Ham radio in the dash storage bin?

[decker1]

does anyone have any pics of what is behind the storage bin in a 2014 trail? I am contemplating putting my ham radio there instead, as some people have done here already with the shorter/wider double-din style ham. However my radio is pretty beefy and I am not sure how much depth I have in place of that pocket. So far I have only found disassembled pics of the 2013 model with the actual storage door. The 14+ models just have a pocket there (under the usb/12v). Pulling the dash pieces off is a nightmare so if I can save some time that would be awesome.

 

[Moto69Joe]

does anyone have any pics of what is behind the storage bin in a 2014 trail? I am contemplating putting my ham radio there instead, as some people have done here already with the shorter/wider double-din style ham. However my radio is pretty beefy and I am not sure how much depth I have in place of that pocket. So far I have only found disassembled pics of the 2013 model with the actual storage door. The 14+ models just have a pocket there (under the usb/12v). Pulling the dash pieces off is a nightmare so if I can save some time that would be awesome.

There is not enough depth. I'm putting a Icom 2370 there because it has the faceplate that separates. The main body of the Icom will go under the seat.

 

[BettysNephew]

I have the Icom 2370 head unit mounted in the lower pocket and it fits well. There is not enough room behind the pocket to mount a radio. Too much stuff there. Take the time to remove the trim panels to find a proper place to drill holes for the cables as a mistake and hitting some of the "stuff" will be very expensive. My cable to the head is routed through the passenger side of the pocket and even there you must look before you drill. Somewhere on this site there is a tutorial on removing the trim panels and it is not at all difficult, they just pop off with a bit of a tug.
Here is a link to the radio dash trim panel removal:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/90970-removing-stock-head-unit-5th-gen-4runner.html
The console cover comes off similarly but I recall there is a plug for lighting that must be disconnected. I put my radio in over a year ago so have forgotten a couple of things I'm sure. Getting old sucks but I'm still enjoying life and not ready to check out yet.

 

[Chaos]

does anyone have any pics of what is behind the storage bin in a 2014 trail? I am contemplating putting my ham radio there instead, as some people have done here already with the shorter/wider double-din style ham. However my radio is pretty beefy and I am not sure how much depth I have in place of that pocket. So far I have only found disassembled pics of the 2013 model with the actual storage door. The 14+ models just have a pocket there (under the usb/12v). Pulling the dash pieces off is a nightmare so if I can save some time that would be awesome.

I had did the center console install on my 14 Trail, with a Icom 2200h, I hated every minute of it. It seemed like a great location after looking at what Paul May from Equipt1 had did, I have pictures if you really want them, PM me. Although maybe I would have hated it less if I had an external speaker to go along with that unit. But it was a pain, if you're locked on one channel during a trail ride not so bad, but for everyday with putting stuff in the box it becomes cumbersome.

I recently traded in my '14 Trail for a '16, I sold my 2200h to a local club member for his 80 series and I picked up a Icom 2730a so I could detach the faceplate and mount it remotely.

 

[e60ral]

Where are you guys mounting your remote heads, in front of that cubby? I am about to purchase my first ham radio and am trying to figure out what to get and where to mount it

 

[Chaos]

Where are you guys mounting your remote heads, in front of that cubby? I am about to purchase my first ham radio and am trying to figure out what to get and where to mount it

I haven't figured that one out yet myself, as I only take delivery of my new Rig on Thursday, but the thought is to use a ram mount and put it in front of the clock above the radio. Also there is a suction cup mount available for the Icom 2730a.

But here are some of the links I was looking at for inspiration

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/188802-ham-off-road-2.html

Mounting Locations - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/190879-custom-dash-mount-phone-iphone-ipad-tablet.html

 

[998cc]

I'm not trying to hijack the thread here, but being a Ham, I am very interested in what others come up with for their radio/antenna installations. Hopefully this thread will continue with updates.

998cc
KW6T
2010 4Runner

 

[CplTurner]

Icom ID-5100a

 

[BettysNephew]

The IC-2730 will fit flush in the cubbyhole at the bottom but will require fabbing a mount. Mine is made of aluminum angle and is velcroed in place. Easy removal if you need to get stealthy. The main part of the radio is velcroed to the carpet beneath the passenger seat. This is on a 2015 Trail BTW. OP, I think we may have met on another forum???

 

[decker1]

Done

Installed it the best way I knew I could! mounted very clean on the side of the center console where the glove compartment meets. It does not hit the passenger's leg (unless your pretty tall and there's a passenger behind you), and does not get in the way of the seat being fully forward. May not have been as steath as I would have hoped, but its the first compromise I have made for this rig so not bad.

Heres the radio

And the cabling running straight through the weather stripping. I see this as a temporary solution until I get the antenna on a ditch bracket (I think that looks sweet). Although knowing me I will prioritize other mods if it "aint broke".

Magnetic Antenna