For years, suction cups and vehicle-specific mounts have been the standard for mounting multiple devices in off-roading vehicles and creating mobile workstations for fleet vehicles. These solutions have helped support laptops, tablets, printers, radios, and other critical equipment, keeping them secure and accessible on the road.
As vehicles, workflows, and technology evolve, so do mounting requirements. Today's fleets often need to support multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining driver visibility, passenger comfort, and long-term flexibility.
The RAM® Tough-Bar™ introduces a new approach to fleet in-vehicle mounting. Each Tough-Bar™ is custom-bent to precisely fit the dashboard and center console. Its non-invasive design offers secure mounting for multiple devices without interference to vehicle controls or visibility through the windshield.
Tough-Bar™ vs. Traditional Vehicle Bases
RAM® No-Drill™ Vehicle Bases
RAM® No-Drill™ vehicle bases are engineered to create a stable mounting platform using existing passenger-side seat bolts. When paired with RAM® Tele-Pole™ systems, swing arms, and device docks, they provide a proven solution for laptops and tablets across a wide range of vehicles.
Key benefits include:
No drilling required
Vehicle-specific fitment
Low-profile base design
Proven performance in fleet environments
Lifetime warranty
These systems have served as reliable mobile workstation solutions for public safety, utilities, transportation, field service, and many other industries for many years.
Third-Party Vehicle Bases
Several third-party vehicle mounting systems utilize a similar seat bolt mounting approach. While these systems can provide a stable platform for mounting technology, they often require additional components, invasive installation, or less flexibility when fleet technology changes over time.
Depending on the manufacturer, customization options, long-term durability, warranty coverage, and compatibility with mounting accessories can vary significantly.
RAM® Tough-Bar™
The RAM® Tough-Bar™ takes a fundamentally different approach.
Rather than building upward from a single passenger seat mounting location, the Tough-Bar™ creates a rigid, vehicle-contoured mounting platform that spans the cabin and secures at multiple connection points. By attaching to the driver seat bolt, passenger seat bolt, and center dashboard, the Tough-Bar™ distributes load across the vehicle for exceptional stability.
The result is a mounting platform specifically designed to support multiple devices while preserving passenger comfort, maintaining visibility, and minimizing vibration.
1. Stability and Vibration Reduction
Traditional vehicle bases rely primarily on a single mounting location and extended poles or swing arms to position devices. The Tough-Bar™ utilizes a three-point mounting system that stabilizes equipment across the vehicle interior.
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
Reduced device movement
Less vibration on rough roads
Increased stability for larger device configurations
Greater confidence when supporting multiple devices
2. Multi-Device Capability
As fleets adopt more technology, a single vehicle may need to support:
Traditional vehicle bases excel when supporting a single workstation configuration. However, adding multiple devices often requires additional arms, poles, and mounting hardware.
The Tough-Bar™ was purposefully engineered as a shared mounting platform capable of supporting multiple devices simultaneously.
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
Mount 3 to 6 devices comfortably
Easily reposition equipment along the bar
Add or remove accessories as workflows evolve
3. Driver Visibility and Ergonomics
Many traditional mounting solutions position devices lower in the cabin or off to the passenger side, requiring drivers to turn their head or look down to interact with equipment.
The Tough-Bar™ places devices within a more natural viewing area while remaining outside the driver's critical line of sight.
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
- Faster visual reference
- Reduced neck strain
- Improved ergonomics
- Easier access to frequently used devices
4. Passenger Comfort
Vehicle-mounted technology often competes with passenger space.
Because the Tough-Bar™ is precision-bent to contour around the center console area, it maintains valuable passenger legroom while creating a dedicated mounting platform.
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
Preserves passenger comfort
Minimizes cabin intrusion
Maintains a clean, factory-style appearance
5. Safety Features
Both RAM® No-Drill™ bases and the RAM® Tough-Bar™ are designed with vehicle safety in mind.
The Tough-Bar™ introduces additional safety-focused innovations, that include:
Vehicle-specific contouring
Airbag-conscious positioning
Collar-Lock™ motion restriction
Adjustable safety stops
Vehicle protection features that help prevent device contact with interior surfaces
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
These features help ensure devices remain positioned exactly where intended while reducing the risk of interference with vehicle controls, driver visibility, or interior components.
6. Flexibility for Future Upgrades
Technology refresh cycles continue to accelerate. Traditional workstation configurations may require substantial changes when devices, workflows, or equipment needs evolve.
The Tough-Bar™ functions as a modular platform that allows organizations to reconfigure mounting layouts without replacing the entire foundation.
Advantage: Tough-Bar™
Easier technology refreshes
Greater configuration flexibility
Simplified fleet standardization
Support for evolving operational requirements
Should Existing Vehicle Base Users Consider Upgrading?
RAM® No-Drill™ vehicle bases remain an excellent solution for many single-device laptop and tablet deployments.
However, organizations may benefit from transitioning to the Tough-Bar™ if they:
Need to support multiple devices in a vehicle
Want to reduce vibration and movement
Are looking for improved driver ergonomics
Need additional flexibility for future technology upgrades
Want a cleaner, more integrated installation
Require a platform that can evolve with changing workflows
The Future of In-Vehicle Mounting
Vehicle technology continues to expand, and mounting solutions must evolve alongside it.
While traditional vehicle bases remain a proven option for many applications, the RAM® Tough-Bar™ was engineered to address the growing demand for stability, flexibility, safety, and multi-device support in modern fleet vehicles.
The Tough-Bar™ combines vehicle-specific fitment, multi-point stabilization, ergonomic positioning, and unlimited configuration options, delivering a revolutionary mounting platform engineered with today's connected workforce in-mind.
For more information about RAM® Tough-Bar™ and current vehicle compatibility, visit https://rammount.com/pages/ram-tough-bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a fleet vehicle mounting solution?
The best fleet vehicle mounting solutions balance stability, safety, flexibility, and ease of installation. Look for a system that minimizes device vibration, preserves driver visibility, supports multiple devices, and can adapt as your technology evolves. The RAM® Tough-Bar™ is designed with these priorities in mind, combining a vehicle-specific fit, three-point stabilization, and modular mounting options that help future-proof your fleet.
Can I install a vehicle mount without drilling?
Yes. Many modern vehicle mounting systems, including RAM® No-Drill™ bases and the RAM® Tough-Bar™, install using existing seat bolts without requiring permanent vehicle modifications. Tough-Bar™ also includes dashboard anchor options that allow for either a no-drill adhesive installation or a permanent screw-down installation based on your fleet's requirements.
What is the best way to mount a tablet in a work vehicle?
The best tablet mounting solution keeps the device secure, easy to view, and within comfortable reach without obstructing visibility or vehicle controls. Unlike traditional seat-mounted systems that position devices farther to the passenger side, the RAM® Tough-Bar™ places tablets in a more ergonomic, front-and-center location while reducing vibration and maintaining a clean, professional installation.
How do I mount multiple devices in a work vehicle?
As fleets adopt tablets, laptops, printers, push-to-talk radios, and other connected technology, mounting multiple devices becomes increasingly important. The RAM® Tough-Bar™ was engineered specifically for multi-device installations, supporting three to six devices on a single vehicle-specific platform while keeping equipment organized, secure, and easy to access.
Are modular vehicle mounting systems worth it?
Modular mounting systems can significantly reduce replacement costs and simplify future upgrades making it beneficial for organizations that regularly upgrade devices or expand in-cab technology. The RAM® Tough-Bar™ is compatible with a wide range of RAM® mounting components, allowing fleets to reconfigure or expand their setup without replacing the entire mounting system.
Which vehicle mounting solution has the lowest total cost of ownership?
The lowest total cost of ownership comes from a mounting system that lasts through multiple technology refreshes. Because the RAM® Tough-Bar™ serves as a long-term mounting platform, fleets can often replace only the device holders or accessories as equipment changes rather than purchasing an entirely new system, helping maximize their investment over time.
How do I improve driver visibility and ergonomics with mounted devices?
Proper device placement improves both safety and comfort. The RAM® Tough-Bar™ positions devices closer to the driver's natural line of sight, reducing the need to look down or turn toward the passenger seat. Its Collar-Lock™ system also helps maintain safe viewing angles by limiting unnecessary movement while still allowing devices to be repositioned when needed.
Why choose the RAM® Tough-Bar™ over a traditional vehicle base?
Traditional vehicle bases remain an excellent option for many single-device applications. However, fleets that require greater stability, improved ergonomics, multi-device support, and long-term flexibility may benefit from upgrading to the RAM® Tough-Bar™. Its three-point mounting design, modular accessory compatibility, and safety-focused features make it a next-generation platform built for today's connected fleet vehicles.
What vehicles are compatible with the RAM® Tough-Bar™?
The RAM® Tough-Bar™ is engineered as a vehicle-specific solution, with each bar precision-bent to fit the year, make, and model of the vehicle. This custom fit provides maximum stability, maintains passenger comfort, and preserves critical safety features such as airbag deployment zones while delivering a factory-style appearance. Here is our current vehicle compatibility list:
✔ Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 with Bench Seat and 7-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 with Bench Seat and 13.4-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ Chevy Silverado 2500, 3500 with Center Console (2024-2026)
✔ Chevy Silverado 1500 with Center Console (2022-2026)
✔ Chevy Silverado 4500, 5500, 6500 with Bench Seat (2019-2025)
✔ Chevy Silverado EV (2024-2026)
✔ Chevy Express (2003-2026)
✔ Chevy Equinox (2025-2026)
✔ Chevy Colorado (2026)
✔ Chevy Colorado (2015-2022)
✔ Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 with Bench Seat (2014-2018)
✔ Ford Police Interceptor Utility (2020-2026)
✔ Ford F-150 with Bench Seat (2015-2026)
✔ Ford F-150 with Center Console (2021-2026)
✔ Ford F-150 with Center Console and 4.2 & 8-inch Display (2015-2020)
✔ Ford F-150 with Center Console and 12-inch Display (2015-2020)
✔ Ford F-150 Lightning Pro with 12-inch Display (2022-2025)
✔ Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600 with Bench Seat (2017-2026)
✔ Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 with Center Console and 4.2 & 8-inch Display (2017-2022)
✔ Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 with Center Console and 12-inch Display (2017-2022)
✔ Ford F-650, F-750 with Bench Seat (2016-2026)
✔ Ford Bronco (2021-2026)
✔ Ford Transit with 4-inch Display (2015-2025)
✔ Ford E-Transit, Transit 150, 250, 350, 350HD with 8 & 12-inch Displays (2020-2026)
✔ Ford Maverick (2022-2026)
✔ Ford Ranger (2024-2026)
✔ Ford Expedition (2018-2021, 2026)
✔ GMC Canyon (2023-2026)
✔ GMC Savana (2023)
✔ GMC Sierra EV (2024-2026)
✔ GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT (2022-2026)
✔ GMC Sierra 2500. 3500 Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT (2024-2026)
✔ GMC Sierra 1500, 2500. 3500 AT4, Denali (2022-2026)
✔ Honda Ridgeline (2020-2026)
✔ Ineos Grenadier, Quartermaster (2024-2025)
✔ Jeep Grand Cherokee (2022-2025)
✔ Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator (2018-2026)
✔ Jeep Wrangler (2007-2026)
✔ Jeep Renegade (2015-2023)
✔ Land Rover Defender (2020-2026)
✔ Land Rover Discovery (2017-2026)
✔ Land Rover Discovery Sport (2020-2026)
✔ Land Rover Range Rover, Sport (2022-2026)
✔ Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2020-2026)
✔ Land Rover Range Rover Velar (2018-2026)
✔ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with Standard Radio (2019-2026)
✔ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2007-2018)
✔ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 10.25-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 10.25-inch Display & Swivel Seat (2019-2026)
✔ Nissan Ariya (2023-2025)
✔ Nissan Frontier (2025-2026)
✔ RAM Promaster 1500, 2500, 3500 (2022-2026)
✔ RAM 1500 (2019-2026)
✔ RAM 1500 with 14.4-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ RAM 2500 with 8.4-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ RAM 2500 with 14.4-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ RAM 3500 with 12-inch Display (2019-2026)
✔ Rivian R1T, R1S (2021-2026)
✔ Subaru Crosstrek (2024-2026)
✔ Subaru Forester Wilderness (2019-2025)
✔ Subaru Forester Hybrid (2025)
✔ Subaru Outback (2020-2025)
✔ Toyota BZ4X (2023-2025)
✔ Toyota Land Cruiser (2024-2026)
✔ Toyota 4Runner with 8-inch Display (2025)
✔ Toyota 4Runner with 14-inch Display (2025-2026)
✔ Toyota 4Runner (2014-2024)
✔ Toyota Tacoma with 8-inch Display (2025-2026)
✔ Toyota Tacoma with 14-inch Display (2025)
✔ Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023)
✔ Toyota Tacoma Manual (2005-2015)
✔ Toyota Tundra with 8-inch Display (2022-2026)
✔ Toyota Tundra with 14-inch Display (2022-2026)