I do a lot of hunting in remote areas and am often there alone. Given that I'm older now and have a health concern, I think it's time for me to install a cell phone booster like the WeBoost OTR in my 2000 Tacoma. It's antenna attaches to a standard CB radio antenna mount but probably wouldn't work with a magnetic mount because it looks like a can of beans on a stick. So,,,
What's a good, solid way to mount this antenna to my gen 1 Tacoma?
Do you have experience with the WeBoost you'd like to share?

 

I think Habenaro has a bumper mount. I would think you could bend up a plate like a Z to bolt into the side of the bumper mount, come up between the body and the bumper, and have a flat end that you could drill and tap for your base.

 

I don't think they make them anymore, but about 6 years ago I bought a Wilson booster that has a small magnetic antenna. It works great for me. I know technology has come a long way since then...

The boosters work great. They won't make a signal out of nothing, and I spend a lot of time, including hunting, in areas with no service at all. But I've found if there is a small signal, it'll give you enough to get a text out. If you could get a text out but not make a call, it'll boost enough to make a call, and maybe even use some internet.

 

As I talked with more guys using cellphone boosters, I talked myself out of buying one. None of them were impressed with very remote results.

 

My little bit of research talked me out of a booster too. I don't know anything about the Spot or Inreach...maybe look into those because of health concern?

fierohink is right, I currently have a front bumper mount cb antenna. I've also had one below the taillight and one above the taillight.

 

I've been carrying the Spot Messenger since they first offered service and I love my Spot. However, when hunting I can only send a pre-made message which may say, "Successful hunt." I'd like to be able to add something like "really need help packing out" or "am close to road so can pack it out myself." Or even "injured and really, really need help."

I think the Spot X is in my very near future.

 

Yes, the WeBoost OTR is worth it for hunting in remote areas as long as there’s at least a weak signal — it won’t create service, but it can make marginal coverage usable for calls and texts. On a Gen-1 Tacoma, the best mounting method is a solid CB-style bracket on the bed rail or stake pocket since the antenna is heavy and tall. Hood-hinge mounts also work well if you don’t want to drill. Magnetic mounts usually aren’t stable enough. Most users say performance depends a lot on good grounding and proper antenna placement.