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

[k1m]

My final install(for now). The victory dash accessory mount worked like a charm. The control head is suspended nicely between the gauges screen and the multimedia screen. It is perfect for playing with the knobs and buttons while going down the road. I used a pvc edge trim on the new dash mount after pulling off the original dash accessory mount. I found that there was mild scarring in the dash material where the two materials meet. It was most likely due to the less impressive fitting of the original setup. The new dash accessory mount went in no muss/no fuss, but still, I’m the cautious type and I didn’t want to exacerbate it.
I used a molle center console mount to set up the mic. It sits so that the cable drapes nicely down the side of the center console. The mic is plugged into an extension that is held behind the Molle panel with 3M VHB mounting tape. It can be plugged and unplugged as needed but it is not subject to getting hit by my clumsiness.
I mounted the radio under the passenger seat. It is tight under there, but my wife likes sitting up high. If I get a tall friend in there the radio may need to be popped out as the seat rubs the radio when the seat position is about three quarters of the way down from it highest position. Also going all the way back can also be an issue. If you do a lot of testing you will find a sweet spot that lets you be comfortable knowing you aren’t going to crush the radio or wreck something hanging under the seat if someone jumps in and just starts adjusting the seat to their comfort.
The antenna is attached to a drivers side ditch light mount. I used a radialless/no ground diamond antenna that so far has given good results.

Sponsored

 

[taco4moro]

i've been running the ICS Fab dash mount for the last few months and it's been really solid. only have need for a handheld GMRS but it has enough space to mount radio boxes and more.

the 2 hole amps ball mounts with 3" arms on either side are the best mounting points to keep a phone/radio/mic tucked in without obstructing view, rather than mounting ontop of the already big screen.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Dash Mount | ICS FAB - CODE "TRDMORO" FOR 10% OFF SITEWIDE

update: 8" screen mount finishing it's last round of testing, available for pre-order

2024 Toyota Tacoma Dash Mount | ICS FAB - code "trdmoro" for 10% off sitewide

 

[Powhunter]

update: 8" screen mount finishing it's last round of testing, available for pre-order

2024 Toyota Tacoma Dash Mount | ICS FAB - code "trdmoro" for 10% off sitewide

That’s looks really nice, but man that’s expensive.

 

[WØRTA]

Made a few changes taking advantage of the molle pannel on the center console and using an L bracket designed for fence posts. Very happy because

1. I can see the screen now from the driver's seat
2. Full range of motion of passenger seat and glove box
3. I can straight up hear it better.

Radioddity DB-25D

 

[vi4thgen]

update: 8" screen mount finishing it's last round of testing, available for pre-order

2024 Toyota Tacoma Dash Mount | ICS FAB - code "trdmoro" for 10% off sitewide

Thanks @taco4moro, I’ve pre-ordered mine with the discount.
Wondering if you know what bolt size / pattern is used to attach a ball mount via the mounting holes on the top? I didn’t see it mentioned on the website.
Or do you just attach with a nut and washer via the cutouts on top?

 

[timmers]

Kind of hi-jacking this thread for my own purposes. Has anyone worked out how to slightly remove the infotainment screen, such that a person can thread the cables (antenna, etc) and wires (power, etc) down from this dash mount (I have the ICS Fab mount myself and I think it's an extremely well-built piece of work) to exit out lower near the centre seat console? I know how to remove the console in order to get the cables to the back seat (saw a youtube video for that), to where the base unit of my ham radio is installed. Thanks!

 

[k1m]

Kind of hi-jacking this thread for my own purposes. Has anyone worked out how to slightly remove the infotainment screen, such that a person can thread the cables (antenna, etc) and wires (power, etc) down from this dash mount (I have the ICS Fab mount myself and I think it's an extremely well-built piece of work) to exit out lower near the centre seat console? I know how to remove the console in order to get the cables to the back seat (saw a youtube video for that), to where the base unit of my ham radio is installed. Thanks!

Pull the small panel in the dash directly behind the infotainment screen. You will see four silver bolts, remove them. Then gently grasp each side of the screen and pull straight back towards you. The clips will then release and you are good to go.

FYI, the left side has some more room for fitting cables down through vs the right side.

 

[taco4moro]

Thanks @taco4moro, I’ve pre-ordered mine with the discount.
Wondering if you know what bolt size / pattern is used to attach a ball mount via the mounting holes on the top? I didn’t see it mentioned on the website.
Or do you just attach with a nut and washer via the cutouts on top?

Appreciate it!

The cutouts support 1/2" long m6 bolts to fit any standard amps mount (2-hole diamond or 4-hole square). I use 2-hole amps 20mm ball mounts for mine.

 

[Pappy]

That’s looks really nice, but man that’s expensive.

I don't think so. The mount from Victory 4x4 is $149. The mount from CaliRaised is $200. The ICS is a deal, and the 14" I have is sweet.

 

[Pappy]

Wondering if you know what bolt size / pattern is used to attach a ball mount via the mounting holes on the top? I didn’t see it mentioned on the website.
Or do you just attach with a nut and washer via the cutouts on top?

I used #10 screws with nuts on the backside.

 

[gofastdan]

I don't think so. The mount from Victory 4x4 is $149. The mount from CaliRaised is $200. The ICS is a deal, and the 14" I have is sweet.

All of those seem expensive to me. Bulletpoint just came out with RubiGrid product and it's a steal at $50. That said, it's a different solution than all the others. Bulletpoint's solution doesn't replace the plastic piece, it just mounts on top of it. That's one way to do it but I got to thinking and if you're going to drill holes in the factory plastic, why not just skip the metal and drill the holes and mount an AMP mount directly to the plastic? Free is sometimes the best.

 

[Pappy]

All of those seem expensive to me. Bulletpoint just came out with RubiGrid product and it's a steal at $50. That said, it's a different solution than all the others. Bulletpoint's solution doesn't replace the plastic piece, it just mounts on top of it. That's one way to do it but I got to thinking and if you're going to drill holes in the factory plastic, why not just skip the metal and drill the holes and mount an AMP mount directly to the plastic? Free is sometimes the best.

No drilling on the ICS mount. It uses existing bolts under the dash cover.

 

[gofastdan]

No drilling on the ICS mount. It uses existing bolts under the dash cover.

Right. I believe that's the case with all those solutions with the exception of the Bulletpoint. My point was simply that if it's a permanent install then I'm fine with just drilling some holes and calling it done. It's cheap enough to replace (or at least I hope it's not in the hundreds of dollars) if I ever decide to sell and really need to revert it back to stock.

 

[Independence Overland]

Completed the install for the antenna and radio is now setup. Only able to test it so far 200 to Taco in the garage. Maybe I will run an errand tomorrow and have my wife LISTEN on a hand held and text me if she hears me

I bought the Bracket from @Victory 4x4 pictured above. I drilled out the hole with a 5/8" bit and then used a dremel to remove a little more until the antenna mount fit

I then installed the bracket without the antenna mount. Need to be careful here and remove one bolt, put the bracket on and hand tighten. Hold the bottom of the hood while removing the second bolt as it will shift. Slide the bracket over the 2nd hole and put the bolt back in.

Tighten both bolts and ensure the hood is aligned when down.

Put hood back up and feed cable and mount through back of hood and into the antenna mount. I bent it slightly to give a bit more room before installing it.

Install the mount and tighten it down. It looked like there was clearance underneath, but I added a piece of felt to the bottom of the mount as an extra precaution against scratching the paint.

Screw on the antenna

It doesn't obstruct anything up or down and it isn't in the way out the front windshield

Any interest in selling the passenger side mount so I can do the same?

 

[Romer]

Any interest in selling the passenger side mount so I can do the same?

Not at this time. I may put a GMRS radio in the truck as well. I have both in my Land Cruiser

Thanks for asking

Sponsored