How to Install 2-way (Ham & GMRS) Radios in a 2021 Ford F-150

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  • Опубліковано 11 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 85

  • @philipgauthier3570
    @philipgauthier3570 Рік тому +1

    I am SOOOOOO grateful for your video. I have the same set up for my 2018 Raptor with the Bullet Proof Mount and waiting for my Midland MXT575. I've been racking my brain thinking where to mount everything and your set up is PERFECT....Thank you times a zillion....nicely done!

  • @amatofilms
    @amatofilms 2 роки тому +1

    I have a 22 Platinum on order. This video is exactly what I was looking for! Now just continue to wait for a manufacturing date for the truck! 😃

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому

      In the words of Tom Petty, the waiting is the hardest part!

  • @Zyn88
    @Zyn88 Рік тому +2

    Im getting ready to install a 2m/440 ham radio in mine (old FT-7800), and as a point: do NOT connect the ground to your battery, as theres a voltage regulator that wont compensate for the radio on TX and screw up your battery. Good on you going to a ground point and not back to the batteru

  • @RCVinyl
    @RCVinyl 2 роки тому +1

    Great video! I have a ‘21 F-150 and did many of the things you did. A few variances were that I used a custom made audio amplifier mounting board from Soundsgoodstereo which uses the existing truck hardware to mount it behind the rear seat. Radio and power distribution are mounted to that. Also used a Breedlove stake pocket mount for the antenna. Used a ProClip USA mount along with a Lido mount for the display head of my Icom radio. I also ran a speaker to the front of the truck and have it in the front console. Great video! I’m sure it will be very helpful to others.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому

      Would love to know what speaker you're using. I've jazzed up my setup a bit, watch for a new video soon!

    • @RCVinyl
      @RCVinyl 2 роки тому

      @@TheBigHeavy I used one of those generic CB speakers. I have it in the center console to the right of the USB ports. It just sits in there and doesn’t move. Works quite well!

  • @daveengstrom9250
    @daveengstrom9250 4 місяці тому +1

    There is a fuse panel under the passenger side kick panel. You can tap in there. Its a lot less work. The tap will be good up to and including 20 amps. A VHF radio will only need about 10 amps. Add a fuse holder to your wire.
    Since you have a detachable head on your radio a nice place to put that is on your sun visor. Flip it down to see/adjust, flip it up out of the way. If your main unit is under the seat, no one can see your stuff when you are parked. Gives the dopers less incentive to break in to steal things.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  4 місяці тому

      I thought I might end up with more "stuff" living under the back seat, so the secondary fuse block made sense. I also tend to overdo things, since nothing exceeds like excess!

  • @MrTakdown5
    @MrTakdown5 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for posting this, in my line of work we go to disaster zones like with hurricane Ian. I have to get a white Ford truck to look part of the company and this was completely necessary equipment to have this year, sad I missed out on my opportunity to have communication when all of the cell signal was down

  • @clarenceswope6706
    @clarenceswope6706 4 місяці тому +1

    Cross band repeat if they have the HT and you have a 2 m 440 mobile with crossband and repeat that really helps

  • @kk7sm
    @kk7sm 3 роки тому

    APRS - Automatic Packet Reporting System - it does so much more than position! Great video - thanks! :-)

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому +1

      It sure does! I’m still learning all the nuances but may do an “APRS for Dummies” at some point.

    • @kk7sm
      @kk7sm 3 роки тому +1

      @@TheBigHeavy Haha, me too on the APRS for Dummies! I feel like there is so much capability I'm not using! I was up in Montana doing some work last fall and was texting friends around the country via APRS. That was really cool. Right now, I'm trying to decide how to get my radio in a Bronco in the least obtrusive manner possible, so your video was really helpful! Thanks again!

  • @michaelpoczynek
    @michaelpoczynek Рік тому +1

    Thanks! A lot of good info and very interesting. Cheers!

  • @jamesbell5354
    @jamesbell5354 2 роки тому

    Great video! I have the antenna mount and the Yaesu FTM 400 as well. I’ve been leery of going through my headliner in my 20 Ram 1500 but I’ll give it a whirl now. Keep out the great work!

  • @1NationMediaUS
    @1NationMediaUS Рік тому

    What’s your vector victor? You’d have to be at least 50+ to get that. 😂😂 this guy knows what I mean

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      Do you like videos with Gladiators???

  • @JaxWatchesandEDC
    @JaxWatchesandEDC 3 роки тому +1

    The compactenna is a really good antenna for its given size. The 2m/70cm antenna is less then 9 inches tall.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому

      Just got one from fleabay and plan to install and test later this week!

  • @shadow.overland
    @shadow.overland 2 роки тому

    This was awesome! Thanks for making this video. I have been struggling with mounting my radios and antennas in my 2021 F350 Tremor. Absolutely love the BPD third brake light dual antenna mount. Fits the Super Duty as well. Ordering now. I went with the Wouxun KG-UV980P quad band for my Ham radio and the Wouxun KG-1000G for my GMRS radio. My plan is to power both radios using the power inverter's 60amp circuit to avoid running power and ground outside the cab. The inverter is right behind the single rear seat and I never use the inverter receptacles in the truck. Never used them in my 2018 F150 either.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому

      Glad to help... that F350 Tremor must be a beast! I also had the inverter power but wasn't sure if that would mess with the Powerboost so did it the old-fashioned way, although it would be way more convenient to have radios and power all under the rear seat!

  • @N6BFGAmateurRadio
    @N6BFGAmateurRadio 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video!

  • @JohnyMac-tb6ms
    @JohnyMac-tb6ms Місяць тому +1

    Your two video's on this subject have been very helpful for my install. Question on the power part of the install. Where did you attach the negative wire from the Amazon amp kit? I have a 2022 F-150 and I know due to aluminum body I have to be careful to where I ground (Black wire negative) to the vehicle. Thanks. 73 & God Bless

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Місяць тому +1

      There’s a ground point behind the rear seat, at least in my F-150 with the B&O radio. The sub is tied to this ground.

    • @JohnyMac-tb6ms
      @JohnyMac-tb6ms Місяць тому

      @@TheBigHeavy Thank you. 73 & God Bless

  • @jakespeckman1
    @jakespeckman1 3 роки тому +1

    Don't have an f150 but good info all the same.

  • @3bodals
    @3bodals 2 місяці тому

    That’s way my radio reception is bad due to the roof is make with aluminum with bad grounding too! I use icom 2100 ,6:11

  • @roberthunt4434
    @roberthunt4434 7 місяців тому +1

    Nice video. What gauge wire did you use?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  7 місяців тому

      I used the car amp kit that’s linked in the description. I think it was 8ga and probably overkill for the application, but the amp kits had fuses and other stuff that was cheaper than buying everything separately.

    • @bobbyhunt1689
      @bobbyhunt1689 7 місяців тому +1

      OK thank you

  • @W3DRE
    @W3DRE 8 місяців тому

    I see you have the Yaesu FTM-400, (I have the same radio). What are you doing for an audio speaker? Can you hear from where it is mounted or did you get an external speaker?
    I just got a new truck and I need to install my radios

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  8 місяців тому

      I got an external speaker (the circular Yaesu one) and jammed it in the bin that’s by your right thigh that I typically use for an umbrella.
      I can hear the radio when stopped, but not at highway speeds without the external speaker. The FTM-500 apparently has a speaker in the head unit, but has a less useful screen.

  • @waynehearst317
    @waynehearst317 3 місяці тому +1

    PLEASE be sure to actually remove the A, B or C pillar trim pieces and route the wire BEHIND the airbag and airbag nylon anchor straps! VERY IMPORTANT.

  • @thecarys563
    @thecarys563 Рік тому

    This is a PowerBoost, no? If that's correct, would you share if you've had any RFI issues? I'm doing the planning for an install in my 22 Powerboost (power from 12v Aux Batt under rear pass side seat; antenna thru floor plug passenger footwell; radio mounted behind rear seat)

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому +1

      Yes on the powerboost. I don’t get any RFI. I think grounding to the factory point behind the rear seats probably helped. The aux battery is a good idea. Let us know how it all works out!

  • @FortheRestofUsPodcastwithRyanG
    @FortheRestofUsPodcastwithRyanG 9 місяців тому

    Hi there!
    Great video! One question though. I didn’t quite catch how you got the antenna cable outside the truck through the headliner. Could you give me some pointers?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  9 місяців тому +1

      If you remove the rear brake light (the one above the read window) there’s access through the sheet metal and under the headliner. To get the headliner down, remove the rear seat grab handle, and you can get some of the clips loose with a bit of a yank and drop the headliner enough to run your cable. I think there are a couple videos on how to do this, and as they mentioned I broke the little cap above the screw that holds the grab handle, but it hasn’t really bothered me.

    • @FortheRestofUsPodcastwithRyanG
      @FortheRestofUsPodcastwithRyanG 9 місяців тому

      @@TheBigHeavy Thanks for the reply! I got mine installed. Wasnt as hard as I was expecting it to be

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  8 місяців тому

      @@FortheRestofUsPodcastwithRyanG Awesome! Yeah I was expecting some major challenges but it wasn't too bad. See you on the airwaves!

  • @brentfitzgibbon
    @brentfitzgibbon Рік тому

    Great video thanks. Some really good nuggets here I plan to use for my 2022. I’d like to use one side of the bulletproof mount for UHF/VHF/GMRS, and the other for my WeBoost cell booster. Jealous of your Yaesu 400 as well, I am a sucker for big screens and don’t like the current availability of APRS capable radios in that they all have dropped to 2” screens. Question - On the 12V routing why did you cross over to the driver side vs running down the passenger wire track? Was there no firewall penetration there?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      I'm not sure if there's a penetration on the passenger side (I would imagine there is, but didn't check). I went down the drivers side since I was going to put the radios on the driver's side rear. There's a little bit more room on that side in the powerboost since the PB has a small 12V battery on the passenger rear. There's also a grounding point so I figured I'd get to the driver's side up front vs. in the back.
      If memory serves, it also might have been a little easier to access the cabin side of the penetration. I didn't have to take off any panels to get my hands up there to get the cable once I managed to get it through.

  • @selfhosted
    @selfhosted 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the details on this! You mentioned there was a video you watched that showed how to route the wires. Is there a link we can get to that video? I'd like to see an actual install video. I'm still confused on which route to go for an antenna mount. The stake mount seems to get shaky reviews and that doesn't make it any easier to decide. I have a Tremor.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому +2

      Here’s the one I used: ua-cam.com/video/SdivSMi4K-c/v-deo.html. 2021+ is exactly the same as best I can tell, and like the video guy I also broke the tab on the coat hanger although it kinda sorta sits in there and I’ll replace it eventually. The biggest tip is that the clips for the headliner are really strong. You need to put a lot of force to get them to release so be careful to apply that force near the clip or you’ll crease the headliner.
      I really like the antenna mount although it’s definitely in the “buy once, cry once” price category.

    • @selfhosted
      @selfhosted 2 роки тому

      @@TheBigHeavy Awesome. I really appreciate you sharing this! I'm curious also to know if you are happy with the cup holder mount and how that it working out for you? Also, where are you storing your mic?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому +1

      @@selfhosted I'm mixed on the cupholder mount. On one hand it was easy to install and looks decent, on the other hand, you lose a cupholder and it makes accessing the work surface less easy. My next plan (which I'll try to do a video on) is with the Bulletpoint tray mount.
      On the mic, there's a little bin on both sides of the center console. I run the mic cables under the carpet (with an extension cable) and stick them in that bin. Depending on which radio I'm using I'll plop it in the little bin where the shifter goes if I need easier access but that another place I want to use the bulletpoint mount assuming I can get some additional extension cables.

  • @billyabernathy448
    @billyabernathy448 3 роки тому

    Have the same truck. Did you have to drill holes at all for the mount? The directions say I will need to drill for support brackets.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому

      No holes other than onto the plywood “radio board.” I did that so I wouldn’t have to drill into the vehicle and could eventually change/move radios.

  • @Burkey612
    @Burkey612 2 роки тому

    How did you find install w the rear camera? I’m reading you have to alter the bracket. How’s the swr also?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому +1

      No problem with the rear camera, the only "nuance" was there's a harness for the light and a harness for the camera that need to be disconnected. No modification to the bracket required.
      They do recommend drilling additional holes and using supplied stiffeners and extra screws if you're using long/heavy antennas. I have the two stubbys so didn't do that but you can see the procedure in the installation instructions and all hardware is supplied.
      I don't have an SWR meter so haven't measured SWR, but my previous setup was a handheld in the cab, and this is obviously significantly better than that setup (a low bar to start of course).

  • @rohnkd4hct260
    @rohnkd4hct260 Рік тому

    The "Bullet Proof Diesel Antenna Mount" is WAY TOOOO EXPENSIVE!! I would love to use one on my 2010 F-150, but that is way too much money.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      Yeah it’s up there. It’s nicely made but at the end of the day just a chunk of metal so seems a bit excessive and they don’t seem to ever go on sale. I haven’t seen anything similar for less money however.

    • @craigandersen2476
      @craigandersen2476 7 місяців тому

      I drilled holes in the roof for 2 NMO mounts. They went on to leak ending up with water in the headliner. 😑

  • @theoriginalcrb
    @theoriginalcrb Рік тому

    How well does this hold up in car wash

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      So far so good, although I wash manually not in an automated car wash.

  • @M9A1MAN
    @M9A1MAN Рік тому

    SWR readings with that antenna mount? I want the same one for my Ranger

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      Unfortunately I don’t have an SWR meter. If I get one I’ll let you know.

  • @mikel5077
    @mikel5077 2 роки тому

    What was the size of the What was the size of the plywood you used?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому

      I grabbed a random scrap piece sized for the radios and to sit flat in the “valley” under the seat. It was probably 24”x18” or so but if you’re buying something I’d just look in the “project panel” section of your big box lumber store and sometimes they’ll even cut to size. It’s more to hold stuff in place so 1/2” or maybe even 1/4” should be fine.

  • @WU3Shamradio
    @WU3Shamradio 2 роки тому

    What was the size of the plywood you used in the back to mount the radio main unit to

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому

      I used 5/8" because it was what I had lying around, but you could likely get away with 1/4". Just cut to whatever size you need to accommodate your radio(s) and that fits under the seat how you'd like it. If you have metal working capabilities (I don't) a piece of aluminum would probably be even better from a weight/volume perspective.

    • @WU3Shamradio
      @WU3Shamradio 2 роки тому

      @@TheBigHeavy thanks I ended up finding a piece of 1/2 inch hobby board at Home Depot it’s 4 foot long but I’ll cut to size.
      Thanks for the tip about the amp wire, I had used a fuse tap but I bought the amp kit. My 2017 f150 has the same firewall entrance on the passenger side as well I could probably have gotten away with the shorter kit instead of the longer but always would rather have more than not enough

  • @revadan
    @revadan 3 роки тому +1

    wow that mount price.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому

      Yeah it’s a total kick in the butt. Really nicely made in US and high quality part so that softens the blow, but it’s still expensive.

  • @jonathanprinty
    @jonathanprinty 2 роки тому

    Great video!! Did you ever try out the COMPACtenna? I'm thinking of doing the exact same setup in my 2022 F-150.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  2 роки тому +1

      I did! So far, it's OK'ish. I haven't done any technical testing but it does seem to work reasonably well. The "ish" part comes from the fact that there's some rust on the bottom of the antenna, and it's a bit taller than I thought it would be. If I knew how to do some sort of technical test on this (I think I need an SWR meter) I would give that a roll.

  • @clarenceswope6706
    @clarenceswope6706 4 місяці тому

    It is hard on the modern vehicle because a lot of modern vehicles are aluminum aluminum does not like Magnets

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  4 місяці тому

      Exactly. The roof of the F-150 is AL so a simple magnetic antenna isn't an option, and I wasn't keen to drill through my roof, especially with the giant moonroof.

  • @terrywalls4759
    @terrywalls4759 Рік тому

    Curious, do you have a Ham Radio License and what is your Call Sign?? I assume you do, and not promoting people to get a 2m/70cm Ham radio with NO license which is illegal, otherwise great presentations.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому +2

      I do have a license, and also it’s not illegal to get a radio with no license, it’s “illegal” to transit on frequencies for which you’re not licensed.

  • @jamestoms2143
    @jamestoms2143 3 роки тому

    Hey there, thanks for the video, i have this same truck but a lariat and have been looking for a video like this for a while. I was wanting to wire in just a CB radio as i'm not a radio expert by any means and from my understanding it's basically a walkie-talkie on steroids. would the main principle be the same? i just need to run power, wire and an antenna wire?

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому +1

      CB should be exactly the same. You would need a different antenna than what I show since antennas are tuned for a specific frequency. I believe with CB a longer antenna is better so you also may want to mount in a different location.

    • @jamestoms2143
      @jamestoms2143 3 роки тому

      @@TheBigHeavy got it. i have the president bill cb radio and it fits in the cubby beneath the gps screen on my truck because i don’t have the wireless charger there. i am going to try and figure out how to run the power and antenna cables through that somehow so when not in use i can close the lid and conceal it all, as for my antenna i think i’ll get a magnetic one and run the cable the way you tan your microphones and just leave it under the seat, then put it on the roof when i want to use it

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  3 роки тому +2

      If you have the new F-150 just remember the roof is aluminum so a magnetic antenna won’t work. One option I looked at was a stake pocket mount (those cut outs on the bed rails) or they have “front fender” mounts that attach where the hood meets the body panel.

  • @daviddion3731
    @daviddion3731 9 місяців тому +1

    Intro. WAY too long.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  8 місяців тому

      You should see my…..
      Essays.

  • @TheYodoc
    @TheYodoc Рік тому

    Yikes! A half-hour video with about 10 minutes worth of information. Pro tip: Shorter is always better.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      Unless you're a basketball player...

  • @IPBullets
    @IPBullets Рік тому

    So, I just watched a 28:38 video on "How to install a 2-way radio, without actually seeing any "how-to's" of anything. I just listened to your monotone explanation on "how to install a 2-way radio." l could have just read an installation manual. Very disappointing. No soup for you! 1 ⭐️ rating.

    • @TheBigHeavy
      @TheBigHeavy  Рік тому

      Sorry amigo, I’ll work on my tonality.