RAM Power Plate III Radar Detector Mount with U-Bolt Base

A magnetic quick-release mount built to hold a radar detector securely on a motorcycle handlebar: a Power Plate III cradle with two rare-earth magnets, a steel adhesive plate for the back of your device, a medium B-size double socket arm, and a zinc-coated U-bolt base for rails 1/2" to 1 1/4" in diameter.

Why this matters on two wheels

A radar detector or similar small electronic device needs to come off quickly -- at a fuel stop, when you park, or to take it into a hotel overnight -- without unscrewing anything with cold or gloved hands. The Power Plate III solves that with a twist-and-lift magnetic release: adhere the included steel plate to the back of your device once, then it locks onto the magnetic cradle and comes off with one motion. The rubber ball components in the arm and base absorb shock and vibration, which matters for a small electronic device riding exposed on the handlebar rather than tucked inside a fairing.

Features

• Magnetic Power Plate III cradle with two rare-earth magnets and a composite housing; twist-and-lift quick-release lets you remove the device in one motion
• Includes one 50mm x 38mm steel adhesive plate to attach to the back of your device (additional plates sold separately)
• U-bolt base accommodates any handlebar from .5" to 1.25" in diameter; medium B-size double socket arm gives near-infinite adjustability
• Rubber ball components provide shock and vibration damping, suitable for any rugged environment
• Backed by a lifetime warranty

How RAM's modular system works

Every RAM mount is built from up to three parts that click together: a base that clamps, bolts, or straps onto the vehicle (a handlebar, a rail, a dash, or a device's own housing); an arm that connects two RAM balls together and can be locked at any angle, so once mounted you can tilt, rotate, and reposition the device freely and then lock it firmly in place by hand; and a cradle or holder that grips the specific device (phone, tablet, GPS unit, camera).

Not every product includes all three parts -- some are just the base, some bundle a cradle, some are a complete kit. Where that is the case, this page says so plainly, so you know exactly what you are getting and what, if anything, you would need to add.

The ball size determines what it can carry

RAM uses five ball sizes, each rated for a different weight and duty class. B Size (part numbers starting RAM-B-...) is RAM's most common size, standard duty -- what RAM recommends for phones, GPS units, and light tablets in normal use. C Size (plain RAM-... part numbers, no letter prefix) is heavy duty -- used for larger tablets, handheld computers, CB radios, and anything mounted somewhere that gets a lot of vibration or shock, exactly the case on a motorcycle, ATV, or UTV. D and E Size are reserved for large monitors and specialist equipment, rarely needed outside those cases.

Rule of thumb: if the mount will live somewhere that is frequently jostled, vibrated, or under constant load -- a motorcycle or off-road vehicle -- RAM recommends stepping up to the larger ball size (C or D) for extra stability, even if a lighter B-Size mount would technically hold the device's weight.

No tools required, on purpose

RAM arms are designed to be tightened by hand only -- there is no official torque spec, because the ball-and-socket joint is meant to be adjustable in the field without a wrench. If hand-tightening does not hold your device firmly, that is usually a sign the ball size is undersized for the device -- sizing up solves it, rather than over-tightening.

Aluminum or composite -- both built for the outdoors

RAM mounts are made from marine-grade aluminum or high-strength composite, depending on the product; both carry a lifetime warranty and similar weight ratings. Aluminum's powder-coat finish handles rough vibration and shock slightly better; composite has no paint to chip and is often preferred in high-corrosion or salt-air environments. Neither choice is worse -- it is a trade-off between finish and environment.

What's in the box, and what it's really for

This is a complete kit: the U-bolt handlebar base, the medium B-size double socket arm, the magnetic Power Plate III cradle, and one steel adhesive plate are all included. RAM markets this mount specifically for radar detectors -- it confirms compatibility with, among others, the Cobra Radar 700i -- but the magnetic system itself is generic: anything you can attach the flat steel plate to, with roughly the same footprint and weight as a handheld radar detector, will work the same way.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the Power Plate III designed for?
RAM's magnetic quick-release system, marketed specifically for mounting radar detectors on a motorcycle or ATV/UTV handlebar.

Does it work with any radar detector, or only specific models?
It works with any device you can attach the included steel adhesive plate to. RAM confirms compatibility with, among others, the Cobra Radar 700i. Since the plate is a flat adhesive steel disc, most handheld radar detectors and similar small electronics will work as long as there is a flat surface to attach it to.

Is a charger or power cable included?
No, this is a purely mechanical mount -- charging or power cables for your radar detector are separate.

What handlebar sizes does the U-bolt base fit?
Rails from .5" to 1.25" (12.7-31.8 mm) in diameter.

How do I remove the device quickly?
Twist it a quarter turn against the magnetic plate and lift -- the quick-release design is meant for one-handed removal without unscrewing anything.

Is there a warranty?
Yes, lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.