aztoyman

It seems that the best location for a CB antenna is on the top center of the cab. Nobody really wants to drill a hole in the top of their cab and magnets fall off too much when off road.

I was considering either a hood mount or bed rail mount but if the top of the cab is best, how about a tab welded to the center of my roll bar?

It would put the base of the antenna close to the top of the cab. Would this be acceptable?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. After searching I'm finding out how much of a compromise typical pickup antenna mounting locations are.

I'm in AZ desert so not a lot of trees to deal with. Occasionally go through brush that will knock my side view mirrors out of adjustment but center of trail usually clear.

I'm thinking center location would be best but behind cab is supposed to be a bad spot.

aztoyman

Here are the locations I was considering. Recommendations?



Hard to see in resized pic. I drew in location 1 in front then location 2 and 3 going rearward.

SoCal4Running

Its OKish anywhere on the vehicle.

The main thing is if you want the maximum possible range? or do you just want to be able to talk to those in your group on the trail ahead and behind?



Distance is a big variable but the longer the antenna and higher up it is mounted the better.

Antenna design and construction material matters also.
A Single Fiberglass (2' or 5') will transmit from 2-7 miles, but a 102" SS Whip will go 7-10 Miles.
Both assume ideal mounting location and being tuned for proper SWR.

aztoyman

Well.............I want it all of coarse. I guess just being able to talk on the trail and not get my antenna ripped off is my main objective. I'm the only guy in my group that doesn't have a radio. I'm also the only guy with a pickup.

The Jeep guys have plenty of pre built options. Seems us Toyota types have to do a lot of fabbin.

I think I'll try the roll bar and see how it goes. I can put it in the other locations if it doesn't work out.

I was thinking of getting a Wilson Flex but rightchannelradios recommends the Firestik FS II. I'm a total CB newb so just trying to figure things out.

Thanks for the reply.

SoCal4Running

I ran a 102" Whip on my CUCV, had it mounted centered on the bed just behind the window... I got used to it dragging going thru Drive Thru's

You can see how much the body of the vehicle affects the pattern, the antenna on the front corners would basically just reverse the pattern of it mounted on the rear.

For group use you'd be all right with it anywhere for the most part. Might drop out on the highway or if your way behind.... or in front

Stetson_md

On a side note if you have an old Nextel/sprint phone sitting around the direct talk (not direct connect)still works and its free they have a 7mile range 10channels and a private feature. And they slide right in your pocket so you ddon't have to stay within ear shot of your truck

aztoyman

I used to have a Nextel when I was a field service Caterpillar tech but it was company provided.

They were definitely better than our radios. Didn't have to drive up on a hill to get reception.

Thanks for the flashback.

Stetson_md

You can get em on ebay dirt cheap its just gotta be a nextel/iden Motorola