Midland GMRS Radio Center Console Installation?

[Briski]

I’m finally getting around to installing the Midland MXT575 radio (June ‘24 group buy). I would like to install it in the center console but I’m trying to figure out a way to route the antenna cable. Has anyone done this?

I think the power inside the console should work with an adapter.
Thanks and cheers

 

[RedZilla]

Following, I have the same radio would like to do the same installation. Although I was considering powering through one of the hot upfitter switches in case someone needed to use the radio without a key fob.

 

[usafakid09]

I am having this done on Friday. I will ask the guys who install it how they do it. They will be mounting the antenna over the third brake light.

 

[Optimus🤖]

Try this:

 

[Briski]

I think that might be the ticket.
Thanks @Optimus

 

[Optimus🤖]

I think that might be the ticket.
Thanks @Optimus

You're welcome my friend. I hope it helps.

 

[Whaler27]

I’ve been thinking about this too. My first thought is to see if I can go through the same hole used to run power for the ARB compressor mount behind the back seat. The hole is on the passenger side near the base of the B-pillar. I’m hoping I can route the power for the ARB, one air line, and the antennae cable there. I haven’t checked the cable length, but I’m optimistic, as I’m planning to mount the antennae on the aft edge of the hood.

 

[cntyguy]

My shorty antenna is mounted on the lip of my retrax, the cable runs between the bed and cab and back into the truck through an underbody grommet, then under the carpet, under the passenger seat, into the center console through a discrete hole. Be careful drilling through the console, there are wires routed through at least the passenger side walls of the center console.

 

[HeavyAssault]

I would not use a power point to pull 10A to power a radio. Running the antenna cable to the center console is fairly easy, just need to be sure of the length. There are cables that use a two piece connector at the radio, so it's very small allowing the cable to be run easily. Then you assemble the connector, attach to the radio, done. Since GMRS is LOS the higher the antenna the better.

 

[Briski]

I am having this done on Friday. I will ask the guys who install it how they do it. They will be mounting the antenna over the third brake light.

I would appreciate your feedback on how they did it! I’m still trying to come up with a plan.
Cheers

 

[mrmag00]

Following as I’m mounting mine now as well behind the rear seat on a built right panel.

 

[usafakid09]

I would appreciate your feedback on how they did it! I’m still trying to come up with a plan.
Cheers

Of course. I'll take some pictures and post when I pick it up tomorrow afternoon.

 

[usafakid09]

This is how they installed the radio. Ran the cable for the antenna from the third brake light down the driver side and up through the bottom of the console. Had them wire it to the #1 auxiliary switch.

https://www.fordtremor.com/attachments/upload?type=post&context[thread_id]=19241&hash=ebc17d492cc5df205a87c6a86db6d836

 

[Briski]

This is how they installed the radio. Ran the cable for the antenna from the third brake light down the driver side and up through the bottom of the console. Had them wire it to the #1 auxiliary switch. View attachment 172778

https://www.fordtremor.com/attachments/upload?type=post&context[thread_id]=19241&hash=ebc17d492cc5df205a87c6a86db6d836

View attachment 172779View attachment 172780

Very clean installation! Looks great.

Do you know how they routed the wires to the upfitter box?

Cheers

 

[RoadRash]

I drilled a hole in the back passenger side of the console. Put a rubber grommet in the hole and ran the power and antenna cable through it. Power and cable go under the carpet (from the console), and under the passenger seat to the door frame wire channel and split from there. I ran the power straight to the battery. Antenna cable goes to the rear brake light.

 

[Briski]

I drilled a hole in the back passenger side of the console. Put a rubber grommet in the hole and ran the power and antenna cable through it. Power and cable go under the carpet (from the console), and under the passenger seat to the door frame wire channel and split from there. I ran the power straight to the battery. Antenna cable goes to the rear brake light. View attachment 172784


View attachment 172785

Very nicely done! Looks great. Thanks for the information.
Cheers

 

[usafakid09]

Very clean installation! Looks great.

Do you know how they routed the wires to the upfitter box?

Cheers

Not sure, I can ask next week.

 

[Optimus🤖]

Following, I have the same radio would like to do the same installation. Although I was considering powering through one of the hot upfitter switches in case someone needed to use the radio without a key fob.

I meant to post this earlier but this is why I chose the mobile unit recommended by @legmar. I know it may never happen but for any reason the truck becomes dead at least I have something to use:

Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way GMRS Handheld Radio

Fit with Xtreme Range Technology, the Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way GMRS Handheld Radio brings GMRS communication to your hands, wherever you are. Buy now!

midlandusa.com

And then of course, the more expensive one:

GXT67 GMRS 5‑Watt Walkie Talkie - GXT67PRO

Experience unbeatable range with the GXT GMRS 5-Watt Two-Way Radio - GXT67 PRO. Get 5 Watts of power, repeater capability, IP67 waterproof design and up to 4 days of battery life. Find out why it's the Best Selling 5 Watt Walkie Talkie on the market.

midlandusa.com

Maybe it's ideal to have both (a hardwired unit and mobile) but I'm not an overlander or long term camper/hiker. Maybe others can chime in.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I have the 75-822, have the antenna hard wired in the Jeep and the truck...I just grab it and hook up to either vechile. Its got a battery pack for when need to be mobile.

 

[HeavyAssault]

I got the KG-1000G Plus since it has a remote face. I've been using it for awhile now, it's a great little radio.