VHF Radio Center Console Install

[Goldylox22]

Had a Kenwood NX-1700H AV installed in the center console. Tied to ignition for power and antenna connects up to the top of my third brake light. ORW/4WP did a nice job cutting the tray I had to ensure a snug fit but retaining some storage space. Couldn’t be happier.

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[MasterCylinder]

Had a Kenwood NX-1700H AV installed in the center console. Tied to ignition for power and antenna connects up to the top of my third brake light. ORW/4WP did a nice job cutting the tray I had to ensure a snug fit but retaining some storage space. Couldn’t be happier.

Those are nice radios, I had my 50 watter in my F150 console (good hidey hole) but it had plenty of space. I would keep a close eye on the heat in that small space, 50 watts puts out a lot of it and the heat sink is in the rear and heat rises. Heat is the killer of electronics!

 

[Goldylox22]

Those are nice radios, I had my 50 watter in my F150 console (good hidey hole) but it had plenty of space. I would keep a close eye on the heat in that small space, 50 watts puts out a lot of it and the heat sink is in the rear and heat rises. Heat is the killer of electronics!

Thanks for the note, I’ll keep an eye on that

 

[AZ Ranger Raptor]

Had a Kenwood NX-1700H AV installed in the center console. Tied to ignition for power and antenna connects up to the top of my third brake light. ORW/4WP did a nice job cutting the tray I had to ensure a snug fit but retaining some storage space. Couldn’t be happier.

I installed a Rugged Radio 55 watter using a Rugged Radio bracket specifically engineered for Ranger. It mounts to existing passenger seat bolt. There is no cutting or modification of any plastic. It holds up great in rough terrain. Antenna mount is third brake light mount from BulletProofDiesel, again no holes drilled in body of truck for coax. Power for radio is from AUX 2. Since it is in open, no heat issues. Does not interfere with passenger.

 

[LDHunter]

I am loath to drill any holes in my 25 RR console, dash etc. I kept looking for a mount that I could move my Yaesu from one of my trucks to the other easily and just leave a power cord in the truck I took it out of and finally ran across this.

https://www.gigaparts.com/skymo-usa...x-Ske3L-He56G9fVnhmDPR0Cwb_wX09I6pG5oivM4PNjw

I also just use a magnetic antenna so neither truck has holes drilled anywhere and can be taken through the car wash or under low entry ways without any trouble.

If I had thought of it before I bought my radio I would have bought one with the detachable head but my budget is tight so I'm gonna use what I have.

 

[Goldylox22]

I am loath to drill any holes in my 25 RR console, dash etc. I kept looking for a mount that I could move my Yaesu from one of my trucks to the other easily and just leave a power cord in the truck I took it out of and finally ran across this.

https://www.gigaparts.com/skymo-usa...x-Ske3L-He56G9fVnhmDPR0Cwb_wX09I6pG5oivM4PNjw

I also just use a magnetic antenna so neither truck has holes drilled anywhere and can be taken through the car wash or under low entry ways without any trouble.

If I had thought of it before I bought my radio I would have bought one with the detachable head but my budget is tight so I'm gonna use what I have.

The temporary attachment but permanent wiring I can’t get behind. I’d prefer fully integrated or not at all but that’s just personal preference. As for the antenna my third brake light has a cap for when I don’t use the antenna, when I put it on I’m in situations where there’s no parking garage in sight and can easily swap it out whenever.

 

[LDHunter]

The temporary attachment but permanent wiring I can’t get behind. I’d prefer fully integrated or not at all but that’s just personal preference. As for the antenna my third brake light has a cap for when I don’t use the antenna, when I put it on I’m in situations where there’s no parking garage in sight and can easily swap it out whenever.

I'd prefer a permanent mount as well but since I'm not willing to subject my radio to the trapped heat in a console and I don't want to modify my console, dash or anything else I finally came up with that solution.

I have a genius installer that can mount it in the console where the charging pad is for my iPhone but it will require cutting and modifying that area which will look fine with the radio in it but will likely make the truck hard to sell later if someone doesn't want the radio.

It's really a tough decision. I've pondered over it for a year already and still haven't come up with a solution that I really like. <sigh>

 

[yoopercharged]

Is that the Rugged Radios mount? What are your thoughts on it? Seems like it doesn't intrude too much on passenger leg room. I'm probably going that route for mine.

 

[AZ Ranger Raptor]

Is that the Rugged Radios mount? What are your thoughts on it? Seems like it doesn't intrude too much on passenger leg room. I'm probably going that route for mine.

I am really happy with it. Very easy to install, it does not require any drilling or cutting of plastic. It comes with bolt and spacer. You remove front passenger left seat attachment bolt, and bolt on bracket...one mounting bolt holds it in. Have not had any problem in rough terrain, very secure.

 

[AZ Ranger Raptor]

Is that the Rugged Radios mount? What are your thoughts on it? Seems like it doesn't intrude too much on passenger leg room. I'm probably going that route for mine.

Sorry, yes the mount was purchased from Rugged Radio $95 retail. Call them directly they will give you 10% off first order...

 

[LDHunter]

Ok.... So it appears that the Rugged Radio mount is far superior to the one I suggested and I intend to get one. I wasn't sure that it would fit my radio but I ran across this on their website.

"Radio Compatibility:

GMR25, GMR45, M1, G1, G4, RDM-DB, RM60, Icom F5021, Kenwood 7360, ABM25, or use your factory U-bracket and bolt it to the universal slots on the mount."

I also think that their antenna mount may just be the ticket if you don't need a ground plane and the extra range it offers. More research is needed for that part.

Here's the link I found for the radio mount and the antenna mount link is on the same page.
https://www.ruggedradios.com/products/ford-ranger-mobile-radio-mount

 

[Goldylox22]

Those are nice radios, I had my 50 watter in my F150 console (good hidey hole) but it had plenty of space. I would keep a close eye on the heat in that small space, 50 watts puts out a lot of it and the heat sink is in the rear and heat rises. Heat is the killer of electronics!

Following up on this, I’ve been running it all day for four days now out in Utah in a group that frequently uses the radio and where it’s hot and it hasn’t even come close to being a temperature that I’d be concerned about

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