HAM and GMRS Radio Installs in 4th gen Tacoma -- Post Your Setups

[Overlander]

Thanks for the ideas and info. I'm looking to install GMRS in my next 4x4, and any and all ideas are welcome.

It's your choice but the dash mount isn't legal in California. Just wanted to mention this for the benefit of others who might want to try this approach.

Sponsored

 

[brentbba]

Thanks for the ideas and info. I'm looking to install GMRS in my next 4x4, and any and all ideas are welcome.

It's your choice but the dash mount isn't legal in California. Just wanted to mention this for the benefit of others who might want to try this approach.

Thanks, very aware of the Commifornia law on this. I'd had it mounted to a little side window in the Prius. My first mount in the Trailhunter was something I put together on the PS molle panel, but was unable to move the seat forward enough for the wife. Still searching for the right solution. The ram mount is hopefully a temporary solution.

Molle panel mount:

 

[Romer]

Curious how you all routed power from the battery to the HAMs. Normally I poke a hole through the rubber gromet with the wire harness in the fire wall and fish it out under the glove box

 

[SAR Taco]

Normally I poke a hole through the rubber gromet with the wire harness in the fire wall and fish it out

That's what I've done on vehicles in the past. Ideally I'd like a separate battery for this and other accessories.

 

[Independence Overland]

Curious how you all routed power from the battery to the HAMs. Normally I poke a hole through the rubber gromet with the wire harness in the fire wall and fish it out under the glove box

With the hybrids you just route it to under the rear seat.

 

[brentbba]

Curious how you all routed power from the battery to the HAMs. Normally I poke a hole through the rubber gromet with the wire harness in the fire wall and fish it out under the glove box

One rubber grommet between engine bay and cab on the hybrids. I did poke a hole in that to route the antenna wire. Hybrids have both the the car battery and hybrid battery under the rear seats, so running power from there under the plastic door kick panels is easy.

 

[brentbba]

Ordered a Ram clamp and shorter arm to us on the passenger side grab bar tool the right of the shift lever to get it moved off the windshield. Will post up results.

 

[Romer]

Looking at HAM Radio options.

I really like the FTM-400 in my Land Cruiser, but they don't make them anymore and used prices are excessive unless you get it from Japan on ebay.

I liked what I saw on the new FTM-500 until I saw how HUGE the faceplate is. That would be a challenge to install without it being in the way

The 200 and 300 are very similar except the 200 only has one transceiver for the dual band, so when it beacons on APRS it will mute what ever conversation you are having. The FTM-300 is only $60 more for the 2nd transceiver.

Leaves me with the FTM-300 if I want Dual Band, APRS and two Transceivers

I wish they still made the 400, but alas it is what it is.

Anyone have a FTM-300 and can comment on it?

 

[Romer]

I was contemplating mounting the face plate here.

 

[brentbba]

Hopefully a final mounting option. Iterations one and two are posted above. This solution uses a medium Ram clamp mount on the PS center console grab bar and a short arm. I still need a good solution for a mic clip. An adhesive sticky mount on the back of the clamp is one solution. I think the hard rubber on the clamp is thick enough for the small screws that I have with a standard metal clip.

 

[Romer]

It should not be an issue at all, but I will verify for you tomorrow. They are currently shooting a front bumper install video on our 4G.

On my 3G I have my faceplate on my dash mount with magnets. Works awesome. Our dash mount for the 4G is behind the screen though, so I will have to figure something out for that.

Did you ever test this on the 4th gen?

 

[Romer]

Dropped by Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) Today

This looks like a good place for the faceplate. Yes I know the picture is upside down

Working on the antenna bracket and then were to install main unit and speaker. Also, where to put the Mic holder

@brentbba how did you install your main unit under the seat? Did you remove the seat to do it?

 

[brentbba]

Dropped by Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) Today

This looks like a good place for the faceplate. Yes I know the picture is upside down

Working on the antenna bracket and then were to install main unit and speaker. Also, where to put the Mic holder

@brentbba how did you install your main unit under the seat? Did you remove the seat to do it?

Faceplate looks good there! Tape or velcro to hold it in place? I didn't remove the seat. Moved it all thecway forward, used a little left over velcro to hold it in place. I ran the wires out the side down under the plastic runner at the door. I could clean it up a little by poking a hole in the carpet to conceal the 3" of exposed wire, but it doesn't bother me.

 

[Romer]

I was thinking of taking the trim off and driving a mounting screw through it and also routing the wire from the head unit through there. That is a more permanent install, but also the HAM has gone with the last few vehicles I have sold.

 

[Romer]

Maybe I will use this on the faceplate

Sponsored