Where did you install your GMRS radio?

[Mighty Mouse]

I sure would like to install a Midland GMRS radio in my 2011 GX460.

I installed one in a 2nd gen Tacoma where only the mic with the built in controls were visible.

In my 80 Series, I wasn’t so lucky so the radio portion is visible as well as the handheld mic.

For my GX460 I’d like a stealth install. Hidden main unit (275 or 575) where only the corded handheld is visible.

Have any of you done this and what would you suggest?

Mike

 

[llm]

inside center compartment

plug on the passenger side

 

[Rednexus]

I have a 470, but stuffed it in a box I made where the CD changer was. I then added a bulkhead RG6 connector in the center console. You can really put the Midland radio anywhere (even in the back of the rig) and just run some RG6 to a bulkhead connector. Midland sends you a lot of antenna cable. I also mounted an external speaker below the ashtray. I'm not 100% sure the external speaker is necessary and it was a pain to fit. And I'm not sure if it's feasible to mount one there at all in a 460.

 

[Roody]

Midland MXT500 inside my center console

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Thanks all. Those are some quality suggestions for consideration. I like the remote RJ45 plug idea. Hide the unit that has no controls out of sight, run an RJ45 extended plug for the mic that has all the controls and find a small external speaker (since the speaker is on the hidden unit) and that would make for a clean install.

Running the antenna wire and location is a totally different thread. That, I have no clue how to do yet, but I’m still searching for ideas.

Mike

 

[Rednexus]

Thanks all. Those are some quality suggestions for consideration. I like the remote RJ45 plug idea. Hide the unit that has no controls out of sight, run an RJ45 extended plug for the mic that has all the controls and find a small external speaker (since the speaker is on the hidden unit) and that would make for a clean install.

Running the antenna wire and location is a totally different thread. That, I have no clue how to do yet, but I’m still searching for ideas.

Mike

I mounted mine on the ditch light bracket. If you don't have ditch lights, they are a great thing to add! Especially living in WY where you probably also have lot of wildlife/car collisions after dark (I saw a few deer using my ditch lights last night). On the 470 there are two harness bulkhead connectors that go through the firewall - one on the PS, one on the DS. Both have a small nipple (on the engine bay side) that you can snip off and push wires through. Presumably the 460 has these too. I have the GMRS antenna going trough the PS bulkhead connector (this required pulling out the ECU to gain access), then it comes up the cowl and goes into the antenna.

Midland sells a bracket for $25, which is crazy for a piece of flat stock with 2 holes in it. It took me about 10 minutes to make one and a few more minutes to paint it.

 

[OCGX]

RJ45 connector in the dash, unit is mounted to the plastic under the blower on the passenger side.

 

[r2m]

Starting at post # 44 here: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r2m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-3
I show how and where I put my HAM radio, mic, and antenna. It's a bunch of posts, so you'll need to scroll a bit.
But, in short I put the radio (with builtin speaker) under my seat and mounted the mic next to/on the cup holder, next to my right leg. The radio has a separate face plate which I mounted over the CD player, which I never have nor will ever use. The pic's will show everything.

 

[Roody]

So if the RJ45 doesn't work, like on my MXT500, what's the other option for moving the mic mount away from the actual unit itself? Ex. keep the radio in the center console but do a dash plug like shown above

The MXT500 has this 8-pin connector:

 

[Rednexus]

I'm betting someone makes an 8-pin connection cable.

FWIW, the MXT275 has been plenty adequate for my needs in terms of range (wheeling both around here and out west), so you could downgrade to help out with packaging.

 

[JALinker]

Has anyone used the baby mirror/sunglass holder as a mounting spot for the face of a radio - I think that'd be a neat spot to utilize for that, but it is hard to search on that...

 

[r2m]

Has anyone used the baby mirror/sunglass holder as a mounting spot for the face of a radio - I think that'd be a neat spot to utilize for that, but it is hard to search on that...

An issue with having your HAM head unit in that overhead location is where do you put your mic? Running wires will not be fun, either. You will not want the mic's coiled cord hanging, dangling and bouncing around in your line sight.
Since I stream my music with Spotify, I never use the CD player, so I put the head unit right on top of it, similar how @BigSwede did his.
I have the body of the unit bolted under my seat, and yes, it's plenty loud enough. My mic runs from under the seat to where you see it next to my right leg, hooked on, next to the center console cup holder. It is extremely handy to use and replace without taking my eyes off the road.
Here is a link to how I have mine, start at post # 44: Build - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r2m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-3

 

[PoindAxster]

Photos are from the day I installed it in late 2025. A few things have changed, so I should get some updated images.

Midland MXT575 screwed into top of glove box - this has not changed.

Through the windshield, you can see the placement of the mini antenna. This has not changed.

Ohana Rig Supply dash mount with Midland's receiver holder. Have since moved away to a magnetic system that works better with the Ohana system.

I am running one of these magnetic balls screwed directly into the Ohana Rig System. I placed the radio behind my phone so the cord lays on the dash. Amazon.com: Tackform Magnetic CB Radio Mic Holder - Only Compatible with Midland MXT275 and MXT575 GMRS Radios | Aluminum 20mm Ball | Neodymium Magnets | Single Handed Operation : Electronics - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYMLD9NC