Abstract: A removable mounting device configured for mounting accessories to an air vent in a vehicle and methods for installing such a mounting device. The mounting device includes a coupler disposed on a front plate that has a profile sized such that the front plate will overlay a frame surrounding an air vent in the vehicle; and a back plate configured to clamp the frame to the front plate. An elastomeric compression strip is disposed in a groove in a back side of the front plate, and the elastomeric compression strip has a non-uniform thickness including a thicker portion in a region of the groove adjacent to an end of the groove and thinner portions in regions of the groove not adjacent to the end of the groove.