[musicman1979]

Here's what the radio unit looks like:

1. Yaesu FTM-400 XDR Mobile Radio (3 Parts)
   1. Controller/Display Unit - 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.8"
   2. Handheld Microphone
   3. Radio Unit - 5.5 x 1.6 x 4.9"
2. Larson NMO2/70 Antenna
3. Antenna Cable
4. Power Cable

I want to mount it on my new 2022 Rav4 Hybrid arriving in a couple months. I live in the Pacific Northwest and do a lot outdoors. It's purpose is for safety, self-sufficiency/redundancy with cell phone communication, and also for fun. I plan to use the navigation features via APRS.

Placement
Controller/Display Unit above the rearview mirror. Maybe even modify the overhead console to accommodate the display including relocating the controls that are up there further forward or back. I have the moonroof to consider as well. If the microphone is up top, then I'd keep the cable slack short to avoid dangling.

I think the radio unit can go under the passenger seat or in the cargo area. I've read that the battery is in the cargo area, so that might make more sense to run a single cable to the front for the controller/display. This would also make running the antenna cable to the rear roof shorter.

Antenna
I'm considering a Breedlove fold-over antenna mount that folds forward along the roof rack on the left side. I plan to own this vehicle for 30 years, so drilling a hold through the roof is preferred. k0bg.com has some pretty convincing thoughts on why not to use antenna mag mounts in-addition to interior radio mounting clear of SRS (airbag) deployment areas.

ref1: Tips for installing mobile radio in new hybrid? : amateurradio (reddit.com)
ref2: 2021 RAV4 and where to place ham radio antenna? | Toyota RAV4 Forums (rav4world.com)

Notes for the uninitiated:
Mobile radios differ from handheld HT radios in that they put out more power and therefore have greater capability. They also require a license to use (although technically transmit only).

Questions I have:

• What kind of cable shielding options are there? I'm not only concerned with RFI to the radio, but also to the vehicle.
• Professional Installer Suggestions?

 

[TeamSpecialK]

Did you get it installed? Any advise?

I just put an order in for a 2023 XSE.

 

[musicman1979]

Did you get it installed? Any advise?

I just put an order in for a 2023 XSE.

Hey! No, I haven't done any of this. I don't think I will because I couldn't find parts or processes that aren't completely custom. There's also less room and options to put mounted equipment in my 2022 SE than I had hoped. I'd have to swap large parts/moldings and it would get expensive fast. 1 of 2 Car Toys just said no. If I were to do it though, I'd ask the local police who does their squad cars and have the antenna done there for a quality job, and then maybe Car Toys for the rest. Because of the cost and learning about UHF/VHF repeaters in western Washington State, I'll probably just use a handheld HT with whatever repeater coverage I can pickup. Best of luck! And if you do anything similar please consider linking to the post.