Will this cb antenna setup work?

[cool breeze]

Im done searching, cant find exactly the option im looking for so i apologize ahead if its been beaten to death already. Here's what i want to do:

1. Firestik 2 on my front MetalTech bumper (what length is rec. for moderate use)

2. A permanent mount with a 90 degree turn don so i can lay it on the bumper when not in use and flip up easily when hitting the trail/road

Will this setup produce decent/good results? I dont need tip top cb performance just better than my cheap mag mount wilson antenna that im running now.
TIA

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Get a Wilson. Much better antenna.

If you can you'll want to get the load (tight wrap of wire) up above your roof if you can. You'll get the best out of the antenna that way. The taller the better generally, but, we all have to compromise at some point. Who wants to run around with 102" whip?

Butch

 

[Mountainclimber]

Get a Wilson. Much better antenna.

If you can you'll want to get the load (tight wrap of wire) up above your roof if you can. You'll get the best out of the antenna that way.

X 2 Ditto Wilson makes a great antenna. Look at their Silverload line. Comes in all kinds of lengths from 2 to 5 feet. About the same price as the Firestik.

 

[cool breeze]

Okay, if they're better than I will look into them. Thanks, any idea of a mount that exists in what im looking for?

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Not sure what the mount would be like. As long as it's got a solid ground you're good to go. Consider dropping by the closest truck stop to see if they carry the Wilsons because they usually have an assortment of mounts too. They might have something you haven't thought of and usaully have a great selection of Wilsons. Pilot has better prices than Flying J who has better prices than T/A.

Butch

 

[greentruck]

I'd avoid a fold-over mount. Better to have one good mount and swap two different tuned antennas onto it as needed. Short for around town/getting into the parking garage and long for on the road/trail.

 

[cool breeze]

Whats wrong with a fold over mount, if i can find one anyways. ?

 

[greentruck]

Josh,
Nothing particularly wrong with with a fold-over mount. It's just been my experience that the simpler things are, the less they will give you problems. A foldover mount may take a beating on a tight trail from brush, for instance, that could compromise its performance or cause the mount to fail.

Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference in something like this. For instance, a lot of people wouldn't have an on-glass antenna. I've actually had pretty good luck with them. Admittedly, they are a compromise in some ways.

I started off using an extra on-glass antenna to supplement my primary scanner antenna when traveling out west, since I'm into milcom scanning and there's so much more action when traveling out there than around here.

Later I added a CB antenna for low-band VHF coverage, too, but found I could tune it so that I got a pretty low SWR on it. Never used it for that on my old truck, as I had a dedicated CB antenna on it already.

When we bought our 80 last fall, I had to consider what to do in setting it up. With it being a taller vehicle already than the Isuzu Rodeo it replaced and and a low clearance garage to fit it in, I decided to go with a glass mount CB antenna for now. It tuned down easily, even with the factory tint, and works well. I attached it and the scanner antenna on the opposite side on the rear slider windows so they just clear coming into the garage.

Eventually, I'm planning on doing what you're doing, putting the CB antenna on the front bumper once it's upgraded to hold a winch. More than likely, I think I'll be able to put a 4' stick on it, but that depends on getting slightly taller tires, a very modest lift, and a low profile rack to squeeze through my garage door. Then I'll recycle the current CB antenna to use as a supplemental scanner antenna again.

 

[cool breeze]

Thanks a lot of the input, it will definitely help me make a decision. Ill make sure to post up what i go with.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

...have one good mount and swap two different tuned antennas onto it as needed. Short for around town/getting into the parking garage and long for on the road/trail.

This is exactly what I do too. I ran a cheap little Tiger in town that doesn't bang on my garage door, but, the load (tightest section of coiled wire) is well below my roof line and does not broadcast as well that way. Plus I will not care as much if someone decides to break it off.

Butch

 

[JimmieT]

Just installed a Wilson FGT Fibergalss on my FJ40. It's 48" long with a tuneable tip. The antenna is rated for 1000 watts (I'm lucky if my CB puts out 3 watts).

I mounted it on the spare tire carrier with a spring and a quick release, so I can take the antenna off to get in my garage.

Tuning for SWR was easy. I had to move the tip out (make the antenna longer) by about 1/2". My SWR on CH 1 is 1.4, and on CH 40 is 1.5.

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Just installed a Wilson FGT Fibergalss on my FJ40. It's 48" long with a tuneable tip...

...Tuning for SWR was easy. I had to move the tip out (make the antenna longer) by about 1/2". My SWR on CH 1 is 1.4, and on CH 40 is 1.5.

And my local radio shop says that they don't like Wilsons because they're hard to tune. Even though they sell them but push a cheaper brand. Whatever.

Glad to hear it's all working out for you guys!

Butch