Freightliner M2 106 Install

[davidjacobs2012]

Please move this to the correct category if this is the wrong one.

I have a 2013 model soon to get a 2016 or 2017. The last truck I drove I installed a CB where I had the antenna mounted on the mirror and ran the coax into the cab where the radio would be mounted on the dash. Now I'd like to have a more permanent Mount system. I have this space that looks like I could possibly install something butt I want to get opinions first before I unscrew anything. The empty space is covered right now but it's at the top between two cubby spaces where the lights are. I would like to know if there is any power source up there where I can hook up directly or if I have to rig it like I did on my last truck. Here is a picture of the space I'm talking about

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[mmckenna]

I don't know the answer, but I went surfing around on the interwebs looking for wiring schematics.

Couldn't find anything for the newer models, but lots of info on the older models.

Didn't find anything conclusive, but I'm willing to bet that running new wiring would be fairly easy. You could follow the path that the dome/map lights use.
I'd be cautions about tapping into any existing wiring, or even any existing fuse blocks, unless they are specifically indicated for this sort of use. Since some in-cab power circuits can be a real source of noise, especially to a CB, you really might be better off running a new fused power lead from one of the batteries. While I was at it, I'd run an upsized wire to support future needs, like a scanner or a second two way radio.

I drove a rental one of those down from Seattle many years ago, and while it didn't have a CB installed, it seemed like that was the place for it. As rental trucks go, it wasn't too bad, especially driving through Seattle rush hour traffic.

 

[davidjacobs2012]

Thanks for the reply. I would bet you money that I can find something up in there. It seems like a waste of space if there wasn't. If I have to use a cigarette lighter port to power the unit then that's what I will do. I know that running CB power to a fuse or directly to the battery is best but I'm trying to work with what I got. My main concern honestly at this point is running the antenna cable into the cab. If I have to jerry-rig the radio to the dash then I will. But I drive a flatbed and the doors are fiberglass so either I'm going to have to use a no ground plane kit or use the bed and drill holes for the mount and the whole bed will be my ground plane. That honestly would be ideal because it's almost a hundred inches wide and 24 feet long

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[mmckenna]

If I built those trucks, that's where I'd intend a radio to go. I'd put a power stud up there just for that.

Just be aware that the noise from all the electronics in the newer trucks will really mess up AM CB. If it works, great. If it doesn't, it's likely the power source.

If you can mount the antenna dead center of the cab roof, that would be ideal.

 

[davidjacobs2012]

If I built those trucks, that's where I'd intend a radio to go. I'd put a power stud up there just for that.

Just be aware that the noise from all the electronics in the newer trucks will really mess up AM CB. If it works, great. If it doesn't, it's likely the power source.

If you can mount the antenna dead center of the cab roof, that would be ideal.

This is what I found when I pulled that plastic off

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[cmdrwill]

" This is what I found when I pulled that plastic off " No Man's land....

 

[mmckenna]

This is what I found when I pulled that plastic off

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Looks like wiring harness for the cab clearance lamps and the dome/map lamps.

I wouldn't mess with any of that wiring. Unless there is a clearly marked power lead in there that isn't connected to anything else and is clearly labeled as being for a radio, then I'd run a new feed.

Straight to one of the batteries really is your bet to reduce interference. If that is totally off the table, then look for an accessory power connection under the dash. From the schematics I found on line, there should be one under the dash and ~maybe~ one on the back wall of the cab.