Ham Radio Installation advice?

[Quigly7777]

I currently have a VHF/UHF Ham radio installed in my 2017 Ram PIckup. I am seriously considering trading for a new Maverick, gas only, not a hybrid, and not AWD. Reason, no longer need a big truck.

I seems that center console is a perfect mounting location for the radio itself, leaving only the power routing and the antenna.

On my current truck the antenna is at the rear of the bed on the drivers side and the cable is routed along the frame and up through a drain gasket in the floor under the drivers seat. its a rubber gasket so east to cut and seal. Anything like that in the Maverick or any advice on how to to the routing into the cab.

The other issue is power. You cannot run off a lighter plug, etc. Need a direct run to the battery, and that is why gas only. So, have to get through the firewall. I was looking at one today at a dealer and looked like an gasket with nothing through it at the lower drivers side of the firewall. Looked about 1 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches. That would work, just do not know what is on the cab side.

Has anyone done an install and have any advice for me? This all becomes part of the decision process.

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[bgn]

The rubber plug has plenty of clearance for cables where it is on in front of the firewall and inside the driver footwell. I used it to run my GMRS cable into the cab.

 

[TxMike64]

The other issue is power. You cannot run off a lighter plug, etc. Need a direct run to the battery, and that is why gas only. So, have to get through the firewall. I was looking at one today at a dealer and looked like an gasket with nothing through it at the lower drivers side of the firewall. Looked about 1 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches. That would work, just do not know what is on the cab side.

FWIW - if your only reason to want Gas only is the power needed to run your radios, the hybrid has a regular 12V system. The 12V battery is under the rear seat. This may make power routing easier.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Ya. Hybrid probably EASIER in all respects. Certainly not more difficult.

And yes there are access holes at the ready. Even near the hybrid battery box.

 

[Quigly7777]

Wow! Great info guys! I did not realize the Hybrid had a regular 12 V battery, Anyone know the specs, in Amp hours?

 

[Quigly7777]

OK, I am getting totally educated about this truck. Unlike a true EV the hybrid uses a regular 12 V system to power the motor that assists the gas engine. Am I correct in that assumption and can I then connect my ham radio to that battery!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Quigly7777]

And learning more. There are two batteries, the one for the motors and other stuff and a normal 12 V battery for accessories. There is no alternator, the 12v battery is charged from the big battery. Only wondering now about the deep sleep issue folks are talking about. Almost all my driving is local and low mileage per day.

 

[PapaRico]

And learning more. There are two batteries, the one for the motors and other stuff and a normal 12 V battery for accessories. There is no alternator, the 12v battery is charged from the big battery. Only wondering now about the deep sleep issue folks are talking about. Almost all my driving is local and low mileage per day.

I lack the technological expertise to send the link, but there is a HAM radio wiring DIY done by Overland Maverick in Dec of 2021. It's for an EB. Seems to be several other threads on it as well. Hope it helps, good luck with your search and new maverick

 

[OLT]

Wow! Great info guys! I did not realize the Hybrid had a regular 12 V battery, Anyone know the specs, in Amp hours?

It will handle a 100 watt radio. I placed the IC-7100 under the back seat. Short power cord to the battery. Easy run of coax through the rubber plug into the rear passenger fender and out another rubber plug to the antenna mount mounted in the tailgate area. The radio has a single CAT 6 cable to the front under the dash. I made a simple clip-on for the tray and used camera mount hardware to mount the control head. Simple, no holes to drill. Almost plug and play and I have all modes plus DSTAR 160 through 440. I will attach a set of picture that ought to be self-explanatory. I will add another mount to the driver's side for a screwdriver antenna. I am also considering a mounting point at the third light above the bed of the truck. They make some very nice third light mounting brackets and the third light mount would be far better than the tailgate mounting point.

Any questions let me know. Terry - W6LMJ/N4OLT/A

 

[PrestonDee]

Thanks for posting those pictures but where is the coax running to that passenger side mount? I have the mount and RG316 coax but not sure where it runs from the tailgate to the console.

 

[nunucello]

It will handle a 100 watt radio. I placed the IC-7100 under the back seat. Short power cord to the battery. Easy run of coax through the rubber plug into the rear passenger fender and out another rubber plug to the antenna mount mounted in the tailgate area. The radio has a single CAT 6 cable to the front under the dash. I made a simple clip-on for the tray and used camera mount hardware to mount the control head. Simple, no holes to drill. Almost plug and play and I have all modes plus DSTAR 160 through 440. I will attach a set of picture that ought to be self-explanatory. I will add another mount to the driver's side for a screwdriver antenna. I am also considering a mounting point at the third light above the bed of the truck. They make some very nice third light mounting brackets and the third light mount would be far better than the tailgate mounting point.

Any questions let me know. Terry - W6LMJ/N4OLT/A

Great setup. Do you have a link for the rear antenna bracket ? I've seem similar things on Amazon - but folks said what was being sold did not fit.

Thank You

 

[CurtisB]

I currently have a VHF/UHF Ham radio installed in my 2017 Ram PIckup. I am seriously considering trading for a new Maverick, gas only, not a hybrid, and not AWD. Reason, no longer need a big truck.

I seems that center console is a perfect mounting location for the radio itself, leaving only the power routing and the antenna.

On my current truck the antenna is at the rear of the bed on the drivers side and the cable is routed along the frame and up through a drain gasket in the floor under the drivers seat. its a rubber gasket so east to cut and seal. Anything like that in the Maverick or any advice on how to to the routing into the cab.

The other issue is power. You cannot run off a lighter plug, etc. Need a direct run to the battery, and that is why gas only. So, have to get through the firewall. I was looking at one today at a dealer and looked like an gasket with nothing through it at the lower drivers side of the firewall. Looked about 1 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches. That would work, just do not know what is on the cab side.

Has anyone done an install and have any advice for me? This all becomes part of the decision process.

You've probably read about all the things you can do now including installing your radio on a Hybrid. Please also get yourself an AGM battery. The Maverick charging system is setup to charge AGM batteries and will sulfate your flooded battery within a few weeks with a Ham radio set up. Just my two cents.

 

[AmsoilMan]

Great setup. Do you have a link for the rear antenna bracket ? I've seem similar things on Amazon - but folks said what was being sold did not fit.

Thank You

Can you give more detail on how you ran the coax? I see some rubber plugs but I don't see an easy way to route the coax from the cab to the tailgate. Appreciate any insight you might share. '73 Rick Nz2I

 

[RadioGirlFMJ]

Hi! I just completed mine. I love how it turned out!

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