Brake Controllers

You have to pull the radio to get access to that area.
https://youtu.be/gDH_rI72GEs

 

That looks miserable. No other way to get to it?

 

I can't see the video but once the radio is out you can reach back there to guide the wire to the controller. You can get the blank made by Redarc (the part# is in this thread somewhere) to mount the knob and slip it in from the front. It really shouldn't be that bad at all.

 

Oh I watched some of the video. That piece is ignorant but I don't think you need to do that.

 

Ok! This looks A LOT easier than that other video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scVqYGBl25Y

Has anyone done it this way? Or is there an even better way. The one video where the guy tears his whole truck apart, frankly, seems like he didn't know what he was doing and was just ripping things apart!

 

Once the radio is put there is a limited amount of room that if you don't have big gorilla hands you can get the wire and switch in.
I did it like that to get the switch in for my anytime front/rear camera. You have to pull the dash trim around the radio and take out the radio. You can probably just rest the radio on the shifter but cover it with a thick towel so you don't scratch your screen. That way you don't need to unplug it.

 

Yeah the first video that guy was REPLACING that panel with a panel that had more slots. Like one from MESO. The video you linked, that guy was installing a switch. I really think you can reach down there with the radio out. But taking the center console around the shifter is pretty easy too and might give you a little better access to the switch blank you want to use/replace.

 

Can I just pop the blank off with the glue stick method -- and then fish the wire through and down with a wire snake?

 

I popped mine out when I installed my wireless Carplay module. Watching that video, it seemed like his plan got sidetracked then he just pops out the blank with a razor. I think you can do that and fish the wire to the left (above the gas pedal) There's a big spot to fish wire through and you really only have to fish through less than a foot. Then you rout it over to where you mount the module, which is right behind that other little panel to the left of the steering wheel. At least that's where I mounted mine.

 

I'd pull the radio and try to do it from above first. And yes use something to fish the wire in. I ran wires for a compact amp to behind the radio from the battery and there's a good path to route wires. I used a section of RG6 coaxial cable I had laying around as my fish tape.

 

Ha. I'm going to hijack my own reply. LOL.

Tell me more about that. Right now I have it with the angle 90 USB and I hate it. Were you able to hide the wireless carplay module? How?

 

No problem. I hid it on a bracket, I think a part of the climate control. I had to take the stereo out. I stuck it to it with a piece of Alien tape (that stuff is pretty cool, only need a little as it's pretty strong) I drilled a hole large enough to run the small end (micro USB) through one of the empty blanks next to the USB port. I actually had to move some switches around to put an empty blank next to the USB port. I then just ran the cable through it. If I want to plug something else into that port or disconnect the Carplay I pull out the cable. Since you have a PRO you might not have the amount of empty blanks I do though. I do hate drilling and cutting but if I justified it by if I need to put it back the way it was I just have to buy a $5 blank.

 

I'm going to consider that. I hate having the Carplay plugged in and velcro'd under like everyone else.. LOL.

Curious to see how this Redarc install goes. You've given me a lot of smart ideas!!
Thanks!

 

I did not pull my radio. Pulled the dash trim and climate control module (both are pretty simple), then was able to reach down and pull the blank. It was easy enough to fish the wire back. To do this, I started with it plugged into the knob and inserted the wire through the hole, then reached up from under the dash (by the gas pedal) and pulled it through.

If my memory is correct, the most time consuming part of the whole install was driving the truck around to get the inside warmed up so the 3m tape would stick (winter in Alaska).

 

Anyone know if redarc runs black Friday deals? If not is there a TW discount code?

 

Another redarc install.
1. Make template for the spot against steering column brace using beer case cardboard while drinking beer.


2. Make plate.


3. Mounted to plate w/ four M4 screws.


4. Bolt with three M6 bolts/washers/nuts. Solid as the steering column itself.


5. Done. Only 2 casualties in the process.

 

why did you have to run cables to add wireless CarPlay? I thought those things plugged into the existing usb port.

 

Our trucks only have wired Carplay. The module needs to be plugged into the one and only media port in the front dash below the climate control.