Ball Sizes

There are five different sizes of RAM® Ball components; each determined to support the following weight capacities:

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Naming Conventions

Ball SizeNaming ConventionExamples

A Size

RAM-A-______

Diamond Plate: RAM-A-238U
Socket Arm: RAM-A-201U

B Size

RAM-B-______

Diamond Plate: RAM-B-238U
Round Plate: RAM-B-202U
Socket Arm: RAM-B-201U

C Size

RAM-______

Diamond Plate: RAM-238U
Round Plate: RAM-202U
Socket Arm: RAM-201U

D Size

RAM-D-______

Round Plate (Large): RAM-D-202U
Socket Arm: RAM-D-201U

E Size

RAM-E-______

Round Plate (Large): RAM-E-202U
Socket Arm: RAM-E-201U

Common Applications

Device Ball Size Notes

Camera

B Size (Light Duty)
C Size (Heavy Duty)

Fish Finder

C Size (4" - 12" on Boat or Kayak)
D Size (8" - 12" on Boat)
D Size (12" - 16" on Boat*)

*Hi-Torq™ Wrench required for 12"-16" units

GPS

B Size

Handheld PC

B Size (Light Duty)
C Size (Heavy Duty)

Monitor

C Size (Small Monitors, Light Duty)
D Size (Small Monitors, Heavy Duty)
D Size (Large Monitors*, Any Environment)

*Steel reinforced post version of mount recommended

Phone

B Size

Printer (Mobile)

C Size

Radio

B Size (Handheld Radios)
C Size (CB Radios)

Scanner Gun

C Size

Tablet

B Size (Small Tablets, Light Duty)
C Size (Small Tablets, Heavy Duty)
C Size (Large Tablets, Any Environment)

When to use A Size

The A Size ball is not commonly recommended because it costs more to manufacture but does not support as much weight as the B Size ball. The A Size ball is sometimes preferred when holding a very small-light weight item that is not as bulky as the B Size ball & socket system, such as a low profile security camera.

When to use E Size

The E Size ball is not commonly recommended because it typically supports large enough devices that are not in need of the unique adjustability that the RAM® Ball & Socket system offers. For most mobile terminals and rugged tablets that require modular mounting, the D-Size ball is sufficient. The E Size ball is sometimes preferred in military applications, where devices of this weight capacity require unique mounting in vehicles that cannot be achieved with other components.

Steel Reinforced Post

The necessary ball size in a given application will depend on the overall weight and environment. Typically if one mount is desired but the weight of the device is beyond the weight capacity of the ball, it is recommended to upgrade to the next size ball to support the weight. However, upgrading the size of the ball can be costly, and the weight of the device may be questionably close to the original size ball's weight capacity. In these instances a steel reinforced post version of the ball base can increase the weight capacity of the ball by ~1 lb, which can be sufficient to support a slightly heavier device without needing to upgrade the entire mount.