Tundra Dash Mount: Why Every Owner Needs One (Even If You Don't Off-Road)

I'll be honest with you. The first time I installed a Tundra dash mount, I thought it was going to be one of those "off-road only" accessories that would collect dust during the week. I couldn't have been more wrong. After running a proper dash plate for the past year and a half, I'm convinced it's one of the most underrated upgrades you can make to a third-gen Toyota Tundra.

Let's talk about why a quality Tundra dash mount deserves a spot in your truck, whether you're crawling rocks every weekend or just commuting to the job site.

Key Takeaways

• Tundra dash mounts provide secure mounting locations for phones, tablets, and communication devices
• Quality dash plates feature integrated mounting points compatible with RAM diamond base mounts for amazing versatility
• Off-road benefits include better GPS system access and radio communication setup
• Daily advantages include hands-free cell phone operation and quick device access
• The best mounts are CNC laser cut, aluminum construction with no drilling required for installation
• Both Cali Raised and ICS Fab offer top notch Tundra-specific solutions with different accessory mounting holes configurations

What We're Really Talking About Here

A Tundra dash mount isn't just a phone mount you stick to your windshield. We're talking about a purpose-built dash plate designed specifically for the third-generation Toyota Tundra dashboard. These formed dash mount options provide rock-solid attachment points for phones, tablets, radios, and other devices you need access to while driving.

The best options use RAM diamond base mounts, which means you're not locked into one configuration. You can mount multiple accessories, adjust angles, and reconfigure your setup as your needs change. The ability to attach multiple accessory mounts gives you amazing versatility that works for everyone from weekend warriors to work truck operators.

The Off-Road Case: Why I Actually Started Using One

Trying to navigate technical trails while your phone slides around the center console is frustrating at best and dangerous at worst. I'm lucky I learned it through simple inconvenience; some people had to learn it the hard way.

Navigation You Can Actually See

When you're picking your way through a rocky section or trying to follow a GPS system track through unfamiliar terrain, you need your navigation visible and accessible. A dash mount with tablets running apps like Gaia GPS puts your route and waypoints right in your line of sight. No more stopping every five minutes to check your phone.

I run an iPad on mine, and having that screen real estate makes a massive difference. The bigger display means you can see what's coming up without squinting at a phone screen or constantly pulling over.

Communication That Actually Works

If you're running a GMRS radio, CB, or ham radio setup, you know the struggle of finding a good place to mount the microphone where you can actually reach it. A dash plate with multiple accessory mounts solves this problem elegantly. You can position your radio controls exactly where you need them using the integrated mounting points, keep your microphone accessible, and still have room for your phone or tablet.

On group runs, being able to grab your radio mic without taking your eyes off the trail matters. Same goes for your cell phone if you need to quickly send a text to the group behind you.

Trail Documentation

Having mounted dash cams, action cams, or a phone pointed forward makes documenting your trips effortless. If you're recording trail conditions or capturing that sketchy descent, having everything on device mounts and ready to go beats fumbling with other mounting solutions.

The Daily Driving Benefits Nobody Talks About

This is where the Tundra dash mounts really surprised me. I initially made the purchase for off-road trips, but I simply use it every single day now.

Hands-Free Everything

A secure phone mount lets you use voice commands, see incoming calls, and glance at GPS navigation without taking your hands off the wheel. For work calls, podcast controls, or changing your music, having your phone on a dash mount at eye level is infinitely safer than having it in a cup holder or in your hand.

Organization That Makes Sense

Before I had a Tundra dash mount, my phone lived in the center console, a cup holder, or my pocket. Now it has a home. My tablet lives there during the week, and my phone clips in when I need quick access to other devices.

If you're using your truck for work, this organizational factor multiplies. Mounting a tablet for job site photos, time tracking apps, or work orders means you're not digging through your center console every time you need to check specs.

Actually Using Your Phone's Features

Mounting your phone properly means you can take advantage of features like Quad Lock compatibility and magnetic mounting systems. A quality dash mount with RAM ball compatibility accepts adapters for basically any phone mounting system.

Some dash plate options even include a dual USB port for charging multiple devices simultaneously. It's one of those conveniences that seems small until you experience it, and then going back to fumbling with a charger feels archaic.

What Separates the Good Mounts from the Garbage

Not all Tundra dash mounts are created equal. Here's what actually matters in a great product:

Vehicle-Specific Design

This is non-negotiable for Toyota Tundra trucks. Generic mounts either don't fit right, block the vent, interfere with controls, or just look terrible. A dash plate designed specifically for the third-gen Tundra integrates with the dashboard contours and doesn't obstruct critical controls, resulting in a great fit every time.

Build Quality and Materials

You want CNC laser-cut aluminum or high-grade steel construction, not plastic that will warp in summer heat or crack in winter cold. Quality powder coating resists UV damage. The mounting hardware should be stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion, which, by the way, bolt-on dash mounts are also, in my opinion, the best way to go. Yes, it's a permanent modification, but it's worth it not having the thought of your mount and devices falling out of place from a single bump.

A top-notch mount should feel solid when you install it. Look for products with a solid warranty for peace of mind.

RAM Ball Compatibility

The RAM mounting system is the industry standard. The standard AMPS compatible mounting holes ensure you can use RAM diamond base mounts and other AMPS standard accessories.

This modularity means your dash mount grows with your needs. Start with a phone mount, add tablets later, swap in a radio mic holder for weekend trips. The plate stays the same, but your configuration can evolve thanks to the multiple accessory mounting holes.

Easy Installation

Yes, I do recommend some mounts that require drilling, but always look for ones that are specifically designed for your make and model. These either come with a template for the holes you need or use existing mounting points.

Try to avoid ones that use adhesives, suction cups, or ones that attach to your A/C vents. They are convenient, but they either damage or leave residue on your truck's interior.

The Two Mounts We Actually Recommend

Based on extensive experience outfitting Toyota Tundra trucks for everything from daily driving to serious overland builds, there are two dash mounts that consistently deliver and come with great customer service.

Cali Raised Tundra Dash Mount

The Cali Raised mount is our go-to recommendation for most Tundra owners. It's specifically engineered for 2022+ models and features a clean, minimal design.

The formed dash mount places devices in your natural sight line without blocking critical gauges. The powder-coated aluminum construction handles everything from desert heat to mountain cold. Multiple RAM ball mounting locations give you flexibility for different device combinations.

Installation uses existing mounting points with no drilling required. The whole setup is reversible if you need to go back to stock. Build quality is top notch. Compatible with all standard RAM mounts and accessories, this unit gives you the ability to mount phones, tablets, GPS systems, and radios with ease.

Shop Cali Raised Tundra Dash Mount

ICS Fab Tundra Dash Mount

The ICS Fab mount takes a different approach with additional integrated mounting points and a more modular design. It's built for users who want to mount multiple accessories simultaneously or need maximum configuration options.

Construction is heavy-duty CNC laser-cut steel with textured powder coat that resists scratches and wear. The extra accessory mounting holes make it ideal for complex setups with radios, tablets, and phones all mounted at once. If you're building a serious communication rig or need amazing versatility, this is the dash plate to consider.

Like the Cali Raised option, installation is straightforward with no drilling and is completely reversible. If you prioritize function over minimalism, it delivers the support and flexibility you need. The kit includes all necessary mounting hardware, screws, and nuts for complete installation.

Shop ICS Fab Tundra Dash Mount

Installation: Easier Than You Think

Both of these Tundra dash mounts install in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools. You don't need special equipment or professional installation. If you can use a socket wrench, you can install these yourself with no drilling required.

The basic process involves removing a few trim pieces or accessing the dash tray area, positioning the plate, and securing it with the provided mounting hardware. Everything uses existing bolt holes and mounting locations, so there's no measuring, no drilling, and no permanent modifications.

For most people, this is a simple Saturday morning project. The lightweight aluminum construction on some models keeps the weight down while maintaining strength. Check the specs and installation instructions before you purchase to ensure you have the right tools ready.

Real-World Applications We've Seen

The versatility of a quality Tundra dash mount really shows when you see how different Toyota Tundra owners use them.

The Weekend Trail Runner

One customer runs a full iPad Mini setup with Gaia GPS and a GMRS radio mic mount. During the week, the tablet comes off and his cell phone clips in for commuting. On weekends, the full navigation and communication suite goes back on for trail runs.

This dual-purpose setup is the most common configuration we see. The ability to easily swap between work week and weekend modes without tools makes the dash mount practical for daily use while maximizing capability. The secure mounting ensures devices stay in place even on rough trails.

The Working Truck Setup

We've outfitted several contractor Toyota Tundra trucks where the dash plate holds tablets running time tracking software, job management apps, and project documentation. The driver can clock in and out, log job notes, and reference specs without pulling out a laptop.

Some customers even add a dual USB port or USB C charger to keep multiple devices powered throughout the workday. The organization factor alone justifies the purchase when managing multiple job sites.

The Full Communication Rig

We've seen impressive overland builds with complete communication and navigation setups. Picture tablets for navigation, a GMRS radio control head, a CB mic, and wireless charging for a phone, all integrated through integrated mounting points on a multi-position dash mount.

These setups take advantage of every accessory mounting hole and show what's possible when you need maximum capability. The ability to attach multiple accessory mounts means you can customize your rig exactly how you want it. Some users even add dash cams and GPS systems to create a complete information center.

Why This Upgrade Makes More Sense Than You'd Think

A Tundra dash mount is one of the few upgrades that genuinely improves both your off-road capability and your daily driving experience. It's useful every single time you get in your truck. The secure attachment and amazing versatility mean you get value from this accessory every day.

For under $200 for a quality unit, you get significant improvement in organization, safety, and functionality. Plus, most quality mounts come with a warranty and great customer service for added peace of mind.

Making the Decision

If you're using your cell phone for navigation, taking work calls, running radio communication equipment, or just want a better way to keep devices accessible and organized, a Tundra-specific dash mount is one of those upgrades that immediately proves its worth.

The key is choosing a quality, vehicle-specific option rather than trying to make a universal phone mount work. Both the Cali Raised and ICS Fab options deliver that vehicle-specific quality with compatible RAM mounting systems and give you the flexibility to configure your setup exactly how you need it.

When you're grabbing your mount, consider what devices you want to mount and choose a dash plate with the right number of accessory mounting holes for your needs. Review the specs carefully and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you have questions about compatibility. Look for special offers on Tundra dash mounts, but make sure you're getting a top notch product with quality aluminum construction, proper mounting hardware, and a solid warranty.

If you need more help with your Tundra, if there's a build you have in mind, or a budget in mind, feel free to contact us here in Truck Brigade and we'd love to help you out!