Ham Radio Installation 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

[Kirk T]

Outstanding. Clever placement out of the way. I recall the space as I ran the cable for the HiKit through there. Gives easy access to the SPod under the hood for power and the antenna cable.

Yes. Install was pretty easy. I ended up getting a cable extension for the mic so it wasn’t so limited. Very happy with it.

Can I see a picture and or a part number for it? Thanks

 

[Graeman]

Behind the knee panel under the steering column seems to be a nice place to tuck the body of the radio up and out of the way. Easy run for the power wires and coax.
View attachment 150964

What is all that on your brake pedal?

 

[Prerunner1982]

What is all that on your brake pedal?

Sorry not my pic, just pulled it for an example.

 

[Kirk T]

I have the tow package with the 4 switches as well in my 2018 JLUR. I used the interior wiring loom and have power running off of 1 as I read it's rated for 40A. I've had a Kenwood TM-D710G installed since last September and have had no issues with it. Attached a couple of pictures to show where I installed the head for the radio and the antenna.

I never had to drill or modify anything to run the cable from the radio to the antenna. The radio body is located to the left of where the clutch would be. If I had to do the install again I think I would have placed the body in a different location. I had to do some crazy contortions to get everything installed and feel like I made it more difficult than it needed to be. For the antenna mount I fed the cable up through the gap between the Jeep body and fender, probably similar to what you did. Used a Ram Mount X-Grip attached to a Carolina Metal Masters Grab Bar Ball Mount. May not have been the cheapest solution but it was the quickest I had found before going on a trip.

Thank you, very helpful.

 

[Kirk T]

I used the included bracket and sheet metal screws into the plastic trim.

Thanks for the picture showing more detail!

 

[Kirk T]

Reamed out one of the light holes for an nmo install.

Good idea!

 

[Kirk T]

Easy installation inside this Jeep.

Thanks for the pictures. I like te pen holder.

 

[Kirk T]

Hello everyone that have given me some GREAT ideas and pictures to help me with my install. I have been sick for a few days, so have not been able to start my install project yet. I hope to start this next weekend. I will be sure to post pictures and discuss my lessons learned, which i am sure there will be many. Ha-ha?! Here is a picture of my Land Rover, before my Jeep Rubicon days.

Thanks,
Kirk

 

[Sparksalot]

I would mount on my roof but not practical and not metal. I am pretty sure I will be moving mine like I see that my brothers and sisters in Australia do. I am nervous about pumping out 50 watts that close to my head.

I have a 1/2 wave antenna for 2 meters because it’s not very picky about a ground plane. I used that one on multiple vehicles.

For exposure, consider you won’t be transmitting much of the time. Don’t ignore it, but consider your operating habits.

 

[Kirk T]

I have a 1/2 wave antenna for 2 meters because it’s not very picky about a ground plane. I used that one on multiple vehicles.

For exposure, consider you won’t be transmitting much of the time. Don’t ignore it, but consider your operating habits.

I agree with you. I have a Comet CSB770A. I figure I would only be using the full 50 watts in an emergency where I would need to reach out to get help, such as in the Sierra Nevada mountains or Mojave desert. The antenna does not need a physical ground plane either, like my mag mount antenna I have for other vehicles. with a metal roof. Thank you very much for your response. Have a great day.

 

[JohnKeller]

What year make and model do you have? My Jeep comes pre wired with 4 switches, but I might take everything all the way to the battery. Undecided at this point.

2013. No switches this year. To bypass the CanBus and avoid potential issues with the stock Jeep wiring it is recommended to build or purchase something like a SPod. Mine has six switches. Lights, compressor, CB radio etc. Having the OEM switches just saved you enough $ to buy the Yaesu!