2013 Tahoe Police Package PPV

[AggiePhil]

Thanks guys! The first mod will be a magnum height TruckVault system. I also want to tint the windows, outfit it with power folding mirrors, install a CB, and possibly get sheepskin seat covers (or at least the driver's seat).

[Git-R-Done]

Any need of a car alarm? If so I suggest a talking one

[AggiePhil]

No, not thinking I need an alarm. I DO wish the PPVs came with the GM DIC (Driver Information Center), which seems to be the only way to customize things like keyless entry feedback (horn/lights), automatic door locks, etc. Anyone know if there's another way to change these options and/or if a DIC can be added to the PPV?

[ResQguy]

Originally Posted by AggiePhil

No, not thinking I need an alarm. I DO wish the PPVs came with the GM DIC (Driver Information Center), which seems to be the only way to customize things like keyless entry feedback (horn/lights), automatic door locks, etc. Anyone know if there's another way to change these options and/or if a DIC can be added to the PPV?

2012 Tahoe PPV - Add DIC Buttons - Fullsize Truck & SUV - GM-Trucks.com

[AggiePhil]

Awesome! Here's another great thread about adding a DIC. Looks like it's a simple $150 plug and play job!

[bnoland]

Originally Posted by ScannaMan9

Wow
I think wx4emt and bnoland have some competition
After we should start a poll thread to see who has the best Tahoe

Lol, well I am no competition now. When I left the department I also traded my PPV off. I am in a Lexus now as a stay at home dad. I plan the be in a new Grand Cherokee or 4runner 4x4 to use as a camping/traveling rig which I will also setup with my scanner, ham (once I get done with my license, class starts Monday), and toughbook. Who knows what else I will add!

Aggiephil, get choice on the black PPV.

[The_B_Chief]

Originally Posted by AggiePhil

As the Tahoe's arrival gets closer (fingers crossed), I've been trying to make some decisions about upgrades. In terms of the CB, my biggest challenge has been the antenna(s). I want to avoid the trucker look as much as possible. Just don't think it'd look right on a police Tahoe. I don't mind the police look so much (after all, it is a police Tahoe), but it's rare to see CBs on police cars anymore (especially police SUVs). I also have some overhead limitations to keep in mind.

I wish I could use a couple smaller cell phone-esque antennas but everything I've read says that antenna length is the name of the game with CB and short antennas are darn near worthless.

So if that's the case, the only options I'm really liking right now are dual 4 ft. black Firestiks or a Laird CB27S type antenna (see below).



What do you guys think? Some mounting locations I've considered are the rear bumper (one antenna on each corner) or the front fender/hood. Roof mount would be way too high for getting in and out of the garage every day. Suggestions?

You can't beat a ball mount 102 inch whip. Either bumper mount or rear fender.

[Rt169Radio]

A 4 foot CB antenna is rather short for CB use, have you looked at the Larsen NMO 27 mobile antenna? That antenna is around 53 inches tall and does not look like a common CB antenna.

[AggiePhil]

Yeah, I'm planning on going with a Larsen or Laird NMO antenna. Just gotta figure out where I want to put the CB itself. I'll try to post a pic of the front seat/floorboard area later.

[WX4EMT]

Phil asked me a question off board and I thought it might be better to let others have a crack at answering your question:

I'm trying to put an NMO antenna mount on the hood lip. You've probably seen some photos of similar setups I posted in one of the threads. Are you aware of a BLACK bracket that would allow me to do this? All the ones I'm finding are silver.

Your wish is my command:
Laird Tech LBTB3400 - $6.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

[AggiePhil]

Now that I have the Tahoe, I'm thinking I'll have to modify my plans for the CB. A 52-54" antenna would be taller than the ceiling in my garage. Not really wanting to deal with that. So I guess I'll either have to go with another mounting location or, more likely, a shorter antenna. Usually can't go wrong with a 3' FireStik.

[WX4EMT]

Originally Posted by AggiePhil

Now that I have the Tahoe, I'm thinking I'll have to modify my plans for the CB. A 52-54" antenna would be taller than the ceiling in my garage. Not really wanting to deal with that. So I guess I'll either have to go with another mounting location or, more likely, a shorter antenna. Usually can't go wrong with a 3' FireStik.

Every antenna is a trade off in one way or another, it's a fact of simple physics. For a radio to use on the highway to chit chat or to find out about road hazards (wrecks & smokeys) CB cannot be beat. It is unfortunate that "good" antennas have to be so long.

For local communications, disaster response, and GREAT chit chats without all the cussing and name calling 2 meter HAM is the undisputed king.

Just my 2 cents

[03msc]

Since you brought up the antenna fender mount and then CB antennas I want to throw this one out for input from some of you...

What would you say is the best wideband scanner antenna? I only scan/monitor, no radios only scanners/receivers. I like to monitor Air, VHF, UHF, and 800MHz for the statewide P25 system. I currently have a wideband antenna that looks like a cell phone antenna (but longer) but the coil on it whistles like a freight train (at least I think that's what's whistling...I took the antenna off and didn't hear the whistling so...).

I need the antenna to be fairly short (garage door height issue) but get good reception.

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I value the opinions of those of you I see following and discussing in this board so...I'm posting this up in here.

Thanks in advance and seriously not trying to hijack the thread at all!

[AggiePhil]

Here's a cool Chevy-specific CB antenna mount that should let me put a FireStik in the same place I was looking at for the Larsen.



http://www.walcottcb.com/gm3l-fender...do-p-2015.html

BTW, great question, 03msc.

[WX4EMT]

Originally Posted by 03msc

Since you brought up the antenna fender mount and then CB antennas I want to throw this one out for input from some of you...

What would you say is the best wideband scanner antenna? I only scan/monitor, no radios only scanners/receivers. I like to monitor Air, VHF, UHF, and 800MHz for the statewide P25 system. I currently have a wideband antenna that looks like a cell phone antenna (but longer) but the coil on it whistles like a freight train (at least I think that's what's whistling...I took the antenna off and didn't hear the whistling so...).

I need the antenna to be fairly short (garage door height issue) but get good reception.

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I value the opinions of those of you I see following and discussing in this board so...I'm posting this up in here.

Thanks in advance and seriously not trying to hijack the thread at all!

First question: How much room do you have between your vehicle top and the sill plate of your garage door?
Second question: How much money do you want to spend?
Third question: How late do you want to stay up looking at antennas?

Mobile Antennas : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

The beauty of scanner is that it doesn't have to be a gigantic affair that looks like a lunar probe.

[03msc]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

First question: How much room do you have between your vehicle top and the sill plate of your garage door?
Second question: How much money do you want to spend?
Third question: How late do you want to stay up looking at antennas?

Mobile Antennas : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

The beauty of scanner is that it doesn't have to be a gigantic affair that looks like a lunar probe.

LOL at the third question!

First - not alot... pulling in and out I only clear about 10 inches. The current antenna is actually bent back at a 45 degree angle because otherwise it was getting knocked over every time I backed out (it's magnet mount...yes, I know but let's not start that discussion lol)
Second - Honestly I don't know. $30? $40? $50? And the default "as little as possible - most bang for the buck" applies here. lol

Will a dual band or tri band antenna work just as well (or better?) than this 25-1200Mhz I have right now? Obviously it's a scanner/receive only antenna but I know regular transmit-capable antennas will also work, and maybe even better, on scanners.

[KD2DLL]

So far everything looks good! Very nice.

[AggiePhil]

WeatherTech DigitalFit FloorLiners installed, front and back. Love em! I bought the Silverado over-the-hump model (#442941) for the front and the Tahoe 2nd row bench seat model (#440662) for the rear. Had to do a little bit of cutting on the 2nd row mat but it fits pretty well now.

BEFORE


AFTER




BEFORE


AFTER

[ridgescan]

Originally Posted by AggiePhil

Well...she's here!

Atta-boy!! Nice choice in a truck AP! Next set of tires I'd lose the high pursuit size tires you have there and up the sidewall size a couple #s to fill in the wells That healthy v8 in there will handle it just fine
I would own that beauty!

[AggiePhil]

Guys, thoughts on the floormats?