How to Secure a Monitor in a Vehicle with RAM VESA Mounts
By RAM Mounts Google Search | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to safely install a monitor in your truck or car using RAM VESA mounts. Step-by-step guide covers drill-down and pedestal options for a secure fit.
Quick Answer
To secure a monitor in a vehicle, choose a RAM VESA mount that matches your mounting surface—drill-down for floors or pedestal for flat surfaces—then follow the steps below for a stable, vibration-resistant installation.
Choosing Between Drill-Down and Pedestal Mounts
Your vehicle's interior layout determines which RAM VESA mount works best. A drill-down mount, like the RAM Universal Drill-Down Vehicle Pivot Mount, bolts directly into the vehicle floor. It provides the most rigid support for heavy monitors and is ideal for trucks or vans where you can access the underside of the floor pan. The trade-off is that installation requires drilling a hole, which is permanent and may affect resale value.
A pedestal mount, such as the RAM 14" Pedestal Mount with Dual 75mm VESA Adapters, sits on a flat surface and uses the base's weight and bolting pattern for stability. It is easier to install and remove, making it a better choice for shared vehicles or temporary setups. However, it may not be as secure under extreme vibration or off-road conditions.
Understanding VESA Compatibility
Most vehicle-grade monitors use a 75x75mm VESA pattern, which is exactly what the RAM mounts in this guide support. Before purchasing, confirm that your monitor has four screw holes spaced 75mm apart in a square. If your monitor uses a 100x100mm pattern, you will need an adapter plate. RAM mounts with 75mm VESA plates include integrated cable management cutouts, helping you route power and video cables neatly through the mount for a clean installation.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Select the Mounting Location: Identify a flat, sturdy area on your vehicle floor (for drill-down) or a flat surface like a console or shelf (for pedestal). Ensure there is clearance behind the mounting point for tools and that no wiring, fuel lines, or brake lines run beneath the chosen spot. Use a stud finder or inspection hole to verify no obstructions exist before drilling.
- Mark and Drill the Pilot Hole (Drill-Down Only): For the RAM Universal Drill-Down Vehicle Pivot Mount, place the mount base at the chosen location and mark the center of the mounting hole. Using a drill bit appropriate for your vehicle's floor material (e.g., metal or reinforced plastic), drill a pilot hole. Deburr the edges to prevent damage to cables or the mount. Wear safety glasses and use a center punch to keep the drill bit from wandering on metal surfaces.
- Attach the Mount Base: For drill-down mounts, insert the included bolt through the mount base and into the pilot hole, then secure it with a lock washer and nut from underneath the vehicle. Tighten to the manufacturer's torque specification. For pedestal mounts like the RAM 14" Pedestal Mount, place the base on the flat surface and fasten it using the provided bolts or screws into pre-drilled holes or a mounting plate. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack the mount base; use a torque wrench if a specification is available.
- Attach the VESA Plate to the Monitor: Align the monitor's 75x75mm VESA holes with the holes on the RAM VESA plate. Insert the provided screws (typically M4) and tighten them evenly in a cross pattern. Do not overtighten—snug is sufficient to avoid stripping the monitor's threaded inserts. If your monitor lacks threaded inserts, use nylon standoffs or a VESA adapter plate; never force screws into plastic.
- Mount the Monitor onto the Arm or Pedestal: Slide the VESA plate onto the RAM arm or pedestal head. For the RAM Tele-Pole mount, attach the monitor to the flange and double socket arm via the included ball bases. Tighten the locking knobs or thumb screws until the monitor holds its position firmly. Test by gently shaking the assembly—there should be no wobble. If the monitor droops after tightening, the ball joint or socket may need a different tension setting; refer to the mount's adjustment guide.
- Route and Secure Cables: Use the cable management cutouts on the VESA plate (available on the RAM 14" Pedestal Mount) to route power and video cables through the pedestal and out the base. For drill-down mounts, use adhesive cable clips or zip ties to secure cables along the mount arm and vehicle floor, keeping them away from moving parts and foot traffic. Leave a small service loop near the monitor to allow for tilt or swivel adjustments without pulling cables taut.
Product Facts
- RAM® Universal Drill-Down Vehicle Pivot Mount: The RAM Universal Drill-Down Vehicle Pivot Mount is designed for drill-down mounting in car and truck floors, intended to support a monitor. This mount provides the most secure attachment for heavy monitors in vehicles where floor access is available, minimizing movement and vibration.
RAM® Universal Drill-Down Vehicle Pivot Mount - RAM® 14" Pedestal Mount with Dual 75mm VESA Adapters: The RAM 14" Pedestal Mount with Dual 75mm VESA Adapters includes integrated cable management cutouts for neat routing of power and data cables. Cable management keeps your installation professional and prevents wires from snagging or being damaged during vehicle movement.
RAM® 14" Pedestal Mount with Dual 75mm VESA Adapters - RAM® 8” Upper Pole and Double Ball 75x75mm VESA Mount: This in-vehicle GDS View monitor and GDS Keyboard mount features a RAM Tele-Pole 8" upper pole with flange, 6" swing arm, and a long C size double socket arm. The swing arm and double socket arm allow you to position the monitor and keyboard for optimal ergonomics and swing the keyboard out of the way when not in use.
