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

[k1m]

Is the black a slightly different color than the other buttons in the center console? Not that it really matters.

It matters.

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[gofastdan]

Is the black a slightly different color than the other buttons in the center console? Not that it really matters.

It is slightly different, but not far off. If anything the new insert is just a touch darker.

Also, I should have stated that the light is pretty dim (a good thing IMHO). I could see how if you tested it in daylight you wouldn't think it worked.

 

[TacoDave]

Finally got around to installing my Midland MXT275 GMRS radio!

I wanted to go as stealth as possible with this install so I put the radio in the itself in the console and ran the handset connection to an RJ 45 port I got from Ebay.

The console was fairly easy to remove. I found this video that walks through the process in detail.

For the mic port in the console, I used this RJ45 port and it popped in beautifully! Since the mic is the controls for the radio itself I can just keep it in the console until I want to use it.

For power to the radio, I went directly to the battery but since I have the iForce Max, the battery is in the cab under the rear seat. It was pretty easy to fish the power under the carpet and then to the terminals of the battery.

Looks Great!
in regards to the rj45 port. The link you shared showed power wires for the port itself. Did you wire the port or just attach the port to the extension rj45 cable that came with the radio? If so, did you just clip the two wires to the port ?

thanks!
dave

 

[WØRTA]

Have any of you mounted a radio to the faux-molle paneling that's just below the grab-handle in the center console? I'd love to mount it without drilling if at all possible.

Sorry for the late reply, but yep! Just need some big nylon or rubber washers and the right sized bolts. I added an L bracket and mounted at an angle so I could see the screen from the driver's seat. Love the setup.

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

Sorry for the late reply, but yep! Just need some big nylon or rubber washers and the right sized bolts. I added an L bracket and mounted at an angle so I could see the screen from the driver's seat. Love the setup.

Do passengers ever complain? I know my (lovely) wife will give me a hard time for taking any of her legroom even with a flush mount.

 

[WØRTA]

Do passengers ever complain? I know my (lovely) wife will give me a hard time for taking any of her legroom even with a flush mount.

Not really, but that radio is tiny though... The way it sits the seat can be full forward and not squish it too.

 

[ixo]

These setups look awesome!

I started (very) small and got a pair of THESE BAOFENG GM-15 Pros for basic winching/spotting, etc. They were well reviewed HERE. They sit perfectly in that little area to the right of the shifter.

I got two 90 degree USB C cables and kinda wound and zip tied them so they lay perfectly in there:

It's a pretty perfect spot for two of those, but I'd love an actual antenna and some yeehow smokey and the bandit action

 

[davisjm0311]

It is slightly different, but not far off. If anything the new insert is just a touch darker.

Also, I should have stated that the light is pretty dim (a good thing IMHO). I could see how if you tested it in daylight you wouldn't think it worked.

I can confirm that the ones that I received have no light or sticker.

 

[davisjm0311]

Alright, I got everything routed and wired up.

I ended up installing the CaliRaised dash mount with a magnetic midland radio holder. When not in use, I’ll either disconnect the mic or move it to the side pocket area near the passenger side molle.

 

[hogshooter]

Alright, I got everything routed and wired up.

I ended up installing the CaliRaised dash mount with a magnetic midland radio holder. When not in use, I’ll either disconnect the mic or move it to the side pocket area near the passenger side molle.

is that a Midland MXT575? Just wondering how it'll fit in the center console.

 

[davisjm0311]

is that a Midland MXT575? Just wondering how it'll fit in the center console.

Yes, it’s the MXT575. It fit fine and doesn’t seem like there will be any heat issues (depending on how much you’re transmitting.

I have the console tray from Muslogy in there still without any fitment issues.

 

[YOLOYO]

I can confirm that the ones that I received have no light or sticker.

You dont happen to have a link for that do you? I want one!

 

[davisjm0311]

You dont happen to have a link for that do you? I want one!

It’s the same one that lets.go.overlandon posted earlier.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/316090778819

 

[YOLOYO]

Thanks!

 

[TacoDave]

I installed my Midland MXT275 radio in what I am going to call this a ‘partial install. Because, I did not use a fuse tap into the fuse box, & I have not run my antennae wire through a firewall or permanently installed an antenna.

in the future, I plan to add a splitter for the cigarette lighter (if needed) when I can find a very low profile one. I also plan to more permanently install my ghost 3db gain antenna (MXTA25) to a ditch light bracket adapter… when I add ditch lights.

Currently, the antenna is routed under my lasfit rear floor liner and is stored under the rear seat. When I’m off roading, or on road trips I will just place my midland magnetic nmo antenna mount (MXTA12) on the roof and close the door on the cable or run it out of the window. (This is temporary.)

In regards to the location, I removed the center console and used double stick tape to mount it to the interior cavity of the console. I had installed a bigger cup holder and remembered that was easy to do. I used the Midland Rj45 extension cable and a short connector since I used the port. The power wire went forward and the RJ 45 extension and cable were sent forward to the port. There are vents that face the rear which may help with heat dispersion.

Thanks to all that posted links to products above!

Cheers!

Dave

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