similar to tablet mounts, phone mounting systems have the same mount types (windshield, dash, floor, etc.), but they'll include a holder suitable for most smartphones. Like the Mega Grip™ Windshield Phone Mount that uses a suction system for windshield or dash mounting, you can integrate a secondary phone mounting system into your RV.
For phones, there are also magnetic mounting systems such as ARKON Mounts MagSafe series. This includes the Magnetic Phone Holder with Vent Mount, which attaches to the vent louvers in the RV and the Magnetic Phone Holder with Sticky Suction Mount, which can be attached to the windshield or dash. Magnetic mounts tend to be more focused on smartphones, as their lighter weight allows for a secure hold and can’t support some heavier tablets.
Installation Tips for a Clean and Functional RV Setup
Positioning for Optimal Visibility
To ensure your tablet is at the best line of sight, test a few different positions before starting longer journeys so you can find the best placement for using your tablet. This way, you won't need to start messing about with tablet position once you've set off.
Test the RV Tablet Mount Stability
Once you've set up your mount in your ideal viewing position, test its stability to make sure it stays in place while driving. Take it for a test drive, preferably on back roads, to ensure it's properly secured before leaving. Doing this will iron out any issues further down the line.
Cable Management Solutions
Ensure your cables are fully organized before setting off. Whether it's charging or audio cables, having them twisted or in the way can cause problems on the road. Using zip ties or dedicated cable organizers can help prevent messy cables and headaches down the road.
Ensure Apps are Uploaded and Updated
Make sure all the apps you're going to use are fully loaded and up to date. Whether that's navigation and weather apps or campground locators, familiarize yourself with each one and how to operate it before setting out on your adventure.
Building a Smarter Navigation System with a RV Tablet Mount
Tablets are becoming essential for modern RV adventures. Whether that's using them as full navigation devices or as a multi-use hub for entertainment, trip planning, and staying connected. Properly and securely mounted tablet systems are just as important in RVs as the device itself, with integrated systems improving the safety, comfort, and efficiency of the RV's pilot.
ARKON mounts offer a wide range of tablet mounting systems for RVs and other campers, from lockable, secure systems to those designed for fleet vehicles and semi-trucks.
Ready to upgrade your RV tablet mount? Explore ARKON Mounts' range and experience the difference a secure, professional tablet mounting system makes on every mile of your adventure.
