Choose a magnetic mount only when every contact point is clean, flat ferrous steel. Choose a suction mount for clean, smooth, intact glass when the product is labeled for that placement. Aluminum and fiberglass do not hold magnets, and neither method should be treated as safe for moving use unless the specific product has documented moving-use testing.
The right mount is determined by the surface you actually have—not by the vehicle badge, roof shape or a product photo. Check the terminal model, every attachment point and whether the setup will remain parked before ordering.
Quick comparison
| Question | Magnetic mount | Interior suction mount |
|---|---|---|
| Intended contact surface | Clean, flat ferrous steel | Clean, smooth, intact glass |
| Does it work on aluminum? | No | Not unless attached to suitable glass instead |
| Does it work on fiberglass? | No | Not unless attached to suitable glass instead |
| Requires a magnet test? | Yes, at every contact point | No |
| Requires a glass inspection? | No | Yes |
| Typical Outluma use label | Stationary use unless documented otherwise | Parked use unless documented otherwise |
| Relevant Outluma product | ST70 Magnetic Vehicle Mount | ST128 Interior Glass Suction Mount |
The 30-second decision
- Confirm your terminal model.
- Decide where the mount will make contact.
- If the contact points are on a metal panel, test every point with a small household magnet.
- If the panel does not attract the magnet, do not buy a magnetic mount for that location.
- If you plan to use interior glass, inspect it for tint-film edges, defroster lines, cracks, heavy curvature and textured areas.
- Read the product's moving-use field. If it says parked or stationary, remove or stow the system before driving.
When a magnetic mount is the better fit
A magnetic mount is the simpler choice when all contact points land on a clean, flat ferrous-steel panel. It can provide a removable setup without asking the buyer to drill solely for the mount.
Do not infer compatibility from the vehicle model alone. A vehicle may combine steel, aluminum, fiberglass, composite parts and glass. Even adjacent roof or body panels can use different materials.
Before choosing the ST70 Magnetic Vehicle Mount, verify:
- every magnetic contact point attracts a household magnet;
- the contact area is flat enough for full contact;
- the surface is clean and free of loose material;
- the terminal and mount will be used according to the product's parked/stationary label;
- cable routing will not pull on the mount or connector.
When an interior suction mount is the better fit
An interior suction mount is useful when the intended contact points are on suitable vehicle glass rather than a magnetic exterior panel. It can also avoid exposing the mounting hardware directly to the exterior environment.
The glass must be clean, smooth and intact. Do not place suction cups over tint-film edges, defroster lines, cracks, strong curvature or textured zones. Suction points need to be checked before each deployment because cleanliness, temperature and surface condition can change holding performance.
Before choosing the ST128 Interior Glass Suction Mount, verify:
- the glass is smooth and undamaged at every contact point;
- the mount will not interfere with visibility, controls or airbags;
- the selected position does not load film edges or defroster elements;
- the setup will be used only within the product's documented use limits.
What if the roof is aluminum or fiberglass?
Aluminum and fiberglass do not provide a magnetic attachment surface. Do not solve that mismatch by assuming a stronger magnet will work.
Your practical alternatives are:
- a suitable interior-glass mount for parked use;
- a field tripod on firm, level ground;
- a verified fixed bracket or another mounting method designed for the actual structure.
See all Starlink Mini mounts before selecting a workaround.
Parked use and moving use are different requirements
A mount that holds a terminal during a parked setup is not automatically suitable while driving. Moving use introduces vibration, impact, airflow, cable loads and changing surface conditions.
Outluma does not treat a removable attachment method as moving-use evidence. If a product page says parked or stationary use, remove or stow the system before the vehicle moves.
Before-order checklist
- Terminal model confirmed
- Contact surface identified
- Every magnetic point tested, if applicable
- Every glass point inspected, if applicable
- Parked-versus-moving requirement confirmed
- Cable route and strain relief planned
- Product exclusions read
- Photos ready for a fit review when uncertain
For an uncertain setup, use Hardware Support or email support@outluma.com with your vehicle or RV model, surface material, intended placement and two clear photos.
Sources and further reading
- Starlink Mini Accessories Guide — official mount types, compatibility and kit details.
- Starlink Mini Mobility Mount Installation Guide — official guidance on mounting location, clear sky, structural security, drilling and moving-vehicle installation conditions.
These official documents describe Starlink hardware and official mounting methods. They do not validate the performance of Outluma products; the current Outluma product page is the source of truth for each Outluma product's fit and use limits.
Frequently asked questions
Will a magnetic Starlink Mini mount work on any vehicle roof?
No. It requires ferrous steel at every intended magnetic contact point. Aluminum, fiberglass, glass and many composite panels do not attract magnets.
Can I attach suction cups over window tint film?
Do not place the cups over a film edge or a damaged, textured or uncertain surface. Inspect the exact location and follow the product's glass requirements.
Can I leave a parked-use mount installed while driving?
No. A parked- or stationary-use label means the system should be removed or stowed before the vehicle moves unless the product has separate documented moving-use approval.
What should I send Outluma for a fit check?
Send the terminal model, vehicle or RV model, surface material, intended placement and two clear photos showing the full area and the proposed contact points.
Editorial fact boundary
This guide explains surface and use-state selection. It does not claim a highway speed, wind rating, load capacity, scratch-free result or universal vehicle compatibility. Product-specific limits on the current product page take precedence.