A close up of the RAM Tough-Tray III Laptop Mount in a vehicle

RAM® Tough-Tray™ III Laptop Mount: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

SEATTLE, WA — RAM® Mounts, the industry leader in rugged vehicle laptop mounting solutions and creator of the original No-Drill™ laptop mounts for vehicles, has released the RAM® Tough-Tray™ III, the latest evolution of its trusted laptop holder for mobile workstations.

For decades, the Tough-Tray™ has been a go-to solution for professionals who rely on in-vehicle laptop mounting to get work done safely and efficiently. From contractors and utility workers to field service technicians, public safety professionals, and fleet operators, RAM® Tough-Tray™ mounts are designed to securely hold laptops while driving and create an ergonomic, reliable workstation inside the vehicle cab.

With the Tough-Tray™ III laptop mount, RAM® Mounts builds on that proven foundation—refining the design to better support today’s slimmer laptops, faster fleet deployments, and real-world security needs.

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Why Improve the Tough-Tray™ Laptop Mount?

The device mounting industry evolves alongside the device industry. Over the last 30 years, laptops have become dramatically thinner, lighter, and more powerful. Vehicles have remained a critical workplace for mobile professionals that have also evolved over the years. 


The original Tough-Tray™ was engineered to support bulkier, heavier laptops commonly used in earlier mobile computing environments. As modern laptops are increasingly deployed in fleet vehicles, RAM® Mounts took a fresh look at the design and asked an important question: How can we improve the Tough-Tray™ to better serve today’s mobile workforce?


The result is a redesigned laptop holder that prioritizes:

  • Faster installation for fleet upfits

  • A smaller in-cab footprint

  • Greater adjustability across laptop sizes

  • Built-in security for peace of mind

What’s Changed with the RAM® Tough-Tray™ III Laptop Mount?

The Tough-Tray™ III was updated with four core customer needs in mind:


1. Easier to assemble

2. Reduced footprint

3. Higher level of adjustability

4. Integrated locking


Each improvement is designed to make vehicle laptop mounting more efficient, more ergonomic, and more secure. Learn more about the improvements below.

1. Easier to Assemble for Fleet Installations

While the original Tough-Tray™ laptop mount is known for its durability and rock-solid performance, assembly is time-intensive. Fleet installers deploying dozens or hundreds of mounts were a significant consideration in this next generation of design. By simplifying the assembly process, we reduce installation time and labor costs for our business customers. This makes it an ideal solution for:

  • Fleet vehicle upfits

  • Large-scale deployments

  • Professional installers and integrators


Less time installing laptop mounts means vehicles get on the road faster.

2. Reduced Footprint Inside the Vehicle Cab

The Tough-Tray™ III laptop holder features a slimmer, more compact design that takes up less space in the cab. This improvement offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased leg and lap room for drivers and passengers

  • Easier movement within the cab

  • Improved overall ergonomics


The reduced footprint also means less material usage, aligning with RAM® Mounts’ commitment to thoughtful, efficient design without sacrificing strength or durability.

3. Higher Level of Adjustability for Modern Laptops

As laptops continue to get smaller and lighter, secure retention becomes even more critical in demanding, high-vibration environments.

The Tough-Tray™ III introduces enhanced front and rear support for a more rugged hold:

  • Fully adjustable rear supports pivot to fit laptops ranging from 7.625" to 10.625" deep

  • Side supports in two sizes accommodate laptop thicknesses from 0" to 1.875"


This increased adjustability ensures compatibility with a wide range of laptops, ultrabooks, and mobile computing devices, making the Tough-Tray™ III a future-ready solution for evolving fleets.

4. Integrated Locking for Added Security

Vehicle-based mobile offices are often targets for break-ins and theft. The RAM® Tough-Tray™ III addresses this with an integrated tubular cam lock—no additional assembly required.


This built-in locking feature allows users to:

  • Secure their laptop directly to the mounting solution

  • Deter theft during short stops or overnight parking

  • Gain peace of mind while on the road


It’s a simple integration that makes a meaningful difference for professionals who depend on their equipment every day.

Why Choose RAM® for Vehicle Laptop Mounts?

RAM® Mounts has spent over three decades engineering rugged, purpose-built mounting solutions trusted across industries worldwide. When you choose RAM®, you’re investing in:

  • Proven durability in real-world conditions

  • Modular systems that adapt as technology changes

  • No-Drill™ installation options for vehicle safety and resale value

  • Made-for-work solutions designed, tested, and supported in the USA


The RAM® Tough-Tray™ III laptop mount is more than an upgrade—it’s a reflection of RAM® Mounts’ commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the modern mobile workforce.