WRFV510 Posted April 22, 2021 Report Share Posted April 22, 2021 Just bought a 21 Silverado 2500HD Diesel. Im going to install my Motorola XPR5550e in it. The only place i can see is on top of the dash in the pocket. It has a sunroof So im not going to be putting a hole in the roof. i bought a Back Rack and a 12" plate for a ground plane. ill do a install post after i get everything. Just wanted to see if anyone else has photos of there installs on 19+ Silverados. I hope my Back Rack is grounded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radioguy7268 Posted April 22, 2021 Report Share Posted April 22, 2021 A remote mounted head would be a big help. There's very few options for a traditional install. Most of the dash & console are plastic, with no good options for mounting a heavy brick. You can also get an advanced mic option RMN5127 - or the full tilt PMLN7131 Hand Held Control Head mic (costs darn near as much as the radio - but makes mounting a breeze.) Either one of those allows you to hide the brick under a seat or behind the seat, and then control the radio via the mic. Having voice announcement enabled helps a bunch with the more limited RMN5127. If you go with the hidden radio - then you're probably going to need a mic extension cable - Motorola makes a few in different lengths - the PMKN4033 at 10ft or the PMKN4034 for 20 ft. are the ones we use most often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gortex2 Posted April 22, 2021 Report Share Posted April 22, 2021 As said I'd try to find the HHCH for the radio. If not there is a company that makes a console face plate for your center console. I just did one in a 2019 Denali for my buddy. Holds 2 radios. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweiss3 Posted April 22, 2021 Report Share Posted April 22, 2021 Check this install, he always does a great job: https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/2020-chevy-silverado-install.410995/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRFV510 Posted April 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2021 I looked into getting a remote head kit but there's no place to put that either. the head is too big for the slot next to the wireless charger and i would be in my leg room or the passengers if i put it anywhere but above the dash. If I put it above the dash id have to cut a big hole to fit the connecter through and i might as well just put the whole radio up there. there's plenty of room. The PMLN7131 would be ideal but $479 is just not worth it for me. Id like to see the console plate but i use the wireless charger and i guess that covers that up. I have the safe in the storage compartment. this is my install on my 17 Silverado PMHenry79, Radioguy7268 and SkylinesSuck 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n4gix Posted April 23, 2021 Report Share Posted April 23, 2021 Well, that's a very nicely done installation nonetheless! Radioguy7268 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoJoe Posted April 24, 2021 Report Share Posted April 24, 2021 Well, that's a very nicely done installation nonetheless! Agreed! Very clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRFV510 Posted April 24, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2021 thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRFV510 Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 well i think drill the hole. there is enough room. never dropped a 2021 Silverado 2500 crew cab headliner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gortex2 Posted April 26, 2021 Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 There is no need to drop a headliner if you use the right tool for the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRFV510 Posted April 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2021 when i did the 17Silverado. the metal was so thin that it warped from the wind hitting the antenna. I was thinking putting a 2nd piece of sheet metal under the roof to strengthen it. I do have the Laird NMO hole saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRFV510 Posted April 29, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2021 I ended up doing LMR-240 and drilling the hole. 16" from the rear of the cab ahead of the spoiler was perfect. only problem is that the Laird UTRA 4301S3NB has a SWR of 2.0 and is not adjustable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radioguy7268 Posted April 29, 2021 Report Share Posted April 29, 2021 Phantom antennas suck. Do a simple test: Put on the Phantom antenna, run your VSWR test, then step back 10 ft. from the vehicle & tilt your head 10 degrees to the right. Now, screw on a standard 6 inch hatpin UHF quarter wave antenna, measure VSWR again, and then step back 10 ft. and tilt your head 10 degrees again, this time to the left. I'm thinking the 1/4 wave hatpin will look much better after running your test. The 10 degree head tilt is optional. n4gix 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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