3rd brake light mount for radio antenna

[Crusty old shellback]

Hi All,
Looking to see if anyone has installed any type of 3rd brake light mount that they use to mount a radio antenna for a CB, HAM, UHF,VHF radio antenna.

I've seen the Bullet proof Diesel mount for the earlier generations, but at $300 plus for a hunk of aluminum, its a bit pricy. But I do like the way the cable runs thru the bracket and into the cab behind the brake light so it's clean and water tight. But they don't make one for the 4.5 gen RAM.

I've seen a few other types that mount between the cab and light fixture, but the cable does not go thru the bracket. You have to cut a slot in the gasket on the bottom to run the cable thru to the inside.

I can have my buddy 3D print one from composite for me if I can find a good design or set of drawings.

So looking what others have used without drilling a hole in the top of the cab.

I run a VHF radio for when I'm pulling race support duties in the states and Baja. I've fairly well got the radio install planned out. Just trying to figure out a antenna mount. I do not run the antenna all the time, so I'll put a cap on top in place of the antenna when I'm not using it.

Thanks in advance for any input/insights/suggestions.

 

[LateToTheParty]

It is indeed pricey, but that BPD one for the 4th gen should work just fine on the 4.5 gen. The shape of the CHMSL didn't change. When I replaced mine with a lower profile non-camera version from a 4th gen it fit with zero issues.

At some point I was searching for the same and if my memory serves, there was an option from Evil OffRoad, Larson Electronics and possibly more.

 

[el_barto]

Cabs /chmsl hasn’t changed on the HD trucks from the 4th Gen , it should fit on your truck.

 

[Brewbud]

On my last truck, I just drilled a hole in the roof. Hardest part was getting up the nerve to do it! I would also like to go with a 3rd brake light version on this truck. Bullet Proof has one without the chase lights.

Third Brake Light Antenna Mount 2010-2024 RAM 2500/3500/4500

Install your Baja-tested third brake light antenna without magnets and drilled holes! Our mount works with a majority of newer Ram models.

bulletproofdiesel.com

I would like one with the chase lights but they all seem to drop the cargo camera. GJ motorsports also makes one with chase lights. All of these are high $$
https://www.cjcoffroad.com/collecti...-ram-1500-2500-3500-2009-2018-3rd-brake-light

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Thanks for the inputs.

I looked at the Larson Electronics one, but it is only a platform mount. That's the one I was talking about that you have to cut the gasket at the bottom to run the cable into the cab thru the 3rd brake light hole.

Brewbud, I did the same on my old F250. But I'd like to not do that this time. I had to put a reinforcement plate under it on the inside, then tear out the head liner to run it to behind the back seat where I had mounted the main radio. I have a remote head Kenwood set up so mounted the head unit in the dash cupholder.

 

[Brewbud]

Thanks for the inputs.

I looked at the Larson Electronics one, but it is only a platform mount. That's the one I was talking about that you have to cut the gasket at the bottom to run the cable into the cab thru the 3rd brake light hole.

Brewbud, I did the same on my old F250. But I'd like to not do that this time. I had to put a reinforcement plate under it on the inside, then tear out the head liner to run it to behind the back seat where I had mounted the main radio. I have a remote head Kenwood set up so mounted the head unit in the dash cupholder.

I had a remote head Kenwood in my Ram. 100W of clean power. I had the amp mounted behind the rear seat. I wish I would have kept it. I didn't need an extra plate for the antenna on the Ram. I need to call BulletProof and see about them making a 3rd brake light that also has the Cargo Cam.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Yep, had a 110W Kenwood that my buddy set up and dialed in. About 115W output. Talked to my buddies 50 miles away in SOCAL thru some mountains.

Original dash. Slide out cup holder and trash bag holder underneath.


Radio head unit mounted in place of the slide out cup holder
Trash bag hook turned into a speaker for the radio.



Main unit behind the back seat.

 

[Brewbud]

Yep, had a 110W Kenwood that my buddy set up and dialed in. About 115W output. Talked to my buddies 50 miles away in SOCAL thru some mountains.

Original dash. Slide out cup holder and trash bag holder underneath.
View attachment 19601

Radio head unit mounted in place of the slide out cup holder
Trash bag hook turned into a speaker for the radio.
View attachment 19602


Main unit behind the back seat.

View attachment 19603

Same radio I had. Great radios! I reached Parker, AZ from Ocotillo Wells one day. 120 miles as the crow flies on Google maps. I was probably 10 miles closer than that.