RAM Tube Jr. Rod Holder with Tough-Claw Base: Rail Setup Guide

By RAM Mounts Google Search | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Mount a RAM Tube Jr. rod holder on a boat rail using the Tough-Claw base and Revolution Arm. Follow these steps to clamp, adjust, and fish without slipping.

Quick answer

Clamp the RAM Tough-Claw base to a clean, straight section of your boat rail, attach the Revolution Arm, then set the Tube Jr. rod holder angle and tighten everything before fishing. The key is to position the clamp so the arm can ratchet freely without the rod hitting the deck or motor.

Why the Tough-Claw and Revolution Arm work well on rails

The Tough-Claw base opens wide to grip round or square rails without tools, making it a practical choice when you move between boats or want a removable setup. The Revolution Arm adds a ratcheting joint so you can fine-tune the rod angle without fully disassembling the mount. Together they let you clamp the rod holder on a boat rail in seconds and adjust it as conditions change.

One trade-off: the clamp relies on friction, so rail diameter and surface condition matter. A polished stainless rail can be slippery if not cleaned, and a rail that is too small for the clamp’s range will not hold securely. Check your rail size before relying on this mount for trolling or heavy current.

When a clamp mount is the wrong choice

If your rail is heavily curved, padded, or has fittings that prevent a flat clamp seat, a flush base or drill-down mount may be more stable. Also, if you plan to leave the rod holder on the boat permanently, a fixed base reduces the risk of someone loosening the clamp. The Tough-Claw is best for temporary or transferable setups, not as a substitute for a through-bolted mount in extreme conditions.

Step-by-step rail mounting

Choose a straight rail section: Pick a section of rail that is straight, clean, and free of fittings or curves. Wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it completely. Common mistake: clamping over a joint or a curved section reduces grip and can let the mount twist under load. Test the clamp’s fit on the rail before attaching the arm; it should close firmly with moderate hand pressure.
Open and seat the Tough-Claw: Press the release lever to open the Tough-Claw jaws, place them around the rail, and close the clamp until it grips. Do not overtighten; the clamp should hold without crushing the rail. Checkpoint: give the closed clamp a firm tug to confirm it does not slide.
Attach the Revolution Arm: Connect the arm to the Tough-Claw ball and tighten the arm’s knob by hand. Then attach the Tube Jr. rod holder to the other end of the arm. Common mistake: leaving the arm knob loose so the rod holder droops once a rod is inserted. Set the arm length and angle so the rod holder sits within easy reach and the rod butt clears the deck.
Set the rod holder angle: Insert a rod (or a similar weight) into the Tube Jr. and adjust the ratcheting joint to your preferred trolling or drift angle. Tighten the ratchet knob firmly. Checkpoint: the rod should not rotate or slip when you push down on the handle.
Final check before fishing: With the rod in place, push and pull the rod holder in several directions to simulate a strike. Re-tighten any knob that moved. Common mistake: skipping this check and discovering a loose clamp only when a fish hits. Re-check clamp and arm tightness after the first 15 minutes of use, especially on a new rail.

Product facts

RAM® Tube Jr.™ Rod Holder with Revolution Arm and RAM® Tough-Claw™ Base: Combines the RAM rubber ball and socket system with a ratcheting Revolution Arm and 1.5-inch Tough-Claw base. The ratchet lets you change rod angle without tools, while the ball and socket add side-to-side positioning.
RAM® Tube Jr.™ Rod Holder with Revolution Arm and RAM® Tough-Claw™ Base