We ordered one a few weeks ago. Has anyone here personally done a radio install in one? If so, did you run into any problems with finding a place for the antenna?
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Dodge Ram Promaster HiRoof 2500
- Thread starter 86lidewell
- Start date
I seem to remember a recent thread on this?? Maybe 2-3 months ago?? Try the "Search" feature.
73
David
73
David
https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads...of-90-vs-107-4-ss-whip-center-roof-90.260488/
Here is a starter thread.
73
David
Here is a starter thread.
73
David
thats why I did not find it. Not specific to my van. I dont think I could make it under a bridge with a 108 SS whip in the center of a "high roof" 
Look for RAM BODYBUILDER info as these are used with two-way radios for business and public service.
An NMO-mount would seem to make the most sense.
(Don’t know what is your use; I take big truck antennas to just under 14’ without trouble; my pickup will sport roof antennas up to that height and shorter for mobile; longer; for stationary).
See threads on Laird and Larsen antennas.
50-150W get the job done on AM for mobile highway comms, IMO. Their antennas ought to be a default choice.
The higher performance antennas are going to be 7-9’ tall. (See the range of PRESIDENT antennas, also).
A Sirio 3/8-24 5000 is 6’8”.
A President TEXAS is closer to 7’
Choose your preferred clearance height (for most — not necessarily all — situations)
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An NMO-mount would seem to make the most sense.
(Don’t know what is your use; I take big truck antennas to just under 14’ without trouble; my pickup will sport roof antennas up to that height and shorter for mobile; longer; for stationary).
See threads on Laird and Larsen antennas.
50-150W get the job done on AM for mobile highway comms, IMO. Their antennas ought to be a default choice.
The higher performance antennas are going to be 7-9’ tall. (See the range of PRESIDENT antennas, also).
A Sirio 3/8-24 5000 is 6’8”.
A President TEXAS is closer to 7’
Choose your preferred clearance height (for most — not necessarily all — situations)
.
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A word on clearance: 15’ is the tree branch height code. 13’6” on overpasses not considered (legal) to be “low”
Anything up to 13’ is easy (you don’t get to use parking garages or drive-thrus).
Under 11’ for all-around GP (but you still have to watch out).
An antenna under 5’ loses in performance. It’s okay.
How you intend to use it (and what you expect)
Anything up to 13’ is easy (you don’t get to use parking garages or drive-thrus).
Under 11’ for all-around GP (but you still have to watch out).
An antenna under 5’ loses in performance. It’s okay.
How you intend to use it (and what you expect)
Slowmover, thanks! Will post up some pictures of the install and rigexpert graphs once we get the van. I'm thinking the front shelf over the visors will be a great radio mounting location.
(We have the driver passenger swivel seats that come with the RV prep package.)
(We have the driver passenger swivel seats that come with the RV prep package.)
Attachments
Contributor rm McKenna over on RadioRef been doing those installs near a lifetime. Can’t go wrong reading his many posts on CB RADIO sub forum and elsewhere on that maze of forums.
that's the ~300w question...[/QUOTE]
Well, if it’s mobile (versus a parking requirement), that’s one avenue closed
2). If it’s pretty much Eleven Meter only (sub forum thread), that’s yet more;
3). If this is a commuter vehicle primarily (private ownership; non-business), there’s yet more;
4) If this is an RV-spec private commuter where extended travel is contemplated; maybe that forms the best definition.
(You see how I’ve tried for description of use versus vehicle description).
FWIW, the average camping RV owner travels an additional 5,000-miles/year atop other use (model is a tow vehicle for a travel trailer). 15k + 5k?
A). Is the antenna question one where the 15k commuter needs a “shorter” antenna and the 5k traveler needs a “longer” one?
Promaster Height: 88.7” (7.39’)
14.5’ Interstate Maximum (West of IH65)
— 7’ antenna
13.5’ Interstate Legal Minimum (and most states; tractor-trailer needs 13’5”)
— 6’ antenna
11’ Drive-Thru
— 3.5’ rigid (4-ft plus flexible)
My own solution with the pickup (69.5”) is a variety of antennas — 4.5’, 5’, 5.5’, 6’, 7’, 9’ — where a Breedlove puck type serves to mount any of them.
The tallest, with spring, puts me almost dead-on 15’. The shortest, a bit above 10’.
An antenna rack (fishing pole rack) inside the van. Or PVC tube. (You might bag up a Penetrator 500 in 9’ sections to use while camping: coax bridge to a remote tripod mount).
IIRC, a SIRIO Performer is an SO-239 mount 6’ antenna.
The LAIRD CB27S is a 4’ and fraction NMO mount antenna.
Say I wanted both. There are adaptors, but there’s some work involved. Other contributors here knowing more than I will hopefully chime in.
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