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Mounting a GMRS radio handset

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by cug, Sep 11, 2021.

  1. Sep 11, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #1
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    Hi all,

    I've mounted a Midland MXT275 in the center armrest storage area of my 4Runner and I'm looking for a good way of mounting the mic/speaker unit. Anybody have pointers? Right now it just sits in the cup holder, and that is ... suboptimal.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 11, 2021 at 6:55 PM
    #2
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    DrewMan and cug[OP] like this.
  3. Sep 11, 2021 at 6:57 PM
    #3
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    I was thinking about this location as well. I should work fine. The other option I though about was a RAM cup holder base, a 4" connector and a flat base to stick the clip on. Haven't decided they.

    Have you found the mounting tape to stick okay?
     
  4. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:15 PM
    #4
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    This is how I have it now. Didn't had a chance to make a video explaining how I wired it.
    (Sorry for poor lightning, just took this pic in garage)
    20210911_201058.jpg 20210911_200845.jpg
     
    DrewMan likes this.
  5. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:18 PM
    #5
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    That don't work for long. I tried the stronger double side tape and that too failed in summer. End up adding some gorilla glue to the back of the handset. That works.
     
    cug[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:22 PM
    #6
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    Interesting. Any particular reason you moved the mic?

    This is how mine sits currently:

    IMG_4499.jpg

    The radio is plugged into the cigarette lighter plug underneath it and I route the antenna cable on demand through one of the passenger side doors.
     
    RocNLoh and DrewMan like this.
  7. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:34 PM
    #7
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    That is a clean install.

    I moved the handset down on this install (on my TRD Pro) I don't want to put glue. Just 3M tape is enough to hold it. And it's easy for me to use even on highway talking with the group.

    Will share if I face any problems mounting this way I'm the long run.
     
  8. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:38 PM
    #8
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    That's one of the goals I have with this car: install what I need, but in ways that it doesn't look like I added a whole bunch of stuff to it. I'm likely going to try out a cup holder mount. We'll see how that goes.

    And I certainly understand not wanting to add glue – I wouldn't want to do that either. I have a ProClip mount on the passenger side, the rear edge is just visible on the photo above, I could also mount it there. Decisions ...
     
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Sep 11, 2021 at 7:48 PM
    #9
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    You are well organized.

    My center arm area is messy..:facepalm:

    I have multiple devices (like head flash light, rechargeable flash light, jump starter battery pack, action camera..) charging. 20210911_203717.jpg
     
    DrewMan likes this.
  10. Sep 11, 2021 at 8:25 PM
    #10
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    LOL, yeah, to a degree. Underneath the glasses are some pens and the small antenna, and underneath the tray is a ball cap and an emergency roll of toilet paper, that's pretty much it. My headlamp is in the glove compartment, along with a Leatherman Wave, wet wipes, notebook, compass, a small level, and a few other assorted pieces. I have a divider in there to keep stuff organized.

    For the rest: I have some Rago molle panels for the rear side windows on order, plus I sometimes add a small molle wrap around the sunvisor. I do have a seat back storage panel as well, but that's somewhere in the garage right now.

    Overall I like my stuff neat and organized. Not always easy, but I do my best. And my wife is even more organized.

    Again, that's one reason why I'm looking for a neat and tidy solution for this.
     
  11. Sep 12, 2021 at 5:45 PM
    #11
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    So, while I'm looking for other options, I've mounted the mic like this:

    IMG_4506.jpg

    And this is how it looks like in the center arm rest when I'm not using the antenna:

    IMG_4508.jpg

    I've cut a groove in the lip that is at the front of the arm rest lid, so that the microphone and antenna cables can get out easily. Overall, I'm pleased with the install, although not the position of the mic just yet. That needs some more work.
     
    4R21 likes this.
  12. Sep 12, 2021 at 5:48 PM
    #12
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    And in case anybody is interested, I've moved around some other stuff:

    Two phone mounts:

    IMG_4505.jpg

    Garmin InReach:

    IMG_4504.jpg

    And the trailer brake controller:

    IMG_4503.jpg
     
    kmeeg likes this.
  13. Sep 12, 2021 at 6:48 PM
    #13
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Now that's what I call a clean install..!!
     
  14. Sep 12, 2021 at 8:53 PM
    #14
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    Thank you!
     
  15. Sep 14, 2021 at 10:09 PM
    #15
    Saitama

    Saitama New Member

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    Prinsu Full Length Rack, BFG K02's, Midland MXT275
    I've got the MXT275 as well. It's zip tied without the mounting bracket under the dash to something metal/sturdy. A cat5 panel mount cable is routed over the transmission tunnel under the dash and faced on the small plastic trim on the passenger footwell. Also used a 1 foot 90 degree cat5 cable extender to reduce stress and for easier disconnect. Hope this helps.
     
  16. Sep 14, 2021 at 11:12 PM
    #16
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    I thought about mounting it under the dash as well, but didn't want to pull everything apart for this. The center armrest worked quite well. I'm more interested in how people mount the microphone.

    Also, did you mount the 6dB gain antenna (with the thick cable)? If yes, where did you route it out of the cabin?
     
  17. Sep 15, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #17
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    mine isnt permanently installed yet, i have the unit zip tied to the passenger side center console molle panel and the antenna routed under the glovebox and up and out the passenger rear window. i just float the mic in the cupholder for now. i plan on doing the glove box unit mount and cat extender to a cat mic plug to the left of the glove box. i believe i am going to buy the rago dash mount for the mic holder, since i will need a mic holder for my ham radio as well.

    check out these links for install ideas:

    https://trail4runner.com/2021/05/24/hidden-midland-mxt275-under-dash-install-5th-gen-4runner/

    https://midlandusa.com/mxt275-custom-gmrs-radio-installation/
     
    cug[OP] and thermorex like this.
  18. Sep 15, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #18
    Saitama

    Saitama New Member

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    I didn't want the 6dB unless it was really needed. It would be an invitation where I'm at for theft/vandalism. The stock wire is routed through the rubber grommet with the antennae on the roof rack. The wire is mounted in the gap next to the windshield like you would run lighting. The stock connector was snipped of to more easily pass the wire through and if it ever needs to be swapped out easily with this:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W1ZNZXC?ie=UTF8


    81CFFKWTknL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
     
    cug[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  19. Sep 15, 2021 at 9:29 AM
    #19
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    I used the rago dash mount, which also comes with a place to mount a mic (x2), and room for an external speaker.

    F896B293-A050-4DE6-BD43-0F06E0472063.jpg
     
    4R21, PrettyGoodSam and cug[OP] like this.
  20. Sep 15, 2021 at 9:38 AM
    #20
    cug

    cug [OP] New Member

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    That looks pretty good. So far, I didn't want to drill into visible plastic pieces, so have not considered the Rago mount. But it might be something long term.
     
  21. Sep 16, 2021 at 6:40 AM
    #21
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    the rago mount is probably my go to especially due to the dual mic holder setup, but i dont like how i wont be able to see the display. its a weird attachment for me and i can get the info elsewhere or i can lean around and look at it if need be, but something about not being able to fully see it irks me lol!
     
    cug[OP] likes this.
  22. Sep 16, 2021 at 10:21 AM
    #22
    TexasZeke

    TexasZeke New Member

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    You can mount it a little higher and still see the clock.

    20210916_121856.jpg
     
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  23. Sep 16, 2021 at 12:04 PM
    #23
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    ah, sweet. thanks!
     
  24. Sep 16, 2021 at 12:04 PM
    #24
    CO&NC 4Runner

    CO&NC 4Runner New Member

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    Mounted mine on a molle and rest the Mike on top

    20210916_145555.jpg
     
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  25. Sep 16, 2021 at 12:48 PM
    #25
    TexasZeke

    TexasZeke New Member

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    How do you like the Victory molle panel? I have been considering one to stick my mic on and clip a handheld like you have.
     
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  26. Sep 16, 2021 at 2:15 PM
    #26
    CO&NC 4Runner

    CO&NC 4Runner New Member

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    I like them, have driver side one as well. Also have the rear side windows. No issues with any of them.
     
  27. Sep 17, 2021 at 6:21 AM
    #27
    PrettyGoodSam

    PrettyGoodSam New Member

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    i have the center console molles as well and they are great. easy install, looks awesome, seems very durable. i have a similar setup to @CO&NC 4Runner . great spot for handhelds, too.
     
  28. Sep 17, 2021 at 10:07 AM
    #28
    Sandbuster

    Sandbuster Breaking Wind

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    I kinda like your setup - it's just clean looking. Since I got my ham license I haven't fooled around much with cb but I like the idea of putting all the controls in the mic so you can hide the radio.
     
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  29. Sep 17, 2021 at 10:38 AM
    #29
    Sandbuster

    Sandbuster Breaking Wind

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    This is not as clean looking as I would normally like but given the lack of space...

    upload_2021-9-17_13-28-21.jpg

    The radio on the driver side is a Motorola DMR (digital mobile radio). The radio on the passenger side is my local police radio. Since most folks I ride with don't carry a ham radio I carry 6 walkie-talkies so we can all stay in com with each other. I typically use the 3M sticky back mounting tape wherever possible although interior heat will eventually defeat the adhesive so as much I hate to the only way to get around that is to use a very small screw to keep the adhesive in place. So, 98% adhesive tape & 1 small screw for each mounting application. :militarypress:
     
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  30. Sep 18, 2021 at 12:29 PM
    #30
    CO&NC 4Runner

    CO&NC 4Runner New Member

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    Nice set up
     

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