http://www.larsonelectronics.com/p-...luminum-body-trucks-no-drilling-required.aspx
Ran across this today wish they made one for the older model truck.
Ran across this today wish they made one for the older model truck.
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Mobile Antenna Recommendations for 05Ford F150
- Thread starter skylloga
- Start date
I'm not tracking?
Most newer trucks use aluminum in the trucks. Hoods, roofs, outer skins all over.
I didn't realize most trucks were aluminum now. It would just be very limiting on mounting antennas.
From the mid 2000s on the big three has been using aluminum to lighten trucks for fuel economy.
Luckily mine is more steel then aluminum.
What would be awesome is a bar that moints like the wheelen light bar but has holes for antenna's
The main problem I see with this is for cb you need more contact than just what is achieved by the four screws and two toggle bolts that moints it. I would think fishing a piece of stranded automotive wire over and down the structure and grounding it to the frame would solve that tho
Luckily mine is more steel then aluminum.
What would be awesome is a bar that moints like the wheelen light bar but has holes for antenna's
The main problem I see with this is for cb you need more contact than just what is achieved by the four screws and two toggle bolts that moints it. I would think fishing a piece of stranded automotive wire over and down the structure and grounding it to the frame would solve that tho
skylloga,
Unless I were habitually chasing some rare DX, I would not let the slight skewing of radiation pattern stop me from mounting my antenna in a place that was convenient for me. Provided your SWR is within limits that your radio will appreciate, I doubt anyone receiving your signal will refuse to answer your call because they can "hear" that your antenna is mounted to your bed rail close to the cab.
I think it has been well established on this thread and many others that the longer the antenna the better. Seems prudent to take the antenna length out of the equation at this point.
A quality, recognized brand name should be your goal. Perhaps with a warranty? that will suit the mount that you decide. Recommendations from users of your 3 top choices would be great (as is the point of your thread).
I wish I had a recommendation for you but I do not have an installed mobile at the present time. Below are some of my most recent previous mobile antenna installations.
I have previously used
Wilson 5000 magnet mount with good results on the roof of my F-350
Pros-
Easy mounting
High power handling (though I only had a standard 4wAM, 12wSSB radio)
Cons-
Couldn't go in a parking garage or bank drive thru
Had reports of my receive audio sounded as if it were "wavering" (thin whip in the wind I guess)
4' Firestick on a cowl mount I fabricated with good results on the same F-350.
Pros-
Easy overhead clearance
Matched my AM-FM antenna in position on the truck and color (AM-FM was black in color mounted on the RH cowl-Firestick on the LH Cowl)
Cons-
None noted
I do have a K40 trunk mount that I wanted to try on a front fender/hood gap mount but never got around to doing that.
Only option left now is:
What can you live with? (i.e. How tall? Fold-over or fixed mount?)
Welcome to the forum. I personally learn things every time I log in. I know you will get many responses to help you make an informed decision.
73's
David
Unless I were habitually chasing some rare DX, I would not let the slight skewing of radiation pattern stop me from mounting my antenna in a place that was convenient for me. Provided your SWR is within limits that your radio will appreciate, I doubt anyone receiving your signal will refuse to answer your call because they can "hear" that your antenna is mounted to your bed rail close to the cab.
I think it has been well established on this thread and many others that the longer the antenna the better. Seems prudent to take the antenna length out of the equation at this point.
A quality, recognized brand name should be your goal. Perhaps with a warranty? that will suit the mount that you decide. Recommendations from users of your 3 top choices would be great (as is the point of your thread).
I wish I had a recommendation for you but I do not have an installed mobile at the present time. Below are some of my most recent previous mobile antenna installations.
I have previously used
Wilson 5000 magnet mount with good results on the roof of my F-350
Pros-
Easy mounting
High power handling (though I only had a standard 4wAM, 12wSSB radio)
Cons-
Couldn't go in a parking garage or bank drive thru
Had reports of my receive audio sounded as if it were "wavering" (thin whip in the wind I guess)
4' Firestick on a cowl mount I fabricated with good results on the same F-350.
Pros-
Easy overhead clearance
Matched my AM-FM antenna in position on the truck and color (AM-FM was black in color mounted on the RH cowl-Firestick on the LH Cowl)
Cons-
None noted
I do have a K40 trunk mount that I wanted to try on a front fender/hood gap mount but never got around to doing that.
Only option left now is:
What can you live with? (i.e. How tall? Fold-over or fixed mount?)
Welcome to the forum. I personally learn things every time I log in. I know you will get many responses to help you make an informed decision.
73's
David
@Robb, thanks for the apology.
@everybody Ive found the antenna and mount I going to use. Now I have to get them ordered and installed.
@everybody Ive found the antenna and mount I going to use. Now I have to get them ordered and installed.
Shadetree Mechanic
Delaware Base Station 808
id try either a wilson silverload fiberglass or skipshooter fiberglass antenna
the lenth you chose is ya chose . id recommend taking a tape measure see how much ya need to clear the roofline. im guessing 3 feet . both antennas are advailable at copper.com ..ive used both on mirrior mounts years ago with decent results
the lenth you chose is ya chose . id recommend taking a tape measure see how much ya need to clear the roofline. im guessing 3 feet . both antennas are advailable at copper.com ..ive used both on mirrior mounts years ago with decent results
Sorry. I know this is an old thread but I have to ask: Where do you guys find these "6 inch springs?"
I have searched the internet and CAN NOT find one. It's ok though, I use a heavy duty barrel spring with a 2 inch quick disconnect on top and get excellent SWR readings on my 102 SS Whip mounted on a homemade steel bracket top bed rail drivers side about 6 - 7 inches behind the cab.
Was just wondering where everyone gets these 6 inch springs?
Thanks in advance.
