Where's a good place to mount a CB antenna on a 4Runner? I've searched the site, but found primarily discussions of where to mount the radio unit.

What have you found works (and doesn't work) for antenna locations?

Mike

<small>[ 16 April 2002, 12:12 AM: Message edited by: Aurora Sandman ]</small>

The most popular place seems to be the front left fender, but I think a glass mount works nice too. According to Corey its all in the ground plane. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

Go to firestick and read their tech stuff as a start.

The left fender is popular because, from what I've read, its a reasonable compromise between performance and aesthetics for many vehicles. There are some "rules" about how far you want to keep it away from the windshield to get good results. Too close and the upper part of the body blocks the signal in certain directions. Too close to the front and the ground plane business means that you'll have more signal strength toward the back than out front. (Maybe if you're the leader of the pack, that's what you want. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> )

The middle of the roof is the best place for many vehicles, but most people don't like drilling holes in the roof to mount an antenna. There is also the clearance issue - got to watch out for garages, trees, etc a lot more.

I'm not sure I understand what was being suggested for a glass mount, but I don't think I've heard of anyone actually recommending a "through-the-glass" antenna or the "share the am/fm antenna" gizmos as good solutions.

I'd suggest a web search for cb antennas. There are lots of issues and even all the info out there still leaves many questions unanswered.

There should be some search hits that popped up antennas too, as it's been discussed.

But yes, I had very good luck with it up on my left fender.

Got a very good 1 to 1.5 match all around the CB channels.

I have since moved it though to my new bumper.
Still have a very good match on the bumper too.
Less stress there too than on the fenders sheet metal.

The info on Firestick's website is great.
They answer a lot of ?'s, and go into detail.
Corey

The best place to mount for performance, is the center of the roof. Larsen makes a line of commercial grade antennas called the NMO series. It does require a 3/4" or 7/8" hole in the roof and uses a triple o-ring seal. This is the type of skinny 48" whip you see on police, fire etc.... The base is loaded and black is an option. You would have to get this antenna at a commercial two-way radio shop not a c.b. shop or walmart.

Here is a Quote from Larsen

"Correct antenna placement is critical to the performance of an antenna. An antenna mounted on the roof will function better than the same antenna installed on the hood or trunk of a car. Knowledge of the vehicle may also be an important factor in determining what type of antenna to use. You do not want to install a glass mount antenna on the rear window of a vehicle in which metal has been used to tint the glass. The metal tinting will work as a shield and not allow signals to pass through the glass."

Most people sh%* when you tell them about a hole in thier roof but it does make a big difference. I have been working in the 2-way radio industry for like 14 years now so I know this stuff well. When you go to sell your rig, either leave the antenna and c.b. or there is a rubber hole plug made specific for this. I have installed hundreds of these for ploice fire etc.. and have had no problems with water leaks. If you visit thier site, look for the NMO series in the low-band antennas.. Mike

I use a Wilson 1000 Magnetic mount. Never had it knocked off. I just put it up there when I need it.

I use a wire style one that is clamped down on my Yakima rack. I had a magnetic mounted one, but found that it was constantly being knocked off by overhanging trees here in northern Colorado. I have had very good luck with the current setup so far.

Sport:)

That is one reason I did not opt for a center roof mount.
Up where I go there are too many low hanging branches that would rip off a mag mount, or break a standard permanent roof mount.
Corey

The wire part on the Wilson is really thin and flexible. I have went under may Mesquite trees that hang awfully low, scratched my roof all up, and the mount stayed put and the antenna just bounced around.

Works for me.

LVSPARK got the best answer, IMO.

center top of roof gives you the best ground plane...