RFI TLM-2S Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Z Guard Bracket with 6mm Cable Slot - Professional 16mm Hole Fender Mount Antenna Bracket with Integrated Cable Management and Self-Drilling Hardware

RFI TLM-2S Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Z Guard Bracket with 6mm Cable Slot - Professional 16mm Hole Fender Mount Antenna Bracket with Integrated Cable Management and Self-Drilling Hardware

Achieve professional heavy-duty antenna mounting with RFI TLM-2S Z Guard Bracket featuring integrated cable management—featuring robust 1.6mm stainless steel construction providing exceptional mounting strength for demanding UHF CB antenna installations, innovative 6mm cable slot enabling simplified antenna installation and superior cable management eliminating separate cable routing requirements, proven Z-shaped bracket profile offsetting antenna away from bodywork preventing interference and providing optimal mounting geometry, standard 16mm antenna mounting hole accommodating conventional UHF antenna bases with threaded stud configurations, generous 75mm length providing enhanced mounting stability and versatile positioning options compared to compact brackets, included self-drilling screws (3 supplied) enabling secure attachment to fender panels with additional mounting point for superior bracket stability, professional-grade stainless steel resisting rust and corrosion in Australian coastal and outback environments, natural bright metallic finish complementing chrome trim and traditional vehicle styling, universal mounting compatibility suitable for 4WD vehicles, utes, trucks, and commercial vehicles requiring heavy-duty antenna mounting with integrated cable management, and proven RFI quality engineering delivering reliable professional-grade antenna mounting solution for demanding vehicle communication installations.

Product Overview

Heavy duty fender mount bracket. 'Z' shape with cable slot.

This 1.6mm heavy duty stainless steel 'Z' shape fender mount bracket includes 6mm cable slot for easy antenna installation plus 3 x self drilling screws. Bracket is 75mm long with 16mm hole.

Key Features

Heavy-Duty 1.6mm Stainless Steel Construction - Robust 1.6mm stainless steel material provides superior mounting strength and enhanced structural rigidity for demanding antenna installations.

Integrated 6mm Cable Slot for Simplified Installation - Built-in cable slot accommodates antenna coax cable routing through bracket eliminating separate cable management and providing clean professional installation.

Z-Shaped Bracket Profile with 16mm Mounting Hole - Proven Z-bracket geometry offsets antenna mounting position away from fender surface providing clearance for antenna connections and optimal radio performance.

Extended 75mm Length for Enhanced Stability - Longer bracket dimension compared to compact models provides increased mounting stability and versatile positioning options for heavy-duty installations.

Three Self-Drilling Screws for Superior Security - Complete hardware package includes 3 self-drilling screws providing additional mounting point and enhanced bracket stability compared to standard two-screw designs.

Professional Cable Management Integration - 6mm slot enables coax cable routing directly through bracket structure maintaining organized appearance and protecting cable from environmental exposure.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the advantage of the 6mm cable slot in TLM-2S?

A: TLM-2S integrated 6mm cable slot provides significant installation and cable management advantages compared to brackets without cable routing features. Cable routing benefits: antenna coax cable passes directly through bracket slot during installation, eliminates need for separate cable ties or routing clips near bracket, maintains organized professional appearance with cable concealed within bracket structure, protects cable from environmental exposure and potential chafing against bodywork. Installation simplification: cable slot enables antenna and cable installation as single operation, installer threads cable through slot before mounting antenna base, reduces installation steps compared to separate cable routing after bracket attachment, particularly beneficial for professional installers performing multiple installations. Cable protection: slot shields cable from direct UV exposure and weather elements, prevents cable movement and vibration potentially causing connector loosening, maintains proper cable bend radius preventing signal degradation, reduces long-term cable wear from environmental factors. Slot specifications: 6mm width accommodates standard UHF coax cable types (RG58, RG8X typically 5-6mm diameter), adequate clearance for cable passage without excessive looseness, smooth slot edges prevent cable jacket damage during installation. Comparison to non-slotted brackets: TLM-4, TLM-3, and other brackets without cable slots require separate cable routing using ties, clips, or other mounting methods, cable management as additional installation step, potentially less organized cable appearance. Professional installation advantage: cable slot feature particularly valuable for commercial installations, fleet vehicle installations, professional car audio shops performing volume installations, time savings from simplified cable routing. Maintenance consideration: cable slot enables easier cable inspection and replacement if needed, cable can be removed and replaced without complete bracket removal in some scenarios. Selection criteria: choose TLM-2S when integrated cable management desired, professional installations prioritizing clean organized appearance, heavy-duty applications requiring 1.6mm construction, situations where cable protection and simplified routing beneficial.

Q: How does TLM-2S 1.6mm thickness compare to other RFI brackets?

A: TLM-2S features 1.6mm stainless steel thickness representing heaviest construction in standard RFI bracket range—provides superior strength for demanding antenna installations. Thickness comparison across RFI brackets: TLM-2S 1.6mm represents heavy-duty construction, TLM-3 1.5mm provides intermediate heavy-duty strength, TLM-4 and TLM-7 1.4mm adequate for standard installations, thickness progression reflects application-specific strength requirements. Strength advantages of 1.6mm construction: increased bending resistance supporting heavier or longer antennas, enhanced rigidity maintaining mounting security under extreme vibration, superior long-term structural integrity for demanding commercial applications, marginally improved wind load resistance for high-speed highway travel. Application suitability: TLM-2S 1.6mm construction ideal for commercial fleet vehicles requiring maximum durability, heavy-duty 4WD vehicles subjected to severe off-road conditions, installations using particularly long or heavy antenna configurations (8+ foot antennas), professional applications where bracket failure unacceptable. Weight considerations: 1.6mm material slightly heavier than thinner brackets, weight difference typically 10-20 grams compared to 1.4mm brackets, negligible impact on vehicle weight or fuel economy, additional weight contributes to mounting stability. Bending and modification: 1.6mm material more resistant to custom bending if modifications required, requires more force and proper metalworking tools for angle adjustments, reduced risk of accidental bracket deformation during installation or service. Cost implications: heavier construction may result in marginally higher pricing, cost difference typically reflects additional material and manufacturing requirements, value proposition for applications requiring maximum durability and reliability. Comparison to vehicle-specific brackets: TLM-FR (Ford Ranger) and TLM-HL-L (Hilux) also use 1.6mm construction for vehicle-specific applications, similar heavy-duty construction philosophy for demanding installations, TLM-2S provides universal 1.6mm option for non-specific vehicles. Selection guidance: choose TLM-2S when maximum bracket strength required, commercial or professional installations demanding highest reliability, heavy or long antenna configurations, extreme environmental conditions requiring robust construction. Alternative brackets adequate when standard UHF CB antenna installations with normal operating conditions, recreational vehicle use without extreme demands, weight or cost optimization priorities.

Q: Why does TLM-2S include 3 screws instead of 2 like other brackets?

A: TLM-2S includes 3 self-drilling screws providing enhanced mounting security and stability compared to standard 2-screw bracket designs—reflects heavy-duty construction philosophy and extended 75mm length. Three-point mounting advantages: triangulated attachment distributes mounting loads across additional points, reduces stress concentration on individual mounting points, provides superior resistance to bracket rotation or twisting under antenna loading, enhanced stability particularly beneficial for longer antennas creating greater leverage. Extended length considerations: 75mm bracket length (compared to 50mm compact brackets) benefits from additional mounting point, third screw positioned along extended bracket dimension, prevents bracket flexing or movement at bracket ends, maintains rigid attachment across entire bracket length. Installation stability: three screws reduce likelihood of bracket loosening from vibration, additional mounting point compensates for potential single screw failure, provides installation security margin for demanding applications, particularly important for commercial vehicles with extended service intervals. Load distribution: antenna wind loading during highway travel distributed across three attachment points, reduced stress on individual fender attachment locations, enhanced long-term mounting reliability particularly for heavy or long antennas, minimizes risk of fender material fatigue around mounting holes. Comparison to 2-screw designs: TLM-4, TLM-3, TLM-5, TLM-7 use 2-screw mounting adequate for compact 50mm brackets and standard installations, two-point mounting sufficient when bracket length minimal and antenna loading moderate, 3-screw design represents enhanced security for heavy-duty applications. Installation considerations: third screw requires additional fender penetration and installation time, installer must verify fender area accommodates three mounting points without interference, third screw positioning should avoid doubled fender panels or structural reinforcements. Professional perspective: three-point mounting reflects commercial-grade installation practices, common approach for heavy-duty brackets and demanding applications, additional mounting point modest installation time increase for significant stability enhancement. Hardware compatibility: all three screws identical self-drilling type for uniform installation, no specialized hardware or tools required for third mounting point, standard power drill or impact driver adequate for all three screws. Selection criteria: TLM-2S 3-screw design appropriate when maximum mounting security required, heavy-duty commercial applications, extended antenna configurations, installations where bracket failure unacceptable, professional installations prioritizing reliability over installation simplicity.

Q: What is the difference between TLM-2S and TLM-4?

A: TLM-2S and TLM-4 both feature Z-shaped bracket geometry but differ significantly in construction specifications, cable management features, and application suitability. Material thickness comparison: TLM-2S uses 1.6mm heavy-duty stainless steel providing superior structural strength, TLM-4 uses 1.4mm standard stainless steel adequate for typical installations, 0.2mm thickness difference represents approximately 14% additional material providing measurably increased rigidity. Dimensional differences: TLM-2S 75mm length provides extended mounting surface and additional positioning options, TLM-4 50mm compact length maintains minimal profile, 25mm additional length in TLM-2S enables third mounting screw and enhanced stability. Cable management features: TLM-2S includes integrated 6mm cable slot for antenna coax routing through bracket, TLM-4 lacks cable slot requiring separate cable management, slot feature simplifies installation and provides superior cable protection. Hardware differences: TLM-2S includes 3 self-drilling screws for enhanced mounting security, TLM-4 includes 2 self-drilling screws adequate for compact bracket, additional mounting point in TLM-2S provides superior stability. Mounting hole specifications: both brackets feature identical 16mm circular hole accommodating standard UHF antenna bases, same antenna compatibility and mounting method, Z-bracket geometry similar providing offset mounting positioning. Application suitability: TLM-2S designed for heavy-duty professional installations requiring maximum strength and cable management, commercial fleet vehicles, demanding 4WD applications, longer or heavier antenna configurations. TLM-4 suitable for standard recreational installations, typical UHF CB antennas, vehicles where compact bracket preferred, installations where cable slot unnecessary. Weight and profile: TLM-2S heavier and larger bracket reflecting heavy-duty construction, TLM-4 compact lightweight design maintaining minimal visual impact, selection based on application requirements versus profile preferences. Cost considerations: TLM-2S typically higher price reflecting additional material, cable slot feature, and enhanced construction, TLM-4 represents economical option for standard installations, cost difference justified when heavy-duty requirements or cable management benefits needed. Selection guidance: choose TLM-2S for commercial applications, professional installations, heavy-duty requirements, integrated cable management priority, extended antenna configurations. Choose TLM-4 for recreational use, standard antenna installations, compact bracket preference, budget-conscious applications where standard construction adequate.

Q: How do I route the antenna cable through the 6mm slot?

A: Antenna cable routing through TLM-2S 6mm slot straightforward procedure enhancing installation organization and cable protection when following proper techniques. Pre-installation cable preparation: measure and cut coax cable to appropriate length accounting for routing path from antenna through bracket to radio, allow adequate service loop preventing tension on connections (typically 6-12 inches extra), verify cable diameter compatible with 6mm slot (standard RG58 or RG8X cables typically 5-6mm diameter fitting comfortably). Slot routing procedure: before mounting bracket to fender, thread antenna coax cable through 6mm slot from exterior side (antenna side) toward interior (fender side), pull cable through slot leaving antenna connector end accessible for antenna attachment, position cable within slot ensuring connector orientation allows proper antenna connection. Bracket installation with cable: position bracket on fender with threaded cable in desired location, hold bracket maintaining proper orientation while managing cable, install first self-drilling screw securing bracket in position, verify cable routing not interfered with by screw placement, install remaining two screws completing bracket attachment. Antenna connection: with cable pre-routed through slot, connect antenna base to cable connector (typically PL259 male on cable to SO239 female on antenna base), pass antenna mounting stud through bracket 16mm hole, position base washer and spring washer if included with antenna, thread mounting nut onto antenna stud securing antenna to bracket, tighten nut adequately without over-tightening risking bracket distortion. Cable management after installation: cable exits bracket slot on fender side already positioned for routing to cabin interior, secure cable along fender edge using cable ties or clips preventing movement, maintain adequate bend radius avoiding sharp cable bends potentially damaging coax, route cable into cabin through existing grommet or suitable entry point. Slot benefits during installation: cable pre-positioned before antenna mounted simplifying final assembly, reduced risk of cable damage from post-installation routing, professional organized appearance with cable integrated into bracket structure, cable protected from direct exposure along bracket length. Alternative installation sequence: some installers prefer mounting bracket first then threading cable through slot, this approach requires antenna connector temporary removal or use of cable end without connector, re-terminating cable after routing through slot if necessary, generally less convenient than pre-threading cable before bracket installation. Cable protection within slot: smooth slot edges prevent cable jacket damage during installation, adequate slot width prevents cable pinching or compression, cable supported along bracket length reducing stress on antenna connection, slot shields cable from direct UV and weather exposure along bracket section. Maintenance considerations: cable routing through slot enables cable inspection without bracket removal, cable replacement possible by disconnecting antenna and threading new cable through existing slot in some scenarios, slot design facilitates long-term cable management and potential future modifications.