As usual, I am always very slow and cautious about installing a radio in any new vehicle and with my new 2019 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E this was no different. After owning this truck for over eight months, I finally took the plunge. The rig is an Icom IC-208H. It has had three homes in its life from a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, to a 2013 Honda Ridgeline Sport, and now to this 2019. This rig has demonstrated itself to be as tough as nails. The 12 gauge power cable is connected directly to the battery with in line 15 amp fuses. The antenna is a Comet CA-2X4SRB with the accompanying Comet CK-3M5 cable assembly. This antenna is very wide-banded with an SWR below 2:1 from 140-160 MHz and 435-465 MHz. Finding the hole in the firewall was was easier than first suspected. Although, finding the opening to the bed was the biggest challenge. The differences between the installation in a 2013 Ridgeline Sport and the 2019 RTL-E are very minimal. There are still some similarities in the assembly of both models. The RTL-E features an in-bed audio system that includes six 8 ohm 10 watt transducers, a 150 Watt DC to AC inverter, and and in-bed trunk for storage. All of these features and the ability to operate VHF and UHF mobile make the Ridgeline the perfect ham radio and tailgating vehicle. Thanks to my father for assisting me with this installation and for fabricating the antenna mount. The removal of the rear seat is definitely a two person job. Since pictures speak louder than words, here’s the show…
On the air since 1991
