VHF Radio Mounting Tips

[OneFast440]

I'm getting ready to install my VHF Radio. I have seen two different ways to mount. One is in the cubby by the USBs and one is in the center console.

Can anyone share photos of how they ran the antenna into these locations? Where did you have to cut holes?
What did you have to disassemble in order to install?

 

[Booth9999]

I’m no help, but I’m in for pics etc. I’m still gathering parts

 

[SOAKINRED]

I'm getting ready as well, not sure what way to go?

 

[NE Ford]

If you're putting the radio in the center console you cut a small hole in the bottom inside order of the console and run the wires u der the console and behind the dash. That's where I've got mine and it's slick. I'll have pics later this weekend.

 

[Trick.Raptor]

We pulled the console because I wired the radio to the center dash speaker. If you don't do that you can get away with just drilling a hole.

Radio/intercom mount is from Forged Offroad

 

[Robtor310]

I'm getting ready to install my VHF Radio. I have seen two different ways to mount. One is in the cubby by the USBs and one is in the center console.

Can anyone share photos of how they ran the antenna into these locations? Where did you have to cut holes?
What did you have to disassemble in order to install?

Ive posted these somewhere else on here but heres a quick summary. Icom 800H with detachable face. Wires down the A pillar. Power from the passenger footwell (Aux 1). The antenna is ran up the bed and comes in via grommet under the drivers seat. Speaker is in the front cubby.

All of this is ran under the carpet and meets up with the base unit which is secured in the console. I removed the seats and loosened the console to run everything.

 

[Ditchplains1]

Go to the one and only radio thread....Tons of info....

Eddie

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/one-only-radio-thread-34162/

 

[NE Ford]

Here's my setup. Any ideas for organizing all the other stuff in there?

 

[nfsraptor]

Ive posted these somewhere else on here but heres a quick summary. Icom 800H with detachable face. Wires down the A pillar. Power from the passenger footwell (Aux 1). The antenna is ran up the bed and comes in via grommet under the drivers seat. Speaker is in the front cubby.

All of this is ran under the carpet and meets up with the base unit which is secured in the console. I removed the seats and loosened the console to run everything.

I was going to wire to the passthrough wires but in the radio forum posts there was a link to a mobile site that says the radio power HAS to be connected to pos/neg on the battery directly. I have a Kenwood TK7160H-K 50watt. Would I be able to wire this up like you with the passthrough or is your unit differnt?

 

[waveslayer]

Here's mine.

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

I was going to wire to the passthrough wires but in the radio forum posts there was a link to a mobile site that says the radio power HAS to be connected to pos/neg on the battery directly. I have a Kenwood TK7160H-K 50watt. Would I be able to wire this up like you with the passthrough or is your unit differnt?

it does not have to be wired directly to the battery. they say that because of the current draw. yet some radios give you a cig plug adapter and the oem plug is rated at 15 amps. ideally you wire to the battery for ease of access incase a fuse blows. but there are large enough wires at the bcm to connect power there if you really wanted. however make sure you got the right wire. the additional draw on certain circuits can overload the electrical system on that line.

 

[nfsraptor]

it does not have to be wired directly to the battery. they say that because of the current draw. yet some radios give you a cig plug adapter and the oem plug is rated at 15 amps. ideally you wire to the battery for ease of access incase a fuse blows. but there are large enough wires at the bcm to connect power there if you really wanted. however make sure you got the right wire. the additional draw on certain circuits can overload the electrical system on that line.

Thank you!! I am currently wiring my radio up have the passenger seat out and wiring it all up. I'll post some pics when I am finished tomorrow.

 

[nfsraptor]

Here is my installation! I unbolted the center console and seat and got the wiring to the pass through wires. My favorite part is that I mounted the nmo antenna on the light bar rack so when I have to park in a structure I don't have to remove the antenna.

 

[OriginalToken]

Here is my installation! I unbolted the center console and seat and got the wiring to the pass through wires. My favorite part is that I mounted the nmo antenna on the light bar rack so when I have to park in a structure I don't have to remove the antenna.

I did all three of my VHF/UHF antennas on a power lay-down light bar. My HF antenna is not fixed, and cannot be layed down, but the whip is on a quick disconnect, it takes about 5 seconds to take the whip off.

By the way, I ran my coax's all in via the pressure release vent behind the rear seat.


Antennas up:


Antennas down:


T!

 

[nfsraptor]

I did all three of my VHF/UHF antennas on a power lay-down light bar. My HF antenna is not fixed, and cannot be layed down, but the whip is on a quick disconnect, it takes about 5 seconds to take the whip off.

By the way, I ran my coax's all in via the pressure release vent behind the rear seat.


Antennas up:


Antennas down:


T!

That is amazing so badass! I am sure my coax will get torn offloading I ran it down the bed along the top of the framerail and up the passenger floorpan but when it does I'll rerun it where you did.

 

[OriginalToken]

That is amazing so badass! I am sure my coax will get torn offloading I ran it down the bed along the top of the framerail and up the passenger floorpan but when it does I'll rerun it where you did.

It was pretty easy, although thin hands help. Straight through either the grommet at the front of the bed or the access hole at the front bed stake pocket, and then into the back of the cab via the pressure release vent behind the rear seat. Can be a pain to get to those spots, but nice, clean, and no holes to drill other than a slit/hole in the replaceable bed grommet.



Also then none of the coax is anyplace under the vehicle or above the vehicle to get snagged on limbs etc.

Downside to using the lower bed grommet is if you put things in the bed that can slide around they could pinch/crimp the coax. Then it should all go in the stake bed access hole, if possible.

T!

 

[nfsraptor]

It was pretty easy, although thin hands help. Straight through either the grommet at the front of the bed or the access hole at the front bed stake pocket, and then into the back of the cab via the pressure release vent behind the rear seat. Can be a pain to get to those spots, but nice, clean, and no holes to drill other than a slit/hole in the replaceable bed grommet.



Also then none of the coax is anyplace under the vehicle or above the vehicle to get snagged on limbs etc.

Downside to using the lower bed grommet is if you put things in the bed that can slide around they could pinch/crimp the coax. Then it should all go in the stake bed access hole, if possible.

T!

OH that's why I didn't see it I still have the factory plastic liner so those are probably under the liner.

 

[Wfo]

Here's mine.

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

What vhf is that? I have the same gun safe and S&W performance center M&P shield. I plan on doing a group run in September and want to have the proper gear.

 

[waveslayer]

What vhf is that? I have the same gun safe and S&W performance center M&P shield. I plan on doing a group run in September and want to have the proper gear.

Chase package from PCI radios my man. It works perfect. I then bought a magnetic antenna mount that bolts inside the bed of the truck, since it won't stick to our trucks. A guy sells a little metal bracket. I zip tie the antenna because I punch it so often it rattles off! Ha ha

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

 

[Wfo]

Can the factory fm antenna be dedicated for the vhf radio? I never use the fm radio.