Best antenna for lifted pick up truck !!!??

[W5LZ]

What that tool box is made from makes no difference as long as it's metal. Plastic tool boxes don't work worth a hoot.
Propagation is 'Momma Nature's business, nothing you do is going to affect that much at all. And while where you place an antenna on a truck/car/whatever will have some affect on it's radiation pattern, that affect isn't going to be earth shattering in most cases. A lot of people have antennas on tool boxes and they work just dandy. As long as that box is connected to the truck it should do fine. That usually amounts to a couple of bolts and maybe a lock-wash or two (and making sure the truck bed is also connected to the rest of the vehicle electrically). In general, antennas would rather be on top of metal than beside metal and they don't like being under metal. You also have to be practical. Meaning that there are instances where you just can't put an antenna on 'top'. So, you do what you can...
- 'Doc

 

[Mobiletruck-tech]

Thanks for all the great ideas ! I did mount a Wilson trucker to the middle of tool box used the long shaft and a heavy duty stainless steel spring , my s.w.r is 1to 1.2 , I have only had a chance to talk a few miles a way , ( have the truck in my shop for the winter ! , took it to the alignment shop today , damn big tires ! But radio seems to work good , but I have not checked the maximum effective range yet , on a side note I do have about 10 extra ground straps to cab, box , engine , dash and tools box , - don't know if it makes a difference with the radio , but everything else it seems to help . If it doesn't work good ... Back to the drawing board !! Let you all know of my end results ...

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

Most everyone in my neck of the woods run power(11 meters) on their bases and mobile. I don't run power. O' the legalities with CB band! Quiet conditions,a well tuned radio,and a good antenna