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Old 07-31-2017, 07:11 PM   #1
Slufoot733
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Mounting an antenna on a Ford Super Duty

I have always had a keen interest in two way radios. Having worked in law enforcement and the rail industry I had plenty of exposure to them. Additionally, I have always had a CB in my vehicles. Now I am approaching getting my Ham Radio License, hopefully this fall.
Since we are traveling more I want my radios with me. The CB in my truck (2016 F350) is coupled to a glass mount antenna; adequate but not great. I listen far more than I talk on the CB. If I move to a ham radio I want a GOOD antenna. My problem is finding a good place to mount one on this truck. On my '99 SD I had a good spot on the mirror tubes but the newer trucks have larger, plastic mirror arms that do not accommodate any commercially available mounts.
So, I am seeking info on how you hams mount your antennas on your two vehicles, without drilling holes in the body. I suppose a mag mount could serve but I would rather a more permanent installation.
Thanks for any advice.

Kevin
 
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Old 08-01-2017, 08:06 AM   #2
762x51
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Hi Kevin,

What band are you looking to use - 2 meters, 440, HF or all 3.

If you're just going to use 2m & 440 then it's easy to mount a antenna on the front of your truck so you want have any issues with trailer clearance.

You can use HF also but you'll need a radio and antenna combo such as the Yaesu FT-991 and ATAS-120A and something like the the Comet Antennas CP-5M mount which will clamp to the edge of your truck's hood.

Lots of choices -

Orin (WA4TBR)
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Old 08-01-2017, 03:31 PM   #3
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Orin, I am not that familiar with the various types of Ham Radios yet. I have to contact the local radio club to start learning what I need to do to get started. As for the band....
probably the most commonly used by RVers to start.
My main issue is exactly how to mount an antenna (ham, scanner or cb) on this particular vehicle. Most newer vehicles do not accommodate after market equipment very well. My new truck has a massive center consul that eliminates any extra space for a radio. And all I gained was four cup holders! SHEESH! As for an outside antenna (except a mag mount) there's really no good spot to mount one. The outside mirrors are square plastic, not round stainless steel like the old days.
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Old 08-01-2017, 06:25 PM   #4
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Here is some info on the antenna mount and others:

http://www.cometantenna.com/amateur-...nts-with-coax/

Comet also makes some decent dual band antennas:

http://www.cometantenna.com/amateur-.../ma-dual-band/

Like you mentioned, I would talk to some of the club members and I'm sure they will help you select what's right for you.

Also, regarding the radio - Some of the newer radios have removable control heads that are easy to install on your dash with a small cable running to the radio which you would mount under the front or rear seat.
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Old 08-01-2017, 07:43 PM   #5
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Here is some useful information on mobile instillation.


www.K0BG.com


Also, this web site is for various vehicle mounts.


https://www.breedlovemounts.com/


You can also look at some of the stores online such as Gigaparts, HRO and Universal Radio.


I particularly like the mounts and antennas from Diamond, but everyone has their own preferences. If you can, try to attend a local ham radio show. I go to the one in Dayton OH every year in May. There is always a ton of stuff to see! Good Luck!
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Old 12-16-2018, 03:19 PM   #6
Mosnowman
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To make things even more difficult the new Ford trucks are aluminum, making magnetic mounts unusable...
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Old 10-05-2019, 03:14 PM   #7
dmheil
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On my 2017 SuperDuty I ended up installing a "BackRack" and drilling the top bar of it for an NMO mount. Essentially a $350.00 antenna mount. I did not like the idea of the front fender and the entire aluminum body removed the magnetic mount option. It's an idea.

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Old 11-01-2019, 04:17 AM   #8
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Mobile operation is a poor way to be introduced to amateur radio, since contacts on HF are often spotty and difficult. Additionally, the antennas for those frequencies can be large and not really suitable if you are towing a fiver. Two meter and 440 operation is certainly practical, and you should be able to attach an antenna to the roof or hood of the SD with a mag mount, since the 16's are still real metal. VHF/repeater operation today, however, is not like it was in years past. Most folks have seemed to cool on this and it may be difficult to find someone to reply to you. There are some dual band handhelds that can be purchased for less than 40 bucks that can get you on those bands to experiment locally.
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Old 04-09-2020, 12:11 PM   #9
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How did it all come out???? N6PAS asking
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Old 04-09-2020, 05:21 PM   #10
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Are there any ham clubs in your area? There should be some mobile hams.


KA8ZZK Michigan
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Old 04-09-2020, 07:54 PM   #11
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Check the internet for "Sam's Radio Hams". This is west coast group.
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Old 04-10-2020, 10:01 AM   #12
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beware of magnetic mounts. I had a small SiriusXM mounted on the roof with a magnet. After a couple of years (more or less) my truck compass went flakey. Dealer de-gaussed roof and fixed compass and I removed the antennae. The compass had something built into the roof.
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Old 04-10-2020, 01:45 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twindman View Post
beware of magnetic mounts. I had a small SiriusXM mounted on the roof with a magnet. After a couple of years (more or less) my truck compass went flakey. Dealer de-gaussed roof and fixed compass and I removed the antennae. The compass had something built into the roof.
That is a really good point. I have never considered that possibility.
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Old 01-07-2021, 12:25 PM   #14
RandyH
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theantennafarm.com has vehicle specific mounts for multiple brands and makes of vehicles. Several years ago I purchased one from them to use on my f150.
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Old 08-22-2021, 07:50 AM   #15
Doug. H.
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Take the truck to a radio shop and have an NMO mount installed on the roof of the cab.

Doug
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Old 08-22-2021, 04:29 PM   #16
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You realize this thread started when his 2016 Superduty was new?
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