Running Coax thru a GMC Sierra 3500HD

[Turtle-Ham]

I'm looking to mount a Tarheel antenna on my GMC Sierra 3500HD without drilling. The plan is to use a stake pocket mount closest to the cab so as not to be interfered with by our 3721RL.

Aside from grounding (which I'm sure will be fun all by itself!), any clues on how to thread the coax inside the bed wall and into the cab?

I'm currently overseas on a work assignment so can't do an actual physical assessment until I get home later this month, but I figured I'd put out the feeler.

I run an IC-7300, so power draw won't be much of an issue.

Tks/73,

Jim, ND9M

[Mikendebbie]

I had to google some of your terms to even figure out what you were talking about. Tar Heel antenna? Anyway - I went out and looked at the rear stake sleeves in my truck (my front sleeves still have the cap cover but I assume they are similar). Also googled "stake sleeves for Chevy" and you can buy them (who knew???) - I suppose they might be needed by (say) a body shop rebuilding a truck bed after a wreck. I have no idea if the bottom of the sleeve is open. I assume it is open for drainage. If it is open - you should be able to run the coax thru the sleeve bottom. My sketch may not be accurate - so use it at your own risk!

Edit: I looked again at my truck. The thing I drew as a "removable tie down" is actually a removable plug. The tie down loop is at a different location.

There is a CB/Ham sub-forum on iRV2 forum - a sister forum to this forum. You might find more info or post questions there.

[Turtle-Ham]

That's all great info; thanks for sending it along. I'll check out the IRV2 page you suggested as well.

I've done a lot of mobile HF work over the years but always from cars and always using mag mounts. Now I'll not only be setting things up on a truck, but also need to consider the 5er.

We're active campground hosts, so we're usually in one spot for long-ish periods of time; therefore the RV won't be attached all that much.

73,

Jim, ND9M

[Mikendebbie]

I was at Walmart today with DW. I dropped her off at the door then I had to go park in the sketchy section…that is the part of the parking lot where we typically see cars that looked “lived in”. There was also two nice motor homes and an 80s Terry Taurus travel trailer that has been there at least two weeks. Anyway - parked nearby was a 2003 Chevy 3500 dually with the passenger side dually fiberglass fender mostly missing. I noticed the rear stake sleeve and it was only the 6” deep steel box you see from the top. Not sure what that thing with the long elephant trunk is I posted a picture of earlier in this thread. I was going to take a pic but there was a sketchy guy asleep in the truck.

[Lee-CI]

ND9M - 73's
N5UFT (inactive)

[Thorsell]

Hey Jim - I ran the coax for my roof rack mounted antennas (dual band Ham and GMRS) into the cab through the cab vent openings located on the back cab wall. I have a Ford F350, but I would suspect other makes also have similar airflow vents.
de N1AVY - Jerry

[mhs4771]

I ran a cable through that same general area on my GM