[Mobile-Portable] Installation in 2005 Ford F-150 Crewcab?

[Walt]

Phil:

I haven't had any experience with the Ford trucks.  You may find the following 
Ford website helpfull.  It has a link to Ford's guidelines for radio 
installation in Ford vehicles.

 http://www.fordemc.com/

I know that some have had problems with fuel pump noise, and that there is a 
Ford suppression kit for that problem.  I don't know if it applies to the 
current models.

Regarding the antenna location:  The center of the roof is by far the best 
location for a VHF/UHF antenna.  Much less RF inside the truck than a 
glassmount antenna and better radiation efficiency outside where you want the 
RF to go also.

  walt, W7PRB

On Saturday 24 December 2005 11:29, Phil Atchley wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> This was first posted to the Icom list and I was referred to this list.
>
> I've just purchased a used 2005 Ford F-150 Super Crewcab (the large 4 door
> model).  The engine is the 4.6L V8 with 4 speed overdrive automatic, and
> I'm considering putting a radio in it 8^)
>
> First, as a note.  Over the past 30 years I have installed a LOT of CB
> equipment in vehicles, both before I had my Ham license and when I worked
> in a CB shop after getting my license.  But I have only installed a couple
> 2M rigs (I usually relied on an HT and mag-mount) .  So,  in general I know
> how to do a 'quality' installation (and what to avoid doing).  But I
> understand the new vehicles are more sensitive to RFI.   I want this to be
> a "one time shot", not a work in progress.
>
> I'm considering probably installing a 2M/440 dual bander in the truck. 
> This is the first vehicle that I've had in more years than I can remember
> that 'really' has enough room to do a decent radio installation of any
> kind.  The ceiling mounted Yaesu 2M rig in my '86 Chevy C10 was a real
> "head banger". It is also the first time in my life I've had a vehicle this
> nice and I would rather not start "punching holes", though I will if it's
> necessary.
>
> Besides, I don't want to become a homicide victim by angering my XYL
> <grin>. Though due to it's size, it's unlikely that she'll drive the
> vehicle much if any.
>
> I would like to hear of any experiences, good or bad that people have had
> installing radios in a similar Ford vehicle.
>
> Here's some ideas that I have in mind.
>
> 1.  Some sort of dual band rig with the radio proper mounted either behind
> or under the rear seat.  Not sure what model yet.
>
> 2.  The control head mounted in one of the following locations.
>
>     A.  On the face of the lower consol section beneath the dash (there is
> even a pull out "cup holder" located there that may be taken out and the
> space used). This is 'probably' the best choice.
>
>     B.  The top of the large fold-down center armrest/storage bin (split
> 40-20-40 seat). This location may be in the way of arms trying to use the
> armrest and require taking the eyes off the road (not a good safety
> feature).
>
>     C.  Possibly on TOP of the dash as there is a very large flat area
> there with lots of room for CD's etc.  But this would be exposed to the sun
> in VERY hot Central California, probably NOT a good idea.
>
> 3.  Antenna.  Even though they lose some efficiency, MOST LIKELY a glass
> mount one, either in the top center of the windshield OR top Center of the
> rear window.
>
>         A.  Is there much difference in the two locations (remember, this
> crewcab has a LOT of roof area)?
>
>         B.  This vehicle has factory dark tinted  rear/side windows and
> factory tinted windshield.  I was told this may affect a "glass mount"
> antenna, in which case I'd punch the hole in the roof.  Comments?
>
> Now the REAL questions.
> 1. Does anybody here know of any RFI issues with the 2005 F-150 (4.6L V8)?
> Either from the engine to the radio, or from the radio affecting engine
> performance?  Again, we're talking about 2M/440 in the 50-70 Watt class.
>
> 2.  What, if any, dual band (or even single band) radios with detachable
> control panels should I avoid like the plague? Ones with known reliability
> problems, keep in mind I'll probably be trying to get one used.
>
>
> ******************************************************
> 73 de Phil,  KO6BB
> DX begins at the noise floor!
>
> THE BEACONEER'S LAIR:  http://www.geocities.com/ko6bb/
> QSL GALLERY: http://photobucket.com/albums/y123/KO6BB/
> Merced, Central California,    37.3N  120.48W  CM97sh
>
> ******************************************************
>
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-- 
-----  walt -----