A clean Starlink Mini vehicle install takes 15 minutes and three decisions: where it goes, how it attaches, and how you route the cable. This step-by-step covers the three PLZTECH vehicle mounts and the common pitfalls.

1. Choose your mount type

• Magnetic roof mount — tool-free, strongest hold (4×66 mm magnets, 17 kg each). Best for daily drivers and RVs.

• Suction-cup roof mount — no drilling, 360° arm. Best for rentals/temporary.

• Pipe / rail clamp mount — clamps 20–60 mm rails or a roof rack. Best for vehicles with existing rails.

• Dashboard / windshield mount — when the roof is blocked (metal cap, pop-top).

2. Placement (do this first)

The dish needs an unobstructed sky view. Avoid:

• AC units, roof vents, light bars

• Metal awnings and ladder racks directly above

• The exact center if you have a roof rack crossbar shadowing it

A spot 30–60 cm from the roof edge with clear sky is ideal.

3. Install — magnetic (example)

1. Clean the roof area with isopropyl alcohol; dry fully.

1. Seat the magnetic base; you'll feel it grab. Tug to confirm.

1. Attach the Mini to the mount foot (quarter-turn or clamp per SKU).

1. Route the 2-in-1 combined cable to the cabin through a door jamb or existing gland.

4. Install — suction cup

1. Clean both surfaces.

1. Place the cup, pump the plunger until the indicator shows green.

1. Re-check pressure after the first hour and daily on long trips.

1. Never exceed ~80 km/h sustained.

5. Install — pipe / rail clamp

1. Loosen the clamp; fit around the rail (20–60 mm).

1. Tighten with the supplied tool; confirm no spin.

1. Aim the dish skyward; lock the adjustment.

6. Cable routing & sealing

• One penetration only: use the 2-in-1 combined cable.

• For a drilled pass-through, use an Ethernet bulkhead / gland and seal with marine caulk.

• Avoid sharp roof edges that chafe the jacket.

7. Power

Connect to the 12V→30V step-up (cigarette lighter) or the 3-in-1 100W car charger. For house batteries, use the DC→Anderson cable.

8. Test

Park in clear sky, boot the dish, confirm "connected" in the Starlink app, then do a slow speed test. Re-check the mount after the first 50 km.

FAQ

Q: Magnetic vs. suction for highway? 

Magnetic — suction is for temporary/low-speed only.

  Q: Can I drill a permanent mount? 

Yes, use the drill-mount SKU and seal the holes; many prefer the clamp to avoid holes. 

Q: Will it survive a car wash?

Remove the magnetic/suction unit first; permanent clamps are fine.