Mobile Antenna Recommendations for 05Ford F150

[skylloga]

I have been out of the radio scene for many years. Many. However I am getting back into two-way radio and I have a old Deer slayer 240 mobile I bought way back in the 90's that I am going to use until I decide on what kind of new radio I want. I recently won a Midland GMRS mobile that is going in my rig also. And eventually I will add a dual band ham radio.

I have pretty much decided Im going with a front bed rail mount from breadlove. But I can decide on what kind of antenna to get. I want discrete looks but functional. About the most power I will ever run would be a Texas Star Vplus modulator. So big power ratings is not necessary.

I know putting it on the top of the cab will net better results, its just not going to happen. Lots of parking garages and such that I frequent and dont want to rip off a antenna off or a hole in the roof. Plus the cab of the truck will be getting the real estate for the GMRS and Ham antennas as they are prudent to storm spotting. And both of the antennas for the bands are short and less likely to be broke off also.

 

[Robb]

Either you can have/use a discreet short antenna that will ultimately be disappointing -or- you get one that is big enough to have some efficiency and be practical.

The choice is yours . . . can't have both.

Analogy: I'd rather have the use of a ok radio with a great antenna rather than using a great radio with a poor antenna.
While one radio might have better push, it becomes compromised due to poor radiating quality from the poor antenna.

The 102 inch steel whip antenna with a 6 inch spring base is still the best antenna - even tho it is difficult to deal with from time to times - due to its height. The Sirio 5000 Performer @ ~7ft tall is probably the BEST compromise of height and efficiency that I know of. A WIlson 1000 @ ~5ft tall is the low limit I'd recommend. Less than that - forget it . . .

 

[skylloga]

I appreciate your response, but I think you are missing the point of my question.

I want something that will not stand out and say hey look at my big ole cb antenna. But on the other side of that I don't want something that is going to be useless for communicating further than my parking lot.

The location has to be bed rail mount, a seven foot antenna with a six inch load/mount will be too high to be able to park in parking garages. All of the ones around me have eight foot limits and that would be the top of my range on my truck. You still need at least eighteen inches of whip flex to not stress the mount to the point of starting to damage the mount and what it is mounted to.

If some of you that use the Sirius antenna can offer some comments on it it would be great. I have no issue mounting it on the roof IF I can be assured others have used it without the worry its going to be damaged or cause damage to the cab.

 

[Robb]

I appreciate your response, but I think you are missing the point of my question.

I want something that will not stand out and say hey look at my big ole cb antenna. But on the other side of that I don't want something that is going to be useless for communicating further than my parking lot.

The location has to be bed rail mount, a seven foot antenna with a six inch load/mount will be too high to be able to park in parking garages. All of the ones around me have eight foot limits and that would be the top of my range on my truck. You still need at least eighteen inches of whip flex to not stress the mount to the point of starting to damage the mount and what it is mounted to.

If some of you that use the Sirius antenna can offer some comments on it it would be great. I have no issue mounting it on the roof IF I can be assured others have used it without the worry its going to be damaged or cause damage to the cab.

Beg to disagree with you; I get it. In fact, what I gave you was a big 'heads up'. In truth, you haven't fully gripped what I previously explained.

BTW, it isn't a Sirius antenna, it is a SIRIO antenna. AND, that SIRIO antenna has a unlock lever on the base of the coil that will loosen and allow you to tip the antenna over so you can park it in a garage. Probably the best choice you can make - even if you don't know squat about antennas. AND yes, I have/use one.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA11W0920819&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-HI+-+Antennas,+Wires+&+Fittings-_-9SIA11W0920819&gclid=CjwKCAjw06LZBRBNEiwA2vgMVbRYgePHxXbFmQU5LXp4-67JylgX67CSMkm5b4LUsTnn0l7XLVrkIBoCD3wQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you are under the impression that modern antennas have 'evolved' technology so as not to need a tall antenna; then you are mistaken. Having/using an effective/efficient radiator has not changed, nor will it change. It is in the very nature of any band to require a 1/4 wavelength antenna just to reach the point of unity gain. AT 27mhz/CB frequencies, the 108 inch antenna length is at that length to get to the 1/4 wavelength point. Which you will find out what that means if you continue in your quest. Welcome to the world of radio.

Because manufacturer 'X' makes and sells a short antenna, that doesn't mean it will be effective. It just means the manufacturer 'X' will let you buy something and then sell you a better product once you discover what you are lacking. Remember, they are in business to make money and sell you whatever you want - as opposed to making sound and practical purchasing decisions..

Shorter antennas compromise: usable bandwidth, receive efficiency, effective radiation pattern, and effective power transfer. But hey; if you have your mind set to just buy the little antenna, then you can find out for yourself. This isn't just my 'opinion'; it is physics - made plain for you - yet complex.

But you a right about one point: where you place the antenna will have a profound effect upon how it will work out. The best place? On the top/center of the vehicle. If you are going to use a hood mount or on the corner of the bed; then it will radiate more efficiently in the opposite end of your vehicle. Again - physics win.

 

[rabbiporkchop]

Without mentioning any of the really beefy ones made in Italy that are not marketed in the United States this seems to be the nicest roof mount option available.

 

[skylloga]

Robb, you still are not even understanding what I want. Both of your post are claiming I want a short antenna that performs like the Sirio (btw spellcheck corrected it in my post). No I want options of antennas that people have used and had good results with.

The mounting position is not up for debate. Period. I know where I want to mount it and unless I can feel comfortable putting it on the roof I will have to live with the reduced performance. Furthermore I seen the function of being able to lay it down if needed. Im not going to pull into a parking garage and hold up traffic trying to come in behind me to get out and lay the antenna down. I am also not going to drive around with it down just on the chance I might need to pull into a parking garage. Now if I can be assured there is plenty of flex in the whip that it wont stress the cab and mount if I pull in and need to remove it while parked there so it doesnt mess things up I would do that. The tilt function is useless to me.

I dont know why you keep talking about shorter antennas? I understand how a cb antenna works and what you need to transmit and receive properly. I just want some opinions of antennas I can compare and decide on. Again I know how I want to mount it, I'm not asking for mounting locations or mounting advise I want antenna advise. I want people to recommend antennas and not talk to me like Ive never done this. I know in the twenty years I have not kept up with what is available things have changed and antennas have come and gone.

 

[338_MtRushmore]

It sounds like it is a height issue you are having. How long can the antenna be? If it can't be above the cab, I'd just get a firestik and be done with it. If you don't have much antenna above the cab, it really makes little difference what antenna you choose.

 

[skylloga]

It sounds like it is a height issue you are having. How long can the antenna be? If it can't be above the cab, I'd just get a firestik and be done with it. If you don't have much antenna above the cab, it really makes little difference what antenna you choose.

My truck is 6'6" to the top of the cab. I have no issue going on the cab as long as the antenna has some good flex in the whip.

I checked out the president antennas rabbiporkchop posted and they have some that are similar to the Sirio with shorter whips but I still worry about flexing of the roof or breaking the antenna.

 

[Robb]

Robb, you still are not even understanding what I want. Both of your post are claiming I want a short antenna that performs like the Sirio (btw spellcheck corrected it in my post). No I want options of antennas that people have used and had good results with.

The mounting position is not up for debate. Period. I know where I want to mount it and unless I can feel comfortable putting it on the roof I will have to live with the reduced performance. Furthermore I seen the function of being able to lay it down if needed. Im not going to pull into a parking garage and hold up traffic trying to come in behind me to get out and lay the antenna down. I am also not going to drive around with it down just on the chance I might need to pull into a parking garage. Now if I can be assured there is plenty of flex in the whip that it wont stress the cab and mount if I pull in and need to remove it while parked there so it doesnt mess things up I would do that. The tilt function is useless to me.

I dont know why you keep talking about shorter antennas? I understand how a cb antenna works and what you need to transmit and receive properly. I just want some opinions of antennas I can compare and decide on. Again I know how I want to mount it, I'm not asking for mounting locations or mounting advise I want antenna advise. I want people to recommend antennas and not talk to me like Ive never done this. I know in the twenty years I have not kept up with what is available things have changed and antennas have come and gone.

Rabbiporkchop antenna choice is OK.

But, the Sirio can be unlocked and lay down when you put the truck in the garage; the President antenna cannot.
The Sirio really is the best choice; I think many will agree. We've have many discussions about it on the forum. Many people use it.

Tell ya what; I'll let them chime in and let you know.

 

[skylloga]

The meat and potato's of this is I will not hold traffic up to pull into a parking garage just to lay the antenna down. That is why Im thinking mounting it on the front bed rail middle of the bed so the only thing really affected is the top 4ish feet of whip.

Im looking at the non tilt antenna and thinking about getting a shaft to raise the coil to just above the cab. With it mounted on the front of the bed I think it would flex enough that it would be ok. And I wouldnt have to worry about it flexing my roof.

 

[BammBamm]

I’m running a Tram tbc9 on a Tram triple mag mount. Got the antenna from Walmart on line for $15 shipped. It hits a lot of stuff but for $15 it’s replaceable.

 

[357magnum]

First Skylloga Welcome to the forum , Here's a thought , because I'm not a fan of antennas mounted on the bed rails behind the cab ( if that's were you plan on mounting it ) I think you loose too much in transmit and receive (jmo) purchase two magmount antennas a short cheap one and a decent one and swap them out when you are storm chasing as it seems you do that also . Once you have your swr's set on both antennas it takes a few minutes to change them . I use a Stryker magmount on my Explorer and have had great comments on it . The antenna is built like a tank . Good Luck .

 

[undertaker]

I have a 102 inch whip with spring on my tool box works great!!

 

[Blackcat630]

If height is your concern and understandingly you don't want to have to fold it up and down repeatedly, a bed rail or hood lip mount might be your only option. If I were to go down the bed rail route IMO I would mount it on a rear bed stake pocket. The front will have whatever shorter antenna you pick to close to the cab metal. Putting it on the rear will get it away from the cab..better performance and easier to tune. One disadvantage to remember is this will make the antenna slightly directional. Since most the metal is in front of the antenna it will work better wherever you aim the truck..

 

[Robb]

Inside/middle of the bed rail next to the cab is a really bad idea, as this will affect its radiating pattern too much. Too much metal too close to the radiating antenna.

Try again.