Slighty OT - RAM mount rubber balls

[ovenpaa]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but as it is a GPS forum...

The rubber balls on my RAM mounts are about a year old and are really perishing and cracking, is this normal?

 

[RAM-man]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but as it is a GPS forum...

The rubber balls on my RAM mounts are about a year old and are really perishing and cracking, is this normal?

The answer in short is NO!. The ball is of a vulcanised rubber base and moulded in different sizes. These can be used various extreme climates, even to Arctic weather. Its something I have not seen before, so please post a pic.

I suggest you contact your supplier and show them.

 

[robD]

I suggest you contact your supplier and show them.

That would be an interesting conversation to listen in on....

"My balls have perished. Would you like to see them?"


But seriously for a moment I've been using a RAM mount on my Dakar for 4 years, whilst riding in all weathers. I recently acquired a new RAM mount combo as part of GPSW's SPIII promotion, and there's no discernable ageing between the 4 year old balls (ooo-err!... Stop that now!) and the brand new ones.

-Rob

 

[Fanum]

Hmm all my balls are still black and smooth....have yours been cranked up too tight in your arms maybe????

snarf snarf

 

[robD]

This thread was only ever going to head one way....

 

[RAM-man]

"My balls have perished. Would you like to see them?"
-Rob

Rob, yes I would and I would replace them (pliers at the ready but for real pleasure I will ask Archeo for the SPOONS ).

 

[ovenpaa]

it is quite hard to see in this photograph but here goes...

 

[cookie]

chafed balls,


nasty

 

[ovenpaa]

chafed balls,


nasty

Yeah it is the summer heat, it always catches me.. ah, right, I see what you mean

 

[PanEuropean]

Hi Ovenpaa:

The mounting balls on the two RAM components I use (one to hold the Garmin bracket, the other attached to the handlebar) are still in very good condition after 4 years and 100,000 km of use. I mostly park my motorcycle outside, where it is exposed to sun and weather.

There is some deformation in the surface of both of the balls as a result of the extension clamp always being in the same place, but certainly no evidence of any bits of rubber coming off. The deformation in the surface doesn't seem to interfere at all with the functionality of the mount.

Perhaps take some good quality, close-up pictures and send them to RAM Mount in the USA. My guess is that they would post you replacement components if it appears there has been a failure of the rubber.

Michael