RFI TLM-6 Black Stainless Steel Z Guard Bracket - Universal Trunk Lip Mount Antenna Bracket with Professional Black Finish for Sedan, Hatchback, and Wagon UHF CB Antenna Installation

RFI TLM-6 Black Stainless Steel Z Guard Bracket - Universal Trunk Lip Mount Antenna Bracket with Professional Black Finish for Sedan, Hatchback, and Wagon UHF CB Antenna Installation

Achieve discreet professional antenna mounting on trunk lip surfaces with RFI TLM-6 Black Stainless Steel Z Guard Bracket—featuring durable black powder-coated finish providing enhanced corrosion resistance and subtle low-profile appearance matching modern vehicle aesthetics, heavy-duty stainless steel construction (identical to TLM-4) ensuring robust mounting platform for UHF CB antennas and communication equipment, proven Z-bracket geometry offsetting antenna away from trunk surface preventing interference and providing optimal mounting geometry, trunk lip mount design specifically engineered for sedan, hatchback, and wagon boot lid installations eliminating drilling holes in vehicle bodywork, compact dimensions (8-inch length × 3-inch width × 3-inch height) maintaining minimal visual impact while providing secure antenna support, universal vehicle compatibility suitable for passenger vehicles, sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks requiring trunk-mounted antenna solutions, professional black finish complementing dark-colored vehicles and blending seamlessly with modern automotive styling, corrosion-resistant coating protecting against Australian coastal salt spray and harsh environmental conditions, versatile mounting accommodating standard UHF CB antenna bases, and proven RFI quality engineering delivering reliable trunk lip antenna mounting solution for passenger vehicle communication installations.

Product Overview

Trunk Lip Mount Series brackets made of stainless steel. Identical to TLM-4 except black.

Black powder-coated stainless steel Z Guard bracket designed for trunk lip mounting applications on sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons. Professional black finish provides enhanced corrosion protection and discreet appearance.

Key Features

Professional Black Powder-Coated Finish - Durable black coating provides enhanced corrosion resistance, subtle low-profile appearance, and professional aesthetic matching modern vehicle styling.

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Construction - Robust stainless steel core material (identical to TLM-4) ensures long-term structural integrity and mounting security for UHF antenna installations.

Trunk Lip Mount Design - Specialized bracket configuration designed for trunk lid lip mounting eliminating drilling holes in vehicle bodywork and providing secure attachment to boot edge.

Z Guard Bracket Geometry - Proven Z-shaped profile offsets antenna away from trunk surface preventing interference and providing optimal mounting position for UHF CB antennas.

Compact Universal Dimensions - 8-inch length × 3-inch width × 3-inch height proportions provide secure mounting while maintaining minimal visual impact on vehicle appearance.

Universal Passenger Vehicle Compatibility - Suitable for sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, and passenger vehicles requiring trunk-mounted antenna solutions without permanent vehicle modifications.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between TLM-6 and TLM-4?

A: TLM-6 identical to TLM-4 in all structural dimensions and mounting design—sole difference is black powder-coated finish compared to TLM-4's natural stainless steel finish. Functional specifications: both brackets feature same stainless steel core material, identical 8-inch × 3-inch × 3-inch dimensions, same Z Guard bracket geometry, and equivalent mounting capabilities. Finish comparison: TLM-6 black coating provides enhanced corrosion protection and discreet appearance ideal for dark-colored vehicles or installations prioritizing subtle aesthetics, TLM-4 natural stainless steel finish offers traditional bright metallic appearance. Performance equivalence: both brackets deliver identical mounting strength, antenna support capability, and long-term durability. Selection criteria: choose TLM-6 for black or dark-colored vehicles where matching finish desired, professional installations prioritizing subtle appearance, enhanced corrosion protection in harsh environments, modern aesthetic preferences. Choose TLM-4 for traditional stainless steel appearance, vehicles with chrome or bright trim, installations where metallic finish preferred. Pricing typically similar between models with finish selection based on aesthetic preferences rather than functional requirements.

Q: How does trunk lip mounting work compared to fender mounting?

A: Trunk lip mounting attaches bracket to boot lid edge (trunk lip) rather than fender surfaces—fundamentally different installation approach offering unique advantages and considerations. Mounting mechanism: bracket clamps onto or bolts through trunk lip edge utilizing existing trunk structure, no drilling into flat body panels required, weight supported by trunk lid hinge mechanism and body structure. Trunk lip mount advantages: no permanent body panel modification required, removable installation if vehicle sold or antenna relocated, accessible mounting location from outside vehicle, suitable for passenger vehicles without suitable fender mounting positions, maintains clean body panel appearance without visible mounting holes. Installation considerations: verify trunk lip thickness and configuration compatible with bracket design, ensure antenna weight does not affect trunk operation or hinge wear, consider trunk opening clearance preventing antenna contact with garage or obstacles, assess cable routing from trunk through cabin to radio installation. Fender mounting comparison: fender brackets typically require drilling or use existing body panel bolts, fender position often provides better ground plane for UHF performance, fender mounting more common on 4WD vehicles and utes, trunk mounting preferred for sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons. Vehicle suitability: trunk lip mounting ideal for passenger cars, sedans, and hatchbacks requiring rear antenna placement, particularly suitable when roof or fender mounting impractical or undesired. Professional recommendation: verify trunk lip structure adequate for bracket and antenna weight before installation, ensure trunk operation not compromised by antenna installation, consider cable routing complexity from trunk to cabin interior.

Q: Will the black finish affect antenna performance?

A: No—TLM-6 black powder-coated finish does not affect antenna performance as coating applied to bracket structure not antenna mounting interface or electrical ground path. Performance equivalence: black finish purely cosmetic enhancement providing corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance, stainless steel core material provides electrical conductivity and structural support identical to TLM-4, antenna mounting interface maintains metal-to-metal contact ensuring proper electrical grounding. Coating application: black powder coating applied to external bracket surfaces, mounting surfaces and antenna attachment points maintain bare metal contact for optimal electrical performance, proper installation ensures antenna base grounds to stainless steel core through coating. RF performance factors: antenna performance determined by antenna design, mounting height, ground plane quality, and cable quality—bracket finish color has no measurable impact on UHF transmission or reception. Corrosion protection enhancement: black coating actually provides superior corrosion resistance compared to bare stainless steel in some environments, enhanced protection maintains long-term structural integrity and electrical conductivity, particularly beneficial in coastal salt spray or industrial environments. Installation best practices: ensure antenna base makes solid contact with bracket mounting point, verify proper grounding continuity from antenna to vehicle chassis, use quality coax cable and connectors maintaining signal integrity. Performance verification: measure SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) after installation confirming proper antenna installation regardless of bracket finish, black or stainless finish will show identical SWR readings when properly installed.

Q: What vehicles are suitable for TLM-6 trunk lip mounting?

A: TLM-6 trunk lip mount bracket suitable for wide range of passenger vehicles featuring trunk/boot lid with accessible lip edge for bracket attachment. Ideal vehicle types: sedans with traditional trunk lids (Commodore, Falcon, Camry, etc.), hatchbacks with rear liftgate lip edges (Corolla, Golf, Mazda3, etc.), wagons and station wagons with tailgate lip mounting positions, passenger vehicles requiring rear antenna placement without roof or fender mounting. Trunk lip requirements: adequate lip thickness supporting bracket clamp or bolt-through attachment (typically 1-3mm sheet metal), accessible trunk edge not obstructed by trim, spoilers, or bodywork, sufficient clearance between trunk lip and body panels for bracket installation, structural integrity adequate supporting antenna weight and wind loading. Vehicle compatibility considerations: modern vehicles with aerodynamic trunk designs may have limited lip edge accessibility, vehicles with integrated spoilers or trunk wings may restrict bracket positioning, some vehicles feature trunk seals or weatherstripping potentially interfering with bracket installation. Unsuitable vehicles: vehicles without accessible trunk lip edges, utes and trucks without trunk lids (require fender or tray mounting), 4WD wagons where other mounting options preferred, vehicles with composite or fiberglass trunk lids lacking structural strength. Pre-installation assessment: physically inspect trunk lip verifying adequate mounting surface, measure trunk lip thickness confirming bracket compatibility, assess trunk opening clearance preventing antenna contact during operation, evaluate cable routing path from trunk to cabin interior. Universal compatibility note: while TLM-6 designed as universal trunk lip bracket, specific vehicle fitment depends on individual trunk lid configuration—verify compatibility before purchase for unusual vehicle designs or custom applications.

Q: How do I route the antenna cable from trunk-mounted antenna to the radio?

A: Cable routing from trunk-mounted antenna to dashboard radio installation requires careful planning ensuring protected cable path without compromising vehicle integrity or appearance. Primary routing methods: Through existing grommet—many vehicles feature wiring grommets between trunk and cabin (often near trunk hinge area or rear seat pass-through), locate existing grommet removing or enlarging for coax cable passage, use rubber grommet or seal protecting cable from chafing and maintaining water seal. Rear seat pass-through—fold-down rear seats often provide access between trunk and cabin, route cable through seat hinge area or folding mechanism gap, secure cable preventing interference with seat operation. Under carpet routing—route cable under trunk carpet along side panels into cabin, lift door sill plates and route cable under carpet along vehicle sides to dashboard, secure cable with clips or ties preventing movement and chafing. Cable protection requirements: use protective conduit or split loom tubing where cable contacts metal edges, ensure adequate service loops preventing tension on connections, avoid routing near exhaust components or moving mechanical parts, maintain minimum bend radius preventing coax cable damage (typically 2-inch minimum for RG58 cable). Connector considerations: if routing through small grommets, may require removing PL259 connector and re-terminating after cable pulled through opening, alternatively use bulkhead connector junction in trunk allowing connector attachment after routing. Professional installation tips: plan cable route before antenna installation, test-fit cable ensuring adequate length and routing path, use cable ties every 12-18 inches securing cable to vehicle structure, label cable at both ends identifying antenna circuit for future service. Water ingress prevention: seal all penetration points with appropriate grommets or sealant, ensure trunk lip seal not compromised by cable routing, consider using waterproof cable entry glands if drilling new holes required. Power supply consideration: if antenna requires power (for amplified antennas), route power cable separately from signal cable preventing interference, use appropriate fusing and connections meeting automotive electrical standards.