2020 Ram 1500 Radio Install

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I purchased a 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Ecodiesel, and have struggled to install a professional looking radio install in it. I don't want to have anything that would damage the vehicle (no bolts in the dash, etc.). Making it much more difficult is the vehicle is not really something which would be up-fitted with radios or lights for commercial use at this trim level. There's a 12" display and leather everywhere, so discreetly drilling a mount it will not be possible.

Radios to install

  • 220 MHz Motorola CDM "1850" with remote head
  • 440 MHz Motorola XTL2500 with O5 remote head
  • 900 MHz Motorola XTL2500 with O3 Hand Held Control Head (HHCH)
  • Blackview Dashcam

Goals for install

  • Ignition sense for turning radios on/off
  • Minimum impact to vehicle
  • remote mount
  • Single Speaker - this means a mixer will be built
  • power directly from battery
  • everything must enable expansion

Install Parts

I decided to locate the radio decks on the rear drivers side wall of the truck. There is an ecoboost version of the gas engine which has an electric assist or some such thing. This means there's a large 48v battery pack located behind the rear drivers side seat in the cab. This is just over 6" of depth behind the seats, perfect for mounting radios.

Battery

I decided to run a #2 wire to the battery via a 100 amp breaker. Welding cable was sourced from Skycraft Surplus in Orlando, along with lugs and such.

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