Mobile Antenna?

[ctvanover]

Hey guys! It's been a while. I have an '03 Chevy Silverado ext. cab and I was wondering just exactly where would be the best place to put an antenna on it? And what kind of mobile antenna would be the best? I plan on using a Magnum S9 radio mounted under the dash. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
ctvanover

 

[Robb]

First choice for a magnet mount: Wilson 1000
Wilson 1000 Magnetic Mount Mobile Antenna
Second choice: Wilson 5000
Wilson 5000 Magnet Mount Mobile Antenna

First choice for a permanent mount: Predator 10K
Predator 10-K Aluminum Coil Antenna 9" Shaft
Second choice: Monkey Made
Monkey Made 72"Open Coil Antenna

 

[undertaker]

Wilson 1000 roof mount!!!!

 

[Chop]

wilson 5000 roof mount.

 

[W5LZ]

The 'best' antenna you could use is one that you've made resonant and have matched impedances to 50 ohms with. It helps if it's as long as a typical 1/4 wave length of the frequency of use, or at least close. From there, it's just a matter of finding the one that best fits your situation as something close to a reasonable price. What it 'looks' like is a side benefit/liability since that has nothing to do with it's electrical abilities.
So, given the choices you've already gotten, which do you think would be 'best' for you?
- 'Doc

 

[mackmobile43]

Hey guys! It's been a while. I have an '03 Chevy Silverado ext. cab and I was wondering just exactly where would be the best place to put an antenna on it? And what kind of mobile antenna would be the best? I plan on using a Magnum S9 radio mounted under the dash. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
ctvanover

I was wondering just exactly where would be the best place to put an antenna on it?

Smack dab in the middle of the cabs roof.

And what kind of mobile antenna would be the best?

Any of the Wilson magnet mounts are a good choice as are the predators, just depends on how serious you are to make your install as good as it can be and if that's the case you'll want to hard mount an antenna.

 

[Wire Weasel]

Extended cab 1500 here. 102" stainless whip on front right corner of bed rail. Took piece of 1" x 1/4" aluminum bar stock cut about 4" long. Drilled hole for a straight 3/8 x 24 threaded stud mount. Two other holes for attaching to bed rail top (holes for them also drilled) Using 6" extension to make resonant across 11 meters and into the lower channels. The longer antenna you use (more signal capture area) the better ears you'll have.

Worky fine

Would post pic....but it's all covered up with frozen snow at the moment

 

[ctvanover]

Wire Weasel I sure would like some pic's when you can.

And how about a 5/8 wave dual band 2 meter/440 antenna with a mag mount? And if I go with a standard mount, what about bolting it to an aluminum tool box mounted in the bed behind the cab?

 

[ctvanover]

Is a 1/4 wave better than a 5/8 on a mobile?

 

[jessejamesdallas]

Is a 1/4 wave better than a 5/8 on a mobile?

Depends on how low the bridges are where you live...

 

[ctvanover]

Just an occasional one every now and then....mainly out on the main highways.

 

[Chop]

hell, i'd go with a 102" or 108". can't beat them for the money invested.

 

[Robb]

Well, I would make it all really simple and effective. I wouldn't put an antenna on a tool box behind the cab if I could avoid it. You can mount one there; but it would be best to put it on top of the cab instead. This way, the height of the vehicle will work for you. Putting it below the level of the cab will create some propagation issues.

The simple solution that I would recommend, is it get a Wilson 1000 or 5000 magnet mout antenna and put it on top of the center of the cab. It can be easily removed and put inside the vehicle so that it won't be vandalized or stolen. And it will amaze you with some really decent performance when you run it, as my Wilson 1000 does for me. Price vs performance is exceptional w/o hacking up your vehicle!

BTW - you cannot use a 2m/440 antenna on unless you are a Ham and have a 2m/440 radio. Apples and oranges. You cannot put a 5/8 wave antenna on you vehicle - they are 23 ft tall. The Wilson 1000/5000 antennas work like a 1/4 wave antenna; but are shorter. The base loading coil at the bottom electrically tricks the whip above it into acting like a 1/4 wave antenna.

Dos centavos...