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[KM3F]

Here is how I done a custom radio in an Alum body Ford F150.
Beginning at the antenna, the LARSON cab antenna mount is between the cab light and the cab with good RF continuity bolt through and weather tight rubber seals. This provides for either an MNO or a Mag mount vhf/uhf antenna.
The coax access is through the floor of the cab at a factory plug area under the rear seat.
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The radio: On a frame is mounted a dual band HT driving   a 40watt amplifier.
The radio sets in a charge cradle with full time power to keep the HT fully charged at all times. In this truck, the power On Time is timed when the ignition is turned off so no switching is needed to keep the HT battery full charged and can Tx right from the HT in the cradle. Only control needed is the On/Off of the HT and for setting mode, frequency, Scanning etc. Mike is a hand/speaker unit and provisioned with an external speaker.
The whole radio unit sets on/ fastened to the console top for portable/mobile use and plugged into a 20-amp power port that is (time controlled) when the ignition is turned off.
The unit at full power, draws 3 amps at 14.6 volts, the truck system runs at.
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I could and may still do a KW TS 480 hf remote head with the main frame under the rear seat. The Antenna situation would yet to be determined and very likely be mounted on a Tow Hitch/Receiver for easy removal when the box is needed for other uses. I already have done this on the last truck. Problem is, I may not use it enough to make it worthwhile.
The HT based unit is a hoot to use and even get unsolicited fine audio reports.
HT is an Alinco DJVX50, a really fine quality HT for the cost.

[N2AYM]

Where does the antenna go without affecting the resale value of the car because of a hole in the roof?
73 wt1v

Sydney - you are grossly out of date with what car dealerships care about regarding resale values. I have
traded in every vehicle I had since the 1970's and no one ever questioned the nmo mounts on every one
of them and even thought to ask me about them. But I do have a suggestion before trading in a vehicle if
you have morals and want to do the right thing. Simply cap the nmo mount. Larsen, and other antenna makers
make nmo mount caps whether they be plastic or metal caps. I did this on every trade in vehicle and no one
ever asked about them. These vehicles are often whole saled out to companies that buy up large amounts
of used vehicles that resell them. I had a conversation about this with a dealership manager and this is what
he told me long ago. I also recently had the same conversation with my local dealer manager and he said
what I told you above still applies.......DE Dan N2AYM

[KM3F]

Battery management systems use an AGM battery type for this function due to the battery Characteristics for longer life and control.
Resting State of Charge is maintained at close to 12.3 +/- a tenth and running at 14.6 +/-.
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This control is of recharge current vs drain, temperature, life and load on the engine at any given time.
These parameters are attempts to lengthen the life of the battery, by not overcharging, charging when the battery is very cold, very high in ambient temps and improve fuel milage to the vehicle etc.
Note; Short drive times that do not fully recharge the battery can be troublesome to some with Auto Stop/Start systems in operation and especially with an aged battery of lower capacity.