Jeep Wrangler radio mount options

[SR385]

I know a few of you are running Wranglers, how did you mount full sized chassis radios?

I can't use an overhead mount because I'm too tall for anything across the cage like that.

Does anyone know if one will fit mounted on the 'bar' on the passenger side below where the glovebox is and still let the passenger seat tumble forward fully?

The other way I was thinking was to get a Ram 2" ball mount and mount it to the passenger side of the console so it could be easily removed. I may do this just so I could swap out between an AM rig and my big old SSB rig.

[231]

I'm not familiar with the "Ram 2" ball set up"...so I can't comment on it. However, I understand fully your question(s). I have an '02 TJ myself...and quite frankly, I run a little Uniden Pro510 in there. I intend on installing my old SBE eventually...but no doubt overhead consoles aren't my first choice either. I wheel my rig...and like you, no doubt I'll hit my head on it.

I've seen some guys simply use the roll bar center behind the driver too. The problem with this set up would be convienence of adjustments...especially on SSB. I will probably mount mine similar to how my 510 is right now...pulling the front seat foward and marking my spot(s). It's not the most convenient spot for adjustments...but for a full sized chassis radio, should work.

Not alot of good choices for mounting I'm afraid. I'm with you though, the Tuffy or other overheads don't do much for me.

Here's my pro510 by the way...and I use a small external speaker on the driver's side. I hear just fine with the top off at 65 mph.

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[SR385]

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That's a RAM mount, the 2" is the size of the ball that that clamp grabs, it's a heavier version than their normal setup. They are expensive but very solid and well made mounts.

Where you mounted the 510 is where the RAM ball would go. The trouble with just mounting a big chassis radio there is that the usual mounting bracket would snag on the seat when it tumbles forward I think.

[SR385]

[Please login or register to view this link] It's very large so I didn't want to link it inline

[231]

Yea, that might work. Provided (like you said) you don't need to pull the seat forward for rear passengers. Make sure you bolt it to the tub itself...which is probably what your intent was. And I'd probably suggest sitting a passenger there while sizing things. You might find it a huge hindrance for them.

[SR385]

I'm putting in a Tuffy console which is 16ga steel in front where that stock console is plastic in the pic. Should be solid enough to hold it.

That's the tough part, figuring out a mount where a passenger wouldn't be bothered.

I've even been pondering the mini magnum to have something small enough for when passengers are along. Figure one of those into a nice amp would work pretty well as I wouldn't be using the Kenwood on SSB with anyone in the car anyway.

[SR385]

For anyone that finds this in a search.

I broke down and got a Yaesu 857-D because it has a remote faceplate so I can mount the radio under a seat and have the faceplate right where I can reach it on the dash. It also detaches easily to get locked up.

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