Antenna for my work truck

[n2877]

I have a feeling this is like asking what is the best handgun for self defense, but I'm looking to put an antenna on my work truck somewhere, not sure where exactly. And I'm looking for suggestions on what would be a good antenna and antenna mount. it will be on an 2017 Dodge 2500. Since it's a work truck I don't want to drill any holes in it. thanks for any help. 

[WRWE456]

Best location is the center of the roof. Can you do that or is there a cargo rack or something that would make that not practical? If that location works then a magnet mount is your best bet.

[WRWE456]

Also if you want versatility for trying different antennas go with an NMO type mount. That will allow you to use any NMO antenna.

Here is an example: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/melowave-mtm-1435.html

Mag mounts work good on vehicles that you don't want to modify.

Tell us more about your requirements. Height restrictions? Range desired? Terrain in the area? What radio are you using?

[WRYZ926]

I have to agree with @WRWE456, more information is needed so we can make recommendations. If you have eight restrictions, then something like the Nagoya UT-72G or Tram 1174 will work well. The Nagoya is 19" long and the Tram is even shorter. The Comet 2x4SR is an excellent antenna if you don't have to worry about height restrictions, it is around 38" long.

As mentioned, the center of the cab roof is the best spot. A lip mount on the hood or mounting on the top of the bed rails will work but not ideal or as good as the cab. I agree that going with a NMO mount is best. Go with a magnet mount if you don't want to drill any holes. The Midland and Melowave magnet mounts are pretty nice at reasonable prices.

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, WRYZ926 said:

The Midland and Melowave magnet mounts are pretty nice at reasonable prices.

I’ve gotten some cheap magnet mounts at swaps. Also got a new tri-magnet mount new. The later I had to go through and swap out all the steel hardware, screws-washers-nuts, for stainless steel. Check what you have. If it uses steel consider swapping the hardware out for stainless. It will hold up much longer exposed to the weather.

[WRDJ205]

3 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

The Midland and Melowave magnet mounts are pretty nice at reasonable prices.

I’m running the Midland mag mount (MXTA12) and haven’t had any issues.  I’m in a rental so similar situation.  Using the Midland ghost (MXTA25) but likely going to give the MXTA26 a try pretty soon.  

[WRYZ926]

I am using the MXTA12 and Melowave mag mounts and I haven't had any issues. The Melowave has been holding my Comet 2x4SR to the expanded metal rack on my SxS without any issues.

[tcp2525]

I know you're really against punching holes in the ol' truck, but the best electronically and to set-it-and-forget-it is to punch a 3/4" hole in the center of the roof and install an NMO mount. When it comes time to trade or sell, just put an NMO rain cap on the mount and chance are nobody will see it. Of course, it you don't own the truck, just ignore my advice and do what others have mentioned.

[n2877]

On 5/11/2024 at 7:54 AM, tcp2525 said:

I know you're really against punching holes in the ol' truck, but the best electronically and to set-it-and-forget-it is to punch a 3/4" hole in the center of the roof and install an NMO mount. When it comes time to trade or sell, just put an NMO rain cap on the mount and chance are nobody will see it. Of course, it you don't own the truck, just ignore my advice and do what others have mentioned.

I don't own the truck. It's a company owned truck, so what ever I do would have to be somewhat easy to remove. I also don't much room under the covered parking where I park it. I was thinking about some kind of stake hole mount or something that clamps to the bed or hood of the truck. 

[WRQC527]

14 minutes ago, n2877 said:

I don't own the truck. It's a company owned truck, so what ever I do would have to be somewhat easy to remove. I also don't much room under the covered parking where I park it. I was thinking about some kind of stake hole mount or something that clamps to the bed or hood of the truck. 

I have this Comet mount on the liftgate of my Sienna. The beauty of it is that I can easily lower it to get in the garage. I run a Jetstream JTM3B antenna that matches well on both amateur and GMRS frequencies. Perhaps you could afix it to the rear door of the truck like the fella in the other picture (not the same mount, but you get the idea.) These things are pretty versatile so even if it won't work on the door, you can configure it to attach somewhere else. 

[tcp2525]

39 minutes ago, n2877 said:

I don't own the truck. It's a company owned truck, so what ever I do would have to be somewhat easy to remove. I also don't much room under the covered parking where I park it. I was thinking about some kind of stake hole mount or something that clamps to the bed or hood of the truck. 

You might want to get a trunk lip mount with NMO and cable. I used one on my Lincoln as the roof was glass and that was the only option. Easy to install and remove. Sorry, I don't have a model  number, but I believe Comet or Diamond made it.

[tcp2525]

5 minutes ago, WRQC527 said:

I have this Comet mount on the liftgate of my Sienna. The beauty of it is that I can easily lower it to get in the garage. I run a Jetstream JTM3B antenna that matches well on both amateur and GMRS frequencies. Perhaps you could afix it to the rear door of the truck like the fella in the other picture (not the same mount, but you get the idea.) These things are pretty versatile so even if it won't work on the door, you can configure it to attach somewhere else. 

That's the mount I was talking about in a previous post. Great mount!

[n2877]

thank you for all the help and options. now I have to decide which one. Im guessing that the one that is mounted on the back door doesn't allow rain to get into the truck.

[WRQC527]

6 minutes ago, n2877 said:

thank you for all the help and options. now I have to decide which one. Im guessing that the one that is mounted on the back door doesn't allow rain to get into the truck.

Be careful though, if you run the coax past the weatherstripping it can leak, and it also may pinch the coax. I had to run mine into the interior without going through the weatherstripping. It took some searching to find a path using existing holes and factory rubber plugs, but ultimately I was able to bring the coax to the radio without introducing leaks or damage. I would suggest if you do mount it on the door, that you mount it on the hinge edge of the door to minimize movement of the antenna and coax when you open and close the door.

[tcp2525]

4 minutes ago, WRQC527 said:

Be careful though, if you run the coax past the weatherstripping it can leak, and it also may pinch the coax. I had to run mine into the interior without going through the weatherstripping. It took some searching to find a path using existing holes and factory rubber plugs, but ultimately I was able to bring the coax to the radio without introducing leaks or damage. I would suggest if you do mount it on the door, that you mount it on the hinge edge of the door to minimize movement of the antenna and coax when you open and close the door.

I ran mine through the firewall and mounted it to the hood. This would be best for his installation as he won't have to worry about parking garages.