Getting Through Firewall Of 2019 Ram 1500 - How do you run a power wire from the battery through the firewall and into the cab of a 2019 Ram 1500?

[Richard G]

Hello, I have a general question about getting through the firewall of a 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn, Hemi, NO E-torque.

I have a HAM radio (as in a 2-way radio, CB, etc) that I want to wire directly to the battery. The radio needs 20 amps (it would work with 15 amps but I was told I should go more to be safe).

My previous truck was a 2015 Ram 1500 and running a wire directly from the battery into the cab of the truck was very easy, thanks to a hole that was preinstalled from the factory in the firewall, directly behind the battery. The hole was covered with a plastic cover that made it very easy to find, and the cover was easy to remove or drill through, allowing for the passage of a wire.

I have examined the firewall of the 2019 truck, trying to find a way to get a wire from the battery through the firewall but I have not had any success.

Does anyone know if the 2019 Ram has an easy way through the firewall like the previous models? O is there another alternative that would be just as effective?

My sincere appreciation and thanks in advance for everyone’s time in helping with this problem.

 

[Tat2GirlAz]

There is a big rubber grommet right by the steering wheel. Slice a hole into the grommet and feed your wire thru.

 

[Tat2GirlAz]

 

[Jstadick]

There is a big rubber grommet right by the steering wheel. Slice a hole into the grommet and feed your wire thru.

This thread should help.

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/factory-hood-wiring-grommet.1971/

 

[Richard G]

There is a big rubber grommet right by the steering wheel. Slice a hole into the grommet and feed your wire thru.

Thank you very much, worked no problem

 

[Richard G]

This thread should help.

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/factory-hood-wiring-grommet.1971/

Thank you, got the wire through!!

 

[W9MCP]

Follow up Q:

What type of antenna and mount did you go with, and how did you route the coax to the antenna out of the cab? I’ll be installing my FT-891 in my 2019 Limited sometime soon, so this will be applicable

 

[Rich]

For those hams here, what did you install, and how much transmit power and what frequency have you tested with?

I'd like to know if the RF transmitters would mess up the truck's electronics at all. Past vehicles have had warnings in the manuals about installing transmitting devices, but I haven't seen any mention in the RAM owners manual about this.

 

[He57mi]

Is there a way that routing the wire through the back of the cab? The place between the bed and the back seat.

 

[edrclark]

https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/amateur-radio-ham-install.3269/

 

[edrclark]

For those hams here, what did you install, and how much transmit power and what frequency have you tested with?

I'd like to know if the RF transmitters would mess up the truck's electronics at all. Past vehicles have had warnings in the manuals about installing transmitting devices, but I haven't seen any mention in the RAM owners manual about this.

I have been using a 50W mobile on 2M and 75cm with no issues

 

[Rich]

I have been using a 50W mobile on 2M and 75cm with no issues

Good to know, thanks!

 

[PhilBilly]

Follow up Q:

What type of antenna and mount did you go with, and how did you route the coax to the antenna out of the cab? I’ll be installing my FT-891 in my 2019 Limited sometime soon, so this will be applicable

I am using a door edge mount on the hood (drivers side) and ran my coax through the same grommet

 

[PhilBilly]

For those hams here, what did you install, and how much transmit power and what frequency have you tested with?

I'd like to know if the RF transmitters would mess up the truck's electronics at all. Past vehicles have had warnings in the manuals about installing transmitting devices, but I haven't seen any mention in the RAM owners manual about this.

I am using a TYT TH9800 Quad band 50 watts 26-33/47-54/134-174/400-480MHz haven't tried the 26-33 band yet and only FM

 

[PhilBilly]

Related Question.. Has anyone found a good place under the hood to pickup power that is only on in the ACC and Run modes not on all the time?

 

[bbbeeennnjjjeee]

Like everyone else has done. I put my 4ga through the trunk latch grommet.

 

[dog0311]

Is there a way that routing the wire through the back of the cab? The place between the bed and the back seat.

I saw a grommet under the cab by the front passenger seat the drivers side one is filled with wires but nothing on the passenger side. Hope that helps I saw it in my 2020 Ram Rebel.

 

[Medic_45_04]

Follow up Q:

What type of antenna and mount did you go with, and how did you route the coax to the antenna out of the cab? I’ll be installing my FT-891 in my 2019 Limited sometime soon, so this will be applicable

I have a 2019 Ram Classic and I ran my coax up through the storage box that is in the rear floor. I used flex tubing so it would not pinch against the box when I bolted it back down. I know this is a later posting but wanted to respond just in case. Pictures to follow...

 

[Medic_45_04]

I got through the firewall making a slit in the place everyone talked about. I also got my radios installed.. For such a new truck, compared to what I have had before, this has been the easiest project with very minimal setbacks... Thanks for all of the advice...