So ive been trying to figure out the best spot to mount my FT-7900 in my F-150 for about two weeks now and i keep going back and forth on it. Right now im leaning toward the dash area under the climate controls but the problem is there's not a ton of depth there and im worried about the connector on the back of the radio sticking into something or blocking the vent ducting.

The other option i keep coming back to is a console mount between the seats but honestly i drive a lot and i dont want to be reaching sideways while im moving. Has anyone done a center console bracket setup in a newer F-150? The center console on these trucks is pretty chunky so im not sure if theres a good bracket out there or if i just need to fabricate something.

Also running the power direct to the battery, not the fuse box. Is that the right call for a 50W VHF/UHF mobile or does it matter that much at that power level?

I had a 7900 in my Tacoma for years and did the console mount with a RAM mount setup, worked great once i got the angle right. The reaching sideways thing is real but you kind of get used to it and honestly for just checking repeaters or adjusting squelch while moving its fine. The main thing i'd say is dont skimp on the coax routing — i ran mine up through the firewall grommet and it took me an afternoon but its clean and i havent had any RFI issues.

On the power question, yeah run it direct to the battery. At 50 watts you probably wont notice much difference either way but if you're ever pushing it on a long transmission you dont want voltage drop from a shared circuit messing with your audio. Two fuses, one right at the battery and one near the radio, standard stuff. The 7900 is a solid radio for mobile, you'll be happy with it once its in.

just got done doing almost the same install last month lol, different radio but same truck generation. i ended up going with a Lido mount that clamps to the side of the console and honestly it's been solid. the radio sits kind of at an angle toward the driver which makes it easier to see. took maybe 20 minutes to put together which was a relief after watching some of the fabrication videos online that made it look like a whole weekend project