UHF antenna bonnet mount query

[bcs0228]

Hi All,

I have just purchased a GME UHF radio kit (XRS-330COB) and I am looking to mount the antenna on the bonnet hinge using the GMF4x4 bracket shown here: https://www.gmf4x4.au/product-page/toyota-hilux-n80-2021-bonnet-antenna-bracket.

My hilux is a current 2023 model. If anyone has done the same, would you be so kind as to post some photos showing where you have run the cable from the antenna to the firewall?

Regards
Martin

[Rob_Wood]

Not familiar with your particular model, however there should be plenty of existing grommets in the firewall for you to use within reasonable reach of your chosen aerial position.

[bcs0228]

Hi,

Yes I can see that there are plenty of grommets but more interested in how people run the coax from the antenna without it getting pinched when the bonnet is closed.

[dave g]

I can't see it moving with the bonnet it will hit the windscreen it would be good to see a photo with the bonnet open

[Rob_Wood]

I can't see it moving with the bonnet it will hit the windscreen it would be good to see a photo with the bonnet open

Agreed, also a shame you don't have a Bullbar with Aerial mount on it.
As for keeping the cable safe when opening & closing the bonnet, maybe clip to follow the washers hose? If not an option, then find something near.the.mount on the underside of the bonnet (mounted in the engine bay) to clip the cable to with the softest possible bending radius.

[Rob_Wood]

Just scrolled down on your pics.and the other pics seem to show the aerial being mounted behind the bonnet and not actually ON the bonnet. This looks a neater option, as the bonnet opening & closing will not affect the aerial itself.

[bcs0228]

Definitely a bonnet mount. You undo the two bolts holding the bonnet to the hinge and then reassemble with the UHF bracket sitting between the hinge and the head of the bolt. The bracket is 5mm thick and according to GMF the factory bolts are long enough to accomodate the thickness of the bracket.

[Rob_Wood]

Definitely a bonnet mount. You undo the two bolts holding the bonnet to the hinge and then reassemble with the UHF bracket sitting between the hinge and the head of the bolt. The bracket is 5mm thick and according to GMF the factory bolts are long enough to accomodate the thickness of the bracket.

Okie then, all being in good shape, then as Dave G Pointed out, the aerial will sit at 90 degrees to the bonnet. Simply open the bonnet before fitting it and see if something at 90 degrees to the bonnet (when it's up) is going to hit the windscreen. At least this way you'll know what you're getting yourself in for.
I've also seen brackets that are shaped to bolt to the mudguard mounting bolts so they raise up between the mudguard and the bonnet for this exact reason, to prevent the aerial from hitting the windscreen when the bonnet is open.

[RougeBY2]

I have this setup on my 2022 rogue the only problem I have is that I need to move the antenna forward to lift the window wiper. I have no problem opening the bonnet etc.
regards
Martin

[Rob_Wood]

I have this setup on my 2022 rogue the only problem I have is that I need to move the antenna forward to lift the window wiper. I have no problem opening the bonnet etc.
regards
Martin

There's always something that others don't see straight away isn't there?

[bcs0228]

I have this setup on my 2022 rogue the only problem I have is that I need to move the antenna forward to lift the window wiper. I have no problem opening the bonnet etc.
regards
Martin

Thanks for letting me know. I purchased the bonnet mount last week but it will probably be a few weeks before I can fit it. Do you have to just bend the antenna forward or remove it altogether?

[RougeBY2]

Just pull it forward then lift the window wiper off the window. The bonnet is not obstructed at all regards
Martin

[bcs0228]

Finally got around to installing the GMF4x4 bracket and UHF. Can highly recommend the bracket, it is very strong and stable.

[Rob_Wood]

Comes up nicely finished off.
I have to wonder if (as it looks) the cable is running through the hinge housing? If so, I'd be worried about it fouling or catching.

[bcs0228]

Hi Rob,

If you’re referring to the first photo, that was taken before I fitted the aerial or cable. What looks like cable in that photo is actually the hose to the windscreen washer.

[Rob_Wood]

Hi Rob,

If you’re referring to the first photo, that was taken before I fitted the aerial or cable. What looks like cable in that photo is actually the hose to the windscreen washer.

Thanks for the clarification. As I said before, it looks pretty good.