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

[hogshooter]

finally got all the pieces to install my Midland MXT575. I ended up putting it under the passenger seat, and running power through the passenger firewall as @Romer suggested. I routed the antenna to the back seat, so I can store it under the seat when not in use. Eventually I'll get a permanent mount for it. I used an RJ45 block I got off of eBay. It matches the rest of the switches in the center console very well.

I eventually want to get the Midland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna and permanently mount it somewhere, but I'll do that later.

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[AltarBoy]

Im ready to get a Midland radio but there's so many models which is the recommended model for our use?

 

[Romer]

Im ready to get a Midland radio but there's so many models which is the recommended model for our use?

I have a HAM Radio and that works great for long distance communications. The MXT275 is 15 Watts and will work 10-15 miles line of sight and a couple of miles on the trail. I like it because it is small and easy to hide some place for an easy install. All the controls and speaker are in the mic.

I did update the last peice of my install with the Bulletpoint graab bar mount, extension and mic holder. They are a 20mm ball system vs the normal 1" from RAM Mount. The mount seems to be made to go above the material wrap. I thought that would be too high to the HVAC controls. It probably would have worked fine there looking at the photo. I put it as far down the bar as it would go. Longer screws would have been a great option if you wanted it lower.

 

[Pappy]

[QUOTE="Romer, post: 166622, member: 3972"

The mount seems to be made to go above the material wrap.
[/QUOTE]

Interesting. I mounted mine with the ball to the passenger side. I seem to recall mine came with two sets of screws.

 

[Romer]

[QUOTE="Romer, post: 166622, member: 3972"

The mount seems to be made to go above the material wrap.

Interesting. I mounted mine with the ball to the passenger side. I seem to recall mine came with two sets of screws.
[/QUOTE]
Must have been missing from mine, or they fell out someplace when I opened the package. I am good with how it is.

 

[AltarBoy]

I have a HAM Radio and that works great for long distance communications. The MXT275 is 15 Watts and will work 10-15 miles line of sight and a couple of miles on the trail. I like it because it is small and easy to hide some place for an easy install. All the controls and speaker are in the mic.

I did update the last peice of my install with the Bulletpoint graab bar mount, extension and mic holder. They are a 20mm ball system vs the normal 1" from RAM Mount. The mount seems to be made to go above the material wrap. I thought that would be too high to the HVAC controls. It probably would have worked fine there looking at the photo. I put it as far down the bar as it would go. Longer screws would have been a great option if you wanted it lower.

Is that with the little nub antenna? Would the extended range antenna work with that

 

[Romer]

Is that with the little nub antenna? Would the extended range antenna work with that

I have the Ghost antenna which works very well. It does best when both vehicles have mobile units. Otherwise, you are limited by the hand helds capability. I have two of those as well when I get out of the truck. There are probably some youtube that could tell you the difference in units and antennas. I have the same Radio and antenna in both my veehicles and in my daughters Land Cruisers.

 

[Victory 4x4]

The Ghost antenna has been great for all our Midland installs.

 

[hogshooter]

The Ghost antenna has been great for all our Midland installs.

Where/how are y'all mounting the antenna?

 

[Victory 4x4]

Where/how are y'all mounting the antenna?

Either on our ditch light mounts, or I've also mounted them on the roof rack.
https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VTDLM-4G.html

 

[Romer]

Either on our ditch light mounts, or I've also mounted them on the roof rack.
https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VTDLM-4G.html

also Ditch mounts

 

[YOLOYO]

I went and pulled the carpet back to better illustrate where. With the carpet tucked in you can't see any wires.

You can see the edg of the radio.

Do I think the double sided tape will hold? No. I don't see the radio going anywhere if everything is tucked in.

Defenitly batter ways to mount the radio there so this may be a temporary method and I may need to figure out how to bolt it in that same location later on.

I will see how it goes

This is the best place to put it. I didnt have to pull the carpet way back like that though, it just tucks in nicely. There was enough space to tuck the radio and the wires in. Super easy install. I had to use the firewall grommet from the driver side because the passenger side grommet is hard to get at in a Trailhunter.

 

[AltarBoy]

Radio arrived today. Too darn hot out to fully install. Hopefully this weekend i can wire it up

 

[YOLOYO]

For those using a midland stubby antenna, did you use a ground strap?

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