[BrockT]

Has anyone found a convenient way to mount a ham radio in their 4runner? Thanks for any ideas.

[chmura]

Originally Posted by BrockT

Has anyone found a convenient way to mount a ham radio in their 4runner? Thanks for any ideas.

Here is an very small high power ICOM 2300h inside a 5th gen cargo armrest box. It is relatively cheap at $180 and has a high power output of 65w in a very small package. Nothing else you really need unless you want to spend $600 for an APRS radio.

[RedSled]

Originally Posted by chmura

Here is an very small high power ICOM 2300h inside a 5th gen cargo armrest box. It is relatively cheap at $180 and has a high power output of 65w in a very small package. Nothing else you really needed unless you want to spend $600 for an APRS radio.

Tilt.

[Ol'Baditude]

If you have a radio with a detachable head unit, there is a small port(with a factory plug/cover) on the top of the dash in the middle, almost at the windshield. It is big enough to route through the 6pin line from the radio to a head unit. I plan on running the remote line from under the seat and carpet, and up behind the dash and through that port to the head unit. The head unit will be held by the same RAM suction cup X-mount that holds my HTC One. When not in use, I have a clip on the X-mount that holds the remote line in place to keep it from flopping around. There will also be a plug remotely mounted in or on the console somewhere, so the mic is readily accessible when needed and easy to remove and store when not in use. Should keep things nice and clean.
The radio in question is a Yaesu FTM-400DR which will be getting installed on the 15th. I'll post pics when I get it back.

Here is the head unit roughed in to make line measurements, etc.

IMAG1066 by Patstirling, on Flickr

[4x4mike]

I don't have a 5th gen but am a radio operator. Even with handling multiple frequencies I've found I don't need the radio or face in view while driving. As such I don't have it on the dash, roof console or tucked along a pillar.

My radio is programmed with frequencies I need and if not it's something easy to do, kind of like a set it and forget it. Scan and freq. input can be done with the mic.

I've got a 3rd gen and have a Yaseu mobile rig in the DIN slot below the stereo. My model has a detachable face but I leave it on so it's always there and ready to go. The radio isn't stock so it doesn't blend in perfectly with the rest of the instruments but it's mounted in the DIN and I don't have any extra mounts, arms, etc holding the radio.

Just some things to consider if you haven't purchased a radio yet.

[Ol'Baditude]

Originally Posted by 4x4mike

I don't have a 5th gen but am a radio operator. Even with handling multiple frequencies I've found I don't need the radio or face in view while driving. As such I don't have it on the dash, roof console or tucked along a pillar.

My radio is programmed with frequencies I need and if not it's something easy to do, kind of like a set it and forget it. Scan and freq. input can be done with the mic.

I've got a 3rd gen and have a Yaseu mobile rig in the DIN slot below the stereo. My model has a detachable face but I leave it on so it's always there and ready to go. The radio isn't stock so it doesn't blend in perfectly with the rest of the instruments but it's mounted in the DIN and I don't have any extra mounts, arms, etc holding the radio.

Just some things to consider if you haven't purchased a radio yet.

Some good points there.

Unfortunately the 5th gen is about the worst vehicle in existence to try and mount a radio in. Anywhere you mount it(if you mount it in the open) looks terribly out of place, and you can't mount it anywhere without either drilling holes in to something you don't want to drill holes in to, or removing space from somewhere you desperately need it. This is one of the factors behind the remote display being mounting above dash. I really don't like the thought of it, but at least it's out of the way and only blocks my view of the hood.

[bimrunner]

My brain of my Yaesu 7900r is up under the steering column and behind the plastic. Don't see it or get in the way at all. The face is detachable and mine is mounted in the little cubby under the usb. I have the mic stuck in the smaller cubby above that. Works great for me! Wires are run along driver side up the rear hatch and have a commet hatch mounted antenna. Seemed like the most low profile way I could figure out how to do it and the way sound comes out from behind/under the steering column, it is great!

[4x4mike]

Perhaps a mono band option like the Yaseu 1900-R or dual band with a removable face.

The small 1900 could be mounted in a center console or between the console and the seat. I'm not sure on the sizes of the glove box or center console but I'm sure they are much larger than those of a 3rd gen. Running power to one of those locations and an extension for the mic could be an option. My 2800-R is a little bigger than the 1900 but I used to have one of those in the dash and the speaker was more than audible. If not a small external speaker under the seat or in a cubbie would be needed while leaving the radio hidden.

A radio with a removable face plate can be mounted in the rear of the vehicle or under a seat. They require a separation kit to remotely mount the face but it's another option. The faces are still bulky but they can be stuffed somewhere and with a small speaker under the seat you'd be in business.

I do agree with you about something as bland and dated as a HAM radio looks out of place in a new vehicle, hence my opinion about hiding it as it's not always something that needs to be accessed. The radios are also expensive and could be a item that someone breaks a window for. No sense in mucking up a dash and temping someone.

[Jack19]

2-way radio install examples - TTORA Forum

Search for these types of mounts, I've seen them for Toyotas, just can't lay my hands on the links now.

Computer Mounts | Laptop Mounts | Consoles - Illinois Fire & Police Equipment

[mikey's2010SR5]

I have my brain mounted on my box in the rear boot. Then the face plate is on a flex mount mounted to the passenger seat front left bolt. An external speaker is then bolted to the center consul below the face.

[Ryan1975]

Yaesu 8900



Brain box in the Glove Compartment and wires run behind the dash for the remote head. Speaker behind the center console in the back seat area.

[JAD]

I used a snorkel mount like Mikeys (above) for years and was very satisfied with it. Additionally, I ran an external speaker and attached it to my headrest so the sound was right next to my ears (where it is supposed to be).

But to the OP's question, .....a convenient mount? Let me define convenient for me. I am only a situational user of my ham radios. They are used for events (road rallies, off roading, and weather emergencies-I'm in tornado alley). Consequently, I don't want to have a permanent mount, yet I want to be able to quickly install my unit if necessary. It can be done in less than 10 minutes. I have always used mag mounted antennas on the roof with great success.

Remember that this is a "convenient" solution for me but by no means permanent nor pretty. Secondly, is it incredibly user friendly for my needs.

Main mobile unit is a Kenwood VM-T71 dual band with a detachable head unit that I don't detach because I don't want to permanently mount the "brain". In exploring possible mounts I looked hard at Ram Mount suction solutions and had decided that they wouldn't hold up to off-roading and road rallying vibrations. That is until I found an agricultural supply store that carried commercial size Ram mounts. Define commercial: 1" ball joints (their smallest size), 3" suction cup with rotating lock (you cannot pull it off the window when it is locked), and a 9" support arm ball jointed at both ends for infinite adjustability. Needless to say you can see the need if you were setting up a laptop inside a limited space combine cab to run your fields. My location of choice is front windshield directly below the mirror. It is mounted low enough that it sits on the dash (by choice) with a small mouse pad underneath (vibration damping).

Pros:
1) within easy reach
2) very good visual-I can read the display with only a glance (it is at eye level and pointing directly at me)
3) sturdy! for my applications I am frequently changing the settings while driving and need to have something that is not bouncing around.
4) ease of installation and removal-nothing permanent
5) run the sound sound through the vehicle speakers via auxiliary external speaker connection (no need for external speaker)

Cons:
1) Ugly
2) ugly
3) ugly

Lastly, I will also just throw one of my handheld short waves in the car with me. It will pick up most towers and unless I get outside metropolitan areas it will generally transmit to reach most towers.

[Ryan1975]

I have two hand helds. I run my dualband yaesu as cross band repeater to give me bigger range when I'm in the house.

[loafer]

my mobile is a handheld.Im planning on making a bracket to support it. Otherwise you can remove the crappy factory radio and do what i did Only thing is its a cb radio.A uniden bearcat 9800 with single sideband.witch allows me to talk to europe and south america.Nopt a ham but usefull

[USKTog]

Originally Posted by Ol'Baditude

If you have a radio with a detachable head unit, there is a small port(with a factory plug/cover) on the top of the dash in the middle, almost at the windshield. It is big enough to route through the 6pin line from the radio to a head unit. I plan on running the remote line from under the seat and carpet, and up behind the dash and through that port to the head unit. The head unit will be held by the same RAM suction cup X-mount that holds my HTC One. When not in use, I have a clip on the X-mount that holds the remote line in place to keep it from flopping around. There will also be a plug remotely mounted in or on the console somewhere, so the mic is readily accessible when needed and easy to remove and store when not in use. Should keep things nice and clean.
The radio in question is a Yaesu FTM-400DR which will be getting installed on the 15th. I'll post pics when I get it back.

Here is the head unit roughed in to make line measurements, etc.

IMAG1066 by Patstirling, on Flickr

How are you liking the FTM-400DR?

I currently have an Anytone AT-5888UV sitting in a box (removed from my F-350 before I sold, to purchase my 4R). While the Anytone is a decent radio, I did have a few instances where it's quality came into question...so I am considering the Yaesu FTM-400DR.