Hello all,

I am fortunate enough to have just acquired a new 2003 Ford Explorer
(4x4, 4-door model) and wanted to solicit input from other owners of
this vehicle as to their experiences with VHF/UHF and HF rig and
antenna installation and wiring issues.

I thought I might benefit from the experience of others in locating the
wiring channels, good paths through the firewall to the battery, and
perhaps experience in locating "remote head" radios in the forward
of the two rear under-deck storage areas (or other locations).

I plan to install a 2m/70cm transceiver and an HF plus (at least)
6m multiband rig in the vehicle. (probably both Yaesu).

Additionally, any "gotchas" on mounting remote heads on the center
console, etc. would be appreciated. (don't want to drill into something
behind a pannel, but don't want to have to tear the whole vehicle apart
to see what's behind, either, if it can be helped)

73 and thanks in advance for any insights that owners of this vehicle
may provide,

Carl - wk3c

I have a 706 MKIIg in a 2003 Ranger. I don't know if this is applicable
or not but thought I'd pass it on.

How can I run Power and antennas out of vehicle to battery, antenna
mounts etc.?

Answer: In my old Ranger [1985] just below the driver side left hip
under the floor mat is a 3/4 inch drain hole with a grommet as a plug. I
released the aluminum cover from the door/mat area and lifted the mat.
Sure enough the plug was there!! I clipped out a 3/8 diameter section
from the center of the grommet and sliced one end open. After running
the necessary wires through the grommet it was reinstalled and sealed
with Coax-Seal [$3.00 at HRO].

There was no need to punch holes, drill holes, etc.

Deacon Dave, W1MCE

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 15:51:47 GMT, Dave Shrader
wrote:

How can I run Power and antennas out of vehicle to battery, antenna
mounts etc.?

Answer: In my old Ranger [1985] just below the driver side left hip
under the floor mat is a 3/4 inch drain hole with a grommet as a plug. I
released the aluminum cover from the door/mat area and lifted the mat.
Sure enough the plug was there!! I clipped out a 3/8 diameter section
from the center of the grommet and sliced one end open. After running
the necessary wires through the grommet it was reinstalled and sealed
with Coax-Seal [$3.00 at HRO]. There was no need to punch holes,
drill holes, etc.


Same with my 2000 Ranger. There are 1" holes under the floor mats on
both the driver and passenger side near the seat fronts. You can
easily find their locations by crawling under the vehicle. Remove the
grommets (or cut a hole in them) and then the path from the rig to the
battery and antenna is easy.

73,

Caveat