Ham Radio install, 2017 Ram 1500 Express

[mdricko]

Hey all. Just about to put a FTM-300DR into my truck and trying to figure out the best place for the body, i think i'm remoting the face up on the dash (up for debate). I've been looking to see where others have installed radios and i saw one that pulled the drawer out and put the radio in there. Has anyone else done that and have any comments (good or bad) about that. I originally thought to put it up against the plastic below the drawer but not sure there is room once you connect the antenna wire. I could put it horizontally instead of vertical to get around that. So that begs the question what is behind that section and is it safe to screw into it. I'm going to work on this tomorrow (Saturday) starting with pulling out the drawer but wanted to see if anyone had any help for me. Finally found a video that covers that area and man they didn't make it easy to pull that drawer out.

 

[CarrollB]

This is how I mounted my FT-2890 in my 2016. Cut two pieces of plywood and shaped them to the open storage bin in the center console so they fit snug. Used 2 metal angle brackets to hold the two pieces of wood together. It works for me. The only issue I have is I would like to secure a mic holder to the dash and don't want to drill any holes so the mic lays in the console too. I've tried double sided tape on the mic holder but to comes lose in the summer heat.

 

[markabby]

This is how I mounted my FT-2890 in my 2016. Cut two pieces of plywood and shaped them to the open storage bin in the center console so they fit snug. Used 2 metal angle brackets to hold the two pieces of wood together. It works for me. The only issue I have is I would like to secure a mic holder to the dash and don't want to drill any holes so the mic lays in the console too. I've tried double sided tape on the mic holder but to comes lose in the summer heat.

nice clean install !

what are those used for?

 

[mdricko]

Nice job, i don't have a console. I'm planning on removing the drawer that i have, but found i need to remove a bezel just to get to the screws to remove it. Yeah i'm planning on trying adhesive to attach the mic holder, i have some Adhesion Promoter that might help.

I found a hole with a plastic cap under the back seat to run the antenna coax through. 3d printing a replacement cap that i can fit the cable through then seal back up.

 

[GTyankee]

i run a CB & i wanted a clean setup
I am running a bit of Boost & i have a Squirrel Cage Fan blowing on the Heat Sinks








I had the same radio in my 2009, as i now have in my 2016



AS was mentioned, under the drivers side rear seat, there is a rubber drain plug, it is easier to locate, when you are under the truck


places like Home Depot have rubber grommets that have an Electrical wire pass through & all you need is a Hole in sheet metal
Then use silicone to fill any gap
Use a tool like this to cut a hole to size

 

[GTyankee]

Below ..

Ham & CB radio install, 4th Gen Ram

2014 RAM 1500 Ham Radio and CB Install

This mobile ham radio was installed in an HOA.

www.youtube.com

If i had a HAM Radio, it would have a Detachable Faceplate
to deter theft