2012 Sierra radio questions

[dasnps]

Ordered my new truck the other day and wondering what I'm going to do to install my radio in the truck when it gets here this week. I currently have a XTL high power that will go in it and I'm debating between my current BCD996XT or upgrading to a home patrol. I had a regular antenna mounted on my roof for my current car, but I was looking into one of the stealth AM/FM and VHF antenna combos from US Communications or Sti-Co for the XTL. Has anyone ever used either one? How do they work for VHF and would I have any problems using this with a high powered radio? I really do not want to drill any holes into the truck, so I am looking for alternatives.

I am also thinking of doing a fender mount for the scanner. Is there enough separation if I put it on the opposite side? Or should I go further?

What would be suggested for finding power and an ignition sense wire? Is there an alternative place that would suit me or do I need to go directly to the battery? I have seen a few threads regarding how to run wires, etc, so I am not worried there.

 

[dixie729]

If the antennas are 12 inches apart from each other then they are fine. So each side of the fender will do. As for your power. Go straight to the battery, its the best place.

Kevin Absher - HTC Inspire 4G

 

[Rt169Radio]

If you have a toolbox on your truck you could try putting a antenna on there.

 

[KG4INW]

I have a 2011 Sierra and ended up drilling a hole in the firewall which I then ran straight to the battery (through a grommet, of course). http://forums.radioreference.com/pictures-your-shack-mobile-setup/235720-inws-mobile.html

Of the several GMC/Chevy trucks/SUVs I've installed radios in, the only reliable, easy way to hook up to an ignition switched source was to run my sense leads to the fuse block under the hood, next to the engine. I can't remember specifically which fuse we tapped off of but I just used a voltmeter to find out and then used a fuse tap.

The few Sti-Cos I've worked on with high power APX7500s seemed to work OK but I've not used them, just made sure the SWR was low! AM/FM still worked fine.

 

[cabletech]

I have an STI-CO AM/FM/UHF antenna on my Chevy truck an run a 100w radio and have never had any problems.

I have also intalled these same type antennas on sedans, trucks, suvs for law enforcement and fire for many years and again, have never had any problems.

There are a lot of law enforcment/fire/goverment vehicles thta use these dequise antennas

I also have a Larson 90deg bracket on the drivers side (two of them) and I run a CB/10meter antenna on one and a Larson commerical dual band antenna on the other and have had no cross interferance or troubles with any of them.

 

[W3AWF]

When Installed my Dad's M1225 and his scanner in his sierra I ran the wires through the gromet where the rest of the stuff comes through the firewall. As for the antennas, I put the radio antenna on the opposite side from the AM/FM radio antenna, and put the scanner antenna on the same side as the AM/FM Antenna. Both were fender lip mounts.