VHF Radio and Antenna Routing Suggestions

[grendel]

I use a VHF radio running a 1/4 wave antenna on my Gen 3. Currently, it's hooked up to the rear door and routed inside via the window. It works acceptably, but I'd like to run it on top of of the cap I have over my bed. This would have me run the connection inside my bed cap, out through the front of the bed and into the main cabin. Has anyone done this before and provide advice? I'm worried about water ingress, chafing of the antenna wire, etc. I live in the mountains of Colorado and routinely experience very cold temps, water crossings, snow, etc. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[MajorAR]

Why not get an antenna mount for your 3rd brake light? And then run the wiring through the 3rd brake light into the cabin?

Brake Light Antenna Mount

New Aluminum body that won't hold a magnetic mount antenna? Don't want to drill a hole in your roof? Bullet Proof Diesel has created a patented solution - a Third Brake Light Antenna Mount. Simple to install and can be done with a minimal amount of tools. This clever design attaches a hole mount...

www.pciraceradios.com

 

[grendel]

Why not get an antenna mount for your 3rd brake light? And then run the wiring through the 3rd brake light into the cabin?

That's a great idea. I looked at that possibility. I often run a rack that sticks out back behind the rear of the cab and slightly over the bed cap. I'd have to route the antenna though that and avoid putting any gear over it. It's a possibility. And might have to revisit it.

 

[mobob]

I had similar radio need while confronting the issue of a low garage and the occasional parking garages I needed to use. Both would not allow the use of a NMO or 3rd Brake light mount in the ideal reception place. I came up with this solution for my 1/4 wave antenna's on my Gen1 and moved it to my Gen3. It still provides very good coverage without needing to take them off all the time. They clear the roof by about an inch for reference.

I used a 60in piece of 8020 15/30 extrusion secured to the bed cover with 6-8 t-slot anchors, some rubber washers and associated screws. I mounted two reverse lights on a pair of 8020 90 degree brackets and two antennae on some steel shipping angle brackets I modified/painted for the magnetic mount antennae. I ran the cables through the unused grooves in the extrusion to hide them, then down between the Bed and the cab and entered the cab through the vent behind the rear passenger seat. No cables in the bed to be crushed and very clean outside.

Hope this helps.

 

[grendel]

I had similar radio need while confronting the issue of a low garage and the occasional parking garages I needed to use. Both would not allow the use of a NMO or 3rd Brake light mount in the ideal reception place. I came up with this solution for my 1/4 wave antenna's on my Gen1 and moved it to my Gen3. It still provides very good coverage without needing to take them off all the time. They clear the roof by about an inch for reference.

I used a 60in piece of 8020 15/30 extrusion secured to the bed cover with 6-8 t-slot anchors, some rubber washers and associated screws. I mounted two reverse lights on a pair of 8020 90 degree brackets and two antennae on some steel shipping angle brackets I modified/painted for the magnetic mount antennae. I ran the cables through the unused grooves in the extrusion to hide them, then down between the Bed and the cab and entered the cab through the vent behind the rear passenger seat. No cables in the bed to be crushed and very clean outside.

Hope this helps.

Thank you! That's a pretty slick mount. I appreciate the details!

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

come down off the mountain. i can help you out

 

[OxWhiteRaptor]

I had similar radio need while confronting the issue of a low garage and the occasional parking garages I needed to use. Both would not allow the use of a NMO or 3rd Brake light mount in the ideal reception place. I came up with this solution for my 1/4 wave antenna's on my Gen1 and moved it to my Gen3. It still provides very good coverage without needing to take them off all the time. They clear the roof by about an inch for reference.

I used a 60in piece of 8020 15/30 extrusion secured to the bed cover with 6-8 t-slot anchors, some rubber washers and associated screws. I mounted two reverse lights on a pair of 8020 90 degree brackets and two antennae on some steel shipping angle brackets I modified/painted for the magnetic mount antennae. I ran the cables through the unused grooves in the extrusion to hide them, then down between the Bed and the cab and entered the cab through the vent behind the rear passenger seat. No cables in the bed to be crushed and very clean outside.

Hope this helps.

Curious if this is still working for you. Have you had any water intrusion issues running the coax through the cab vent? I want to do this same thing, but worried about fkng something up with the vent and water intrusion. I assume you crawled under the truck in order to feed it through?

Thanks!

 

[mobob]

I tied small U in the cable for the water to drip off so it didn't just run down the cable into the vent. I haven't had any issues, most of the vent still closes as I trimmed the flaps to just fit the cable.

I don't remember exactly how I fed the cable, just cussing a little. You have to be gentle with the cable end as it will barely fit through the vent. I think I took the vent out and then fed it through the vent and reinstalled it.