GMRS Radio install with tailgate mounted antenna

[Patotas]

Ive been meaning to post this for awhile as I haven't seen any write ups on installing a rear mounted antenna. I went with the following for my install.

Midland MXT275
Micromobile MXTA26 6dB Gain Whip
Micromobile MXTA24 Low Profile Antenna Cable
Hooke Road Wrangler JL CB Antenna Spare Tire Mount Bracket
IAG Center Console Molle Panel's

I still need to better wire the power but this works for now. And yes my Bronco was pretty dirty while I installed it haha.

The first thing I did was mount the GMRS Radio to the Molle panel using zipties to hold it in place. Then you will need to remove the spare tire in order to install the antenna mount. Once that is done. Remove the electrical tape from the grommet on the back side of the tailgate where the wiring is routed for the brake light. The end on the antenna cable can be removed to allow it to route through this grommet. Go slow, it's a pain but it will go through with no problems.

Remove both inside panels on the tailgate to be able to route it through. I ziptied the wiring up every ft or so to keep it tight enough so that it wasn't falling down but loose enough to be able to flex when opening and closing the tailgate.

Once you have that done your going to route the wiring along the passenger side behind the rear passenger panel. You don't need to completely remove the panel. Just enough to route the wire behind it. I would also remove the top part of the panel as can be seen in the below picture. This will allow you to more easily pull the wire through. A fish tape is highly recommended. I didn't have one but used a wire clothes hanger and it added extra work and frustration.

Once that is done remove the panels along the door sils on each door along the passenger side. These come off pretty easily.

I would also remove the panels along the door frame between the rear and front passenger doors.

Once you have it routed through all of the paneling just route the cable up under the dash and ziptie it up so it doesn't hang down and route it across to the center console and to the radio.

Here is the end result.

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[Patotas]

@miko2367 Here is my installation.

 

[Patotas]

Oh also I found out that the handset mount that comes will it doesn't hold up to hot weather. I went through two of them in the configuration I have in these pictures and moved to a magnetic arm mount which works a lot better.

 

[Cat]

Very nice; super clean. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bellime]

Oh also I found out that the handset mount that comes will it doesn't hold up to hot weather. I went through two of them in the configuration I have in these pictures and moved to a magnetic arm mount which works a lot better.

Please share the info on the magnetic mount?

 

[BluBronco]

do you have a spacer on the spare? I swear I don't have that much room between the spare and the rear door.

 

[93&22BroncoMan]

I mounted my GMRS radio under the steering column. And the antenna on a mount on the drivers side cowl.

 

[RotorOver]

Well done! Still debating options for my install, so thanks for the inspiration!

 

[noliveaxle]

do you have a spacer on the spare? I swear I don't have that much room between the spare and the rear door.

Non-factory wheel with offset. Making the space you see.

 

[iSurvive]

do you have a spacer on the spare? I swear I don't have that much room between the spare and the rear door.

There are several antenna mount options; one mounts to the screws on the tailgate hinge (right side of spare), one goes where ditch lights would be installed by A-Pillar, and another one that mounts on the trail sights on the hood. Ford also has a factory spot on the bumper for an antenna or flag whip. If your modular bumper has end-caps, you need to remove them to access the hole.

 

[BlakeD69]

Thanks for sharing the details.

 

[ksdon]

Good job. You are brave to open so many panels to route the cable. But, it is a clean install.

 

[Patotas]

Please share the info on the magnetic mount?

I went with the following parts;

67 designs broncoball
67 designs arm builder for 20mm in carbon fiber
67 designs magnetic mic holder
And then this magnetic mic Magnetic Mic
https://a.co/d/3MBmA1o

 

[Patotas]

Good job. You are brave to open so many panels to route the cable. But, it is a clean install.

I was nervous for sure haha. I couldn’t find any pictures online of an install for the rear antenna so basically went in blind but it came out well. I broke a couple of clips but the were both on the panels in the tailgate which I’m thinking of doing a table or something back there anyways and it still sits flush.

 

[Patotas]

do you have a spacer on the spare? I swear I don't have that much room between the spare and the rear door.

I do not have a spacer but I do have aftermarket wheels with a -12 offset which might give me more room.

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