Antenna cable routing, basic tips for installing GMRS/HAM/CB, etc.

[tinfoil_hat]

I'm getting ready to install a GMRS transceiver in my truck but this topic would apply to HAM or CB as well.
I'm not going to drill the roof at this time. In fact, I don't want to drill anything if possible. I'm looking for ideas on how to mount the transceiver and how to route the antenna cable. Mag mounts aren't my favorite and our roofs aren't flat.

What I am thinking so far:
An a-pillar NMO mount like this Larsen NMOK with a no ground plane 5/8 wave antenna like maybe this Laird B4503S
Maybe one of those dash tray mounts for the transceiver like This One
The issue with this mount is how to get the cable through the dash.
My radio is a Wouxun KS-XS-20G.

Please share your own installations. Thanks!

 

[Brandon-w]

I just have a cheap I com radio I built my own seperate unit that puts the amp under the console and the head unit on my dash. I ran my antenna cables under the floor and out the emergency brake grommit Then I mounted my antenna to my roof tent. No drilling was needed.

 

[danielmid]

Through a grommet at the clutch pedal blank and underneath the dash, wired to a switch panel, works fine for my needs but I have never tested SWR or anything since I'm just using it for car to car GMRS. I get some feedback from my HIDs when they're on that I haven't addressed yet.

It's a Midland MXT275 with a Midland Ghost antenna and Midland NMO low-pro cable. I also upgraded the radio head to the newer version with ANC and a better control layout.

 

[tinfoil_hat]

Those are good ideas. No detachable head unit or display on tthe mic with my Wouxun, unfortunately.

Is there really a clutch grommet? That's funny. I wish they offered these trucks in manual. That would be fun to drive.

 

[danielmid]

Those are good ideas. No detachable head unit or display on tthe mic with my Wouxun, unfortunately.

Is there really a clutch grommet? That's funny. I wish they offered these trucks in manual. That would be fun to drive.

There's a blank plate, I replaced it with a grommet version but you can drill through the plate and run a grommet easily.

 

[Wild one]

Those are good ideas. No detachable head unit or display on tthe mic with my Wouxun, unfortunately.

Is there really a clutch grommet? That's funny. I wish they offered these trucks in manual. That would be fun to drive.

How to Install a wire boot or grommet in the clutch delete plate for running wires into the cab

How to install a wire boot or grommet in the clutch delete plate for running wires into the cab on a 4th Gen RAM truck This isn't a complex thing to do, but I've seen a number of people lately asking where the clutch delete plate is and how to best get wires through it. Since I was doing just...

www.ramforum.com

 

[Sandevino]

I've got my ICOM 4100 mounted in my truck as a true all mode rig. I went with the 4100 as the control head is separate from the main radio.

The main radio is mouted under the passenger seat. All power is fused and run through the driver side of the firewall under the center console. All antenna and controller wires are run away from power, under the driver / passenger footwell carpet, through the door grommets terminating on the hood.

My HF antenna is a Tarheel Designs little pro and the UHF/VHF antenna is a Diamond multi-band. Both are mounted using diamond K400 hood mounts. The screwdriver controller is mounted in the center console.

I'll post pictures later and feel free to ask any questions.