Covert GMRS / Ham Radio Install 2024 Lariat AWD

[KC6IJM]

For the Ham Radio, Public Safety or other two-way radio users, I wanted to share my “covert” Motorola XTL installation in my 2024 Lariat AWD. Very simple and convenient install under the back seat. Routed the battery power wiring through the firewall gasket on the driver’s side. I used a 12-14AWG pair tucked up under the center console plastic trim to reach the back seat area. I routed these wires to the edge of the back seat trim, and under the plastic into the under-seat area. I used terminal strip to distribute the 12V power. I added a “Charge-Guard” device to cut the power to the radios after a programmed time after the ignition is off to prevent draining the battery. I also installed a VHF/UHF diplexer for the two radio bands I have installed. For each of the devices I installed under the seat I used 3M VHB tape to avoid using screws. This tape is super strong and almost permanent with a wide usable temperature range.
The antenna mount I used was from Amazon to mount a single NMO type antenna to the back of the bed. Very strong mount! I routed the coax cable through the side bed was using zip-ties and 3M VHB tape backed tie downs. I routed the coax through one of the “positive cab pressure” vents near the back cab wall lower rear passenger side.
My Motorola XTL remote microphone handheld control head fits perfectly in the pocket just in front of the center console box. The speaker was mounted on the front passenger side foot area lower plastic trim. A pretty simple out-of-sight two-way radio install.

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[ultragtr]

Very nice setup. What antenna mount (cable, NMO mount) did you use? Did you place some decal under the antenna on the bracket? I'm having trouble finding an NMO mount (3/8" and 3/4") that will actually sit well in either hole on the bracket to the truck.