6 Best Dash Trays For Storing Navigation Notebooks For Trucks

Navigating deep into remote wilderness requires more than just a digital signal, as physical maps and navigation notebooks remain the most reliable tools in a backcountry toolkit. Keeping these vital documents within reach while bouncing over washboard roads or navigating narrow trails prevents the distraction of searching under seats during a critical turn. A well-organized dash tray transforms the vehicle cockpit into a functional command center, ensuring essential data is always visible.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

BuiltRight Industries Dash Mount: Best for Modularity

BuiltRight Industries prioritizes extreme customization for those who treat their vehicle interior like an extension of their gear kit. The system utilizes a rugged, laser-cut steel panel that replaces factory dash pockets, providing a standardized grid for various attachments. It is the premier choice for adventurers who frequently switch between mounting navigation notebooks, radio mics, and action cameras depending on the season or terrain.

The modularity here is its greatest strength, as it allows for the precise placement of gear to suit different driver ergonomics. Because the mounting points are standardized, swapping out a notebook tray for a phone mount takes mere seconds. It is the definitive choice for those who value a clean, industrial aesthetic and want the ability to evolve their setup over years of off-road use.

Bulletpoint Mount: The Ultimate Rock-Solid Platform

When the trail turns into a series of punishing ruts and rocks, stability becomes the primary concern for any mounted device. Bulletpoint Mounts rely on an integrated rail system that locks equipment in place with zero oscillation, even under heavy vibration. This system is engineered for those who demand that their navigation notebook remains perfectly still, no matter how technical the driving gets.

The kit typically includes robust carbon fiber or aluminum arms that provide exceptional rigidity without adding significant weight to the dash. For drivers who prioritize a “set it and forget it” mounting experience, the heavy-duty build quality is unmatched. Choose this platform if the goal is to eliminate gear movement entirely during high-intensity trail expeditions.

RAM Mounts Tough-Tray: Most Versatile Mounting

RAM Mounts are widely considered the gold standard for versatility in the outdoor industry. The Tough-Tray acts as a universal, flat-surfaced cradle that accommodates almost any notebook size or navigation binder. Its spring-loaded retainers keep materials securely in place, even when encountering steep inclines or sudden drops.

The primary advantage of the Tough-Tray is its compatibility with the extensive RAM ball-and-socket ecosystem. This allows for nearly infinite adjustment angles, ensuring the notebook stays in the optimal line of sight regardless of the vehicle’s make or model. It is the ideal solution for those who use a variety of different paper resources and need a platform that refuses to be restricted by specific device dimensions.

ICS Fab Dash Mount: Best Custom Fit for Tacomas

ICS Fab specializes in vehicle-specific engineering, creating mounting solutions that feel like original factory equipment. Their dash mounts are contoured specifically for Toyota Tacoma dashboards, ensuring a seamless aesthetic integration that avoids the cluttered look of universal aftermarket parts. This level of fitment is perfect for owners who want professional-grade organization without compromising the truck’s interior design.

Beyond aesthetics, the structural integrity of a custom-fit mount is superior because it utilizes existing factory mounting points. This eliminates the need for invasive drilling or makeshift adhesives that often fail during temperature swings in the desert or alpine regions. If the vehicle is a Tacoma, this is the gold standard for a clean, permanent, and functional navigation station.

Mabett Center Console Tray: Top F-150/Bronco Pick

The Mabett tray focuses on maximizing the utility of the cavernous center console areas found in modern F-150s and Broncos. While it sits slightly lower than a full dash mount, it offers a dedicated, non-slip space for navigation notebooks and immediate-access gear. It excels at turning wasted dead space into a high-utility organizational hub for maps, pencils, and GPS units.

The durability of the material is tailored to handle the abuse of mud, dust, and heavy daily use. Because it installs into existing factory slots, there is no risk of damaging the interior plastics or leaving behind unsightly residues. This is the practical choice for overlanders who prefer keeping their line-of-sight clear while maintaining organized, easy-access navigation tools within arm’s reach.

Spurtar Dash Tray Organizer: Best Universal Budget Buy

For those who need simple functionality without the cost of high-end, modular systems, the Spurtar Dash Tray Organizer delivers effective results. It provides a straightforward, shallow tray that rests atop the dashboard, offering a secure friction-based or adhesive anchor for notebooks and pens. It is the perfect entry-level solution for weekend warriors who don’t require complex mounting arms.

While it lacks the heavy-duty adjustability of the professional options, it succeeds by being lightweight and low-profile. It is an excellent choice for casual explorers who need to keep a notebook from sliding onto the floorboards during highway travel or light forest service road driving. If the objective is simple utility at a low barrier to entry, this tray is the most efficient choice.

Choosing Your Tray: Fit, Material, & Mounting

Selecting the right tray requires an honest assessment of the terrain usually traveled. High-vibration environments like washboard gravel or technical rock crawling demand metal-backed, bolted-on systems rather than adhesive-backed plastic trays. Always verify whether the mount requires drilling into the dash, as permanent modifications may affect the vehicle’s resale value or integrity.

Consider the material’s reaction to extreme temperatures, as plastic trays can warp or become brittle under intense sun exposure. Steel and aluminum options are far more durable in harsh environments but add a negligible amount of weight to the vehicle. Balance the need for a “rock-solid” feel against the flexibility required to move or adjust the navigation notebook throughout the day.

Installation Tips to Protect Your Truck’s Dash

When installing any mount, prioritize the use of factory fasteners or existing trim gaps to avoid permanent damage. If a drill-in mount is chosen, use a center punch to ensure the pilot hole is perfectly aligned to avoid unsightly mistakes in the dashboard plastic. Clean the mounting surface with an isopropyl alcohol wipe before applying any adhesives to ensure the strongest possible bond.

Always check the fit during the hottest part of the day to ensure the material expansion does not cause the mount to press too hard against the dash trim. If using adhesive mounts, give the bond at least 24 hours to cure before loading the tray with heavy notebooks. Proper installation ensures the equipment remains stable and protects the vehicle’s interior finish from premature wear.

Beyond Notebooks: Mounting Phones, GPS, & More

Modern dash trays should ideally be viewed as a starting point for a larger communication and navigation suite. Many of the systems mentioned allow for the attachment of articulating arms, which are perfect for mounting smartphones running off-road mapping software alongside a paper notebook. This dual-redundancy approach is a hallmark of experienced backcountry travelers who rely on both digital and analog systems.

Consider the weight distribution of the total setup, as stacking too many heavy devices on a single arm can create excessive torque on the dash mounting point. Distribute heavier items like GPS units toward the base, and keep lighter notebooks higher up to maintain stability. This layered approach creates a highly organized, distraction-free environment that supports safe driving.

Dash Safety: Airbags and Projectile Risks

The most critical safety consideration in any vehicle build is the location of the passenger-side airbag. Never install a tray, mount, or navigation notebook in a position that blocks the deployment path of an airbag, as this turns the gear into a high-velocity projectile during an accident. Ensure that all mounted items are placed well outside of the “no-fly zone” indicated in the owner’s manual.

In the event of a sudden stop or rollover, any object not secured to a mount can become a dangerous hazard. Ensure that notebooks are either clipped down or held by high-friction surfaces that can withstand rapid deceleration. Prioritize safety by securing loose gear during transit, ensuring the focus remains on the trail ahead rather than items shifting in the cabin.

With the right dash tray in place, the frustration of fumbling for maps and notebooks is replaced by the focus required to navigate the trail ahead. Invest the time to choose the setup that matches both the vehicle and the intensity of the terrain, and enjoy the added confidence that comes with a perfectly organized cockpit.