Ham radio setup

Not sure if this is the right spot for this, sorry if it isnt.

I am completely new to the Ham world, just got my technicians license and have a couple HTs that I have been able to hit the local repeaters with to talk to a few friends.

I would like to set up a mobile ham in my truck that I could also use as a sort of repeater for my HT when I am on foot.

Has anyone done a setup like this or have any input?

 

yeah, congrats on getting your ticket. I would suggest a kenwood d710, or the 71a both are dual band, dual rec, and you can use cross band repeat mode ( turn your truck into a repeater) . if you buy this one 710 https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-012910 it comes with a remote head kit, meaning you can put the body of the radio wherever and the remote head of the radio (display) can be mounted anywhere. I have mine mounted on a ram ball on the dash. As far as antennas and mounting options , its endless. The easier would be a NMO style or 259 style lip mount, if you want to run a larger, longer antenna you can always make a mount for the bed rails.
I would stay away from mag mounts unless you have no way to mount anything else. I will dig up some of my install photos and post them here for you. As far as the install, its easy, took me an hour, lots of pulling panels, and popping those tabs out.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mobile-ham-radio-install-2020-tacoma-trd-or.664783/

look at this thread, not mine but it shows the same steps. same setup locations different radio

 

Great, thank you

 

I have the Kenwood 710, I had it mounted in front of the cubby to the left of the steering wheel. There is a pic of someone’s setup in that thread. I loved the look of it, ice and clean. But you can’t see it to operate it. I since moved it to the top of dash on a mag phone mount.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clean-vhf-cb-radio-installs.415584/

 

I installed a ICOM 7100 on the center console. Its at arms length & it out of the way when not in use. Its also easy to remove to use as a home base. I leave the main unit in the truck & extend cat 6, for the control head, into my garage. Also I lifted the seat 1-1/4" with seat jackers.