Car installed radios for those who live in the cold northern states...

[Imply4907]

I've heard that the best electronic designs consider operating temperatures and humidity. That being said, YMMV. There seems to be a broad range of experiences.

What I've said is probably nothing new to people familiar with electronics.

Edited February 12 by Imply4907
grammar, clarification

[WSHB846]

I'm so afraid to drill into my Forester to get a mobile 50W installed. The pic @tcp2525 shared is right about where I'd mount mine, but I'm having issues finding any firewall/trunk/hood grommets to get the cable inside. I also don't want to replace my car's existing radio/OnStar/Sirius/etc. stuff. I have a moon roof and could get by just using it on dry days but meh. Would a dashboard/trunk antenna with good window access suffice? What do y'all recommend?

[Imply4907]

7 minutes ago, WSHB846 said:

I'm so afraid to drill into my Forester to get a mobile 50W installed. The pic @tcp2525 shared is right about where I'd mount mine, but I'm having issues finding any firewall/trunk/hood grommets to get the cable inside. I also don't want to replace my car's existing radio/OnStar/Sirius/etc. stuff. I have a moon roof and could get by just using it on dry days but meh. Would a dashboard/trunk antenna with good window access suffice? What do y'all recommend?

I mean, if you know someone or a shop that installs aftermarket sound systems, that's who I'd lean on for install help. I've got a friend who does it, so for me, it's no big deal. (Also, my cars are out of warranty). To me, it's not much different than a car sound system. The major differences are (a) power: it seems like a lot of these radios need to go direct to a battery power post and negative to a good ground point (b) antenna cabling: the antenna needs to penetrate the car which might lead to water/weather issues.

That's my take. YMMV.

Edited February 12 by Imply4907

[Hoppyjr]

I'm so afraid to drill into my Forester to get a mobile 50W installed. The pic [mention=6186]tcp2525[/mention] shared is right about where I'd mount mine, but I'm having issues finding any firewall/trunk/hood grommets to get the cable inside. I also don't want to replace my car's existing radio/OnStar/Sirius/etc. stuff. I have a moon roof and could get by just using it on dry days but meh. Would a dashboard/trunk antenna with good window access suffice? What do y'all recommend?

Some things to consider with your Subaru:

Antenna -

Consider using a ditch light hood bracket, or lip mount, to install an antenna on the hood. While not necessarily the ideal location, it can work just fine. A benefit is easy cable run into the cabin.

Radio -

A typical 50w mobile might a challenge to mount in the front area. You have some options:

- A remote faceplate radio where you can mount the main radio under a seat or in the cargo area, using an extension to bring display to dash area.

- An all in one unit, like the Midland MTX575, where the radio is remote and all you need is the mic to control everything. There are other brands too.

- A 20-30w radio that has a smaller footprint.

For display panel mounting, consider something like a Pro-Clip vehicle specific mount or even a RAM mount. You can easily mount a radio face/control head using easily available pieces.

[WSHB846]

Thank you @Imply4907 and @Hoppyjr! I live close-by to an offroad-specific autoshop, will give them a ring to see if they've done similar for radio enthusiasts in general. Not trying to mess with any of the pillars/rails since I want to keep them fully functional. I don't need a big 50W, any recommendations for something that can get plugged into the cigarette lighter (or an inverter I have for normal three-prong 120v which plugs into the lighter port)? The Forester also has a lighter port in the back. Also, for antennas, I know GMRS you typically want them upright hence the recommendations, but are there any decent options which could run horizontally along my rails? Looking for functional/compatible with concurrent kayak/gear use rather than objective best case for radio alone. Thanks!

[amaff]

1 hour ago, Imply4907 said:

I mean, if you know someone or a shop that installs aftermarket sound systems, that's who I'd lean on for install help.

Some of the sketchiest electrical connections I've ever seen have come out of those shops.
Them, and trailer builders, I swear