GMRS radio mount location?

[wilmerfjohnson]

Hi! Looking for pics and tips from thise who've "been there done that" and installed a gmrs radio - I'm looking at the Midland 40 watt. I can't find a good place to mount it without ripping out the glove box door or center console lid.

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[Bonnie6G]

Hi! Looking for pics and tips from thise who've "been there done that" and installed a gmrs radio - I'm looking at the Midland 40 watt. I can't find a good place to mount it without ripping out the glove box door or center console lid.

I ended up going with the Wouxun 50w due to it having a removable faceplate. I plan to mount the full radio body in the console and mount the faceplate on the BYOD rail on the dash.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-1000g.html

 

[mountainbronco]

I ended up going with the Wouxun 50w due to it having a removable faceplate. I plan to mount the full radio body in the console and mount the faceplate on the BYOD rail on the dash.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-1000g.html

Bonnie, i got same radio. How are you going to get the faceplate cable on top of dash?
I am thinking of whole radio in center console storage (has power) and only need to bring in antenna. That lid has a cable indent for the mic cable, so invisible to prying eyes.

 

[mtap]

I went with MXT275…planning to mount the base unit towards the rear by the tailgate and running a mic extension to center console. So far i have the antenna done and ran the antenna wire already. Working on the rest on Thursday.

 

[Bonnie6G]

Bonnie, i got same radio. How are you going to get the faceplate cable on top of dash?
I am thinking of whole radio in center console storage (has power) and only need to bring in antenna. That lid has a cable indent for the mic cable, so invisible to prying eyes.

Yeah, that’s my plan B. I have to remove part of the dash to install the Auto Start Eliminator cable, so I figured I’d find somewhere to route it then. Not sure if I’ll be successful, but Plan A is to route the cable under the entire center console and up through the dash so it comes out near the windshield. If it’s too much of a pain in the ass, then I’ll just put the whole thing in the console.

 

[Felix808]

I went with MXT275…planning to mount the base unit towards the rear by the tailgate and running a mic extension to center console. So far i have the antenna done and ran the antenna wire already. Working on the rest on Thursday.

Curious as to how the TX/RX is with that location.

 

[mountainbronco]

Curious as to how the TX/RX is with that location.

I think it will be fine, we either have MIC or softtop, both cant handle a antenna, but both are not signal blockers either. I am lip-mounting my antenna to the hood, which is just as good or bad, I guess.

 

[ICUGAZN]

This is what I ended up doing. But i'm thinking of move it to the passenger side. I used velcro to mount the radio. I wouldn't mind having it in the console, but didn't feal like drilling a hole in it. If someone and so me a better way, i'm still open to suggestions. https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/wouxun-kg-xs20g-gmrs-radio-install.29330/

 

[NVCowboy]

Can someone bend up a mount that attaches to the screw holes where the passenger console grab handle is? I don’t know if it would seriously affect the passenger legroom in this position or not, or if there’s enough room. Just brainstorming.

 

[kodiakisland]

Going with the MXT275 as well. Haven’t decided on exact mounting yet, but may mount under seat or behind console.

 

[ICUGAZN]

Can someone bend up a mount that attaches to the screw holes where the passenger console grab handle is? I don’t know if it would seriously affect the passenger legroom in this position or not, or if there’s enough room. Just brainstorming.

here are a couple of examples

GMRS Installed in 2021 Bronco Base | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

Mobile Ham Radio (FTM-400XDR) Install - DIY How-To / Writeup / Pics | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

 

[Lazerus]

I have the MXT275 in my Wrangler mounted in the glove box. It takes up almost no room, and with the controls on the handset, don't need access to the base.
I use the 6db antenna, side mounted on the driver's side and it works great. Even with only 15 watts, I can easily hit local (line of sightish) repeaters out to 40 or 50 miles.

 

[7722 Bronco]

I have the MXT275 in my Wrangler mounted in the glove box. It takes up almost no room, and with the controls on the handset, don't need access to the base.
I use the 6db antenna, side mounted on the driver's side and it works great. Even with only 15 watts, I can easily hit local (line of sightish) repeaters out to 40 or 50 miles.

Did the 6db whip require tuning or was it good to go out of the box? I also have the MXT275 and the ghost antenna with the lip mount for the hood. Got both antennas to see which works the best.

 

[Lazerus]

Did the 6db whip require tuning or was it good to go out of the box? I also have the MXT275 and the ghost antenna with the lip mount for the hood. Got both antennas to see which works the best.

It is supposed to be tuned right out of the box. Mine was. I have an SWR of 1.03 to 1.07 through the entire band, so I know I'm tossing a good, clear signal.
That being said, from the reviews I've seen, QC let's about 5-10% through that aren't quite in tune out of the box.
You'll hear lot's of talk about needing a ground plane as well. I've found this to not really be affected by a lack of one. I've tested it from 35 miles in both the 'best' and 'worst' orientation and the listener couldn't tell a difference in signal strength or quality. That gives you more flexibility in mounting locations.

 

[7722 Bronco]

It is supposed to be tuned right out of the box. Mine was. I have an SWR of 1.03 to 1.07 through the entire band, so I know I'm tossing a good, clear signal.
That being said, from the reviews I've seen, QC let's about 5-10% through that aren't quite in tune out of the box.
You'll hear lot's of talk about needing a ground plane as well. I've found this to not really be affected by a lack of one. I've tested it from 35 miles in both the 'best' and 'worst' orientation and the listener couldn't tell a difference in signal strength or quality. That gives you more flexibility in mounting locations.

Thank you.

Was planning on the 6db going on the driver's side hood edge similar to ICUGAZN location. Balance out the look with the radio antenna on passenger side. If it gets to hitting the A pillar while wheeling, I'll switch out to the ghost in the same location.

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