Upgraded tow vehicle

[Davidbt]

I recently traded my 2021 Ram 1500 for a 2024 Ram 2500 crew cab. I hope to keep this truck for quite a while. At least, that's what I tell myself. I would like to do a NMO mount finally for my QT-80 with a 64" antenna. This truck has a front bench seat and I found a mount that will fit on the hump between the seat and dash. I guess a Larson NMO and base would work with the 64" whip?

 

[mmckenna]

I guess a Larson NMO and base would work with the 64" whip?

Yes, a Larsen NMO mount will work fine for that. However, the Larsen branded products have been shooting up in price recently. You can use any reputable brand NMO mount as they are pretty much standardized.

3/4" NMO Hole Mount 17' RG58/U with PL-259 connector TE Connectivity MB8PS

Manufacturer: TE Connectivity; Description: The Laird MB8PS vehicle roof mount antenna installation hardware kit is for Motorola-style mobile antennas, 0 –

theantennafarm.com

 

[Davidbt]

Yes, a Larsen NMO mount will work fine for that.

Just the guy I was hoping to hear from. Thanks. I know you have installed alot of them, would you be able to point me where to buy the right one?

 

[mmckenna]

Just the guy I was hoping to hear from. Thanks. I know you have installed alot of them, would you be able to point me where to buy the right one?

I don't really recommend any particular dealer, but www.theantennafarm.com has what you need:

3/4" NMO Hole Mount 17' RG58/U with PL-259 connector TE Connectivity MB8PS

Manufacturer: TE Connectivity; Description: The Laird MB8PS vehicle roof mount antenna installation hardware kit is for Motorola-style mobile antennas, 0 –

theantennafarm.com

If you use that part number, you might be able to find it cheaper somewhere else.
Laird, PCTel and Larsen are the reputable makers you want. Do NOT buy the Chinese stuff, Tram, Browning, etc.

NMO mounts are standardized, so you can get any one from those brands and they'll work with the Larsen antenna. You don't need to go overboard on the coaxial cable, either. For mobile use, RG-58 is fine and much easier to run than the larger/stiffer cables.

 

[slowmover]

Aimed this at the desire:

Best Mobile 2025

A general: what should I recommend to friends who want high performance in Citizen Band? Let’s ballpark it at $500 entry. Will last longer than the time they own the automobile. Seatbelts, Concealed Carry, and CITIZEN BAND. This thread aimed at YOU, not the guy who knows even less. However...

forums.radioreference.com

.

 

[Davidbt]

I don't really recommend any particular dealer, but www.theantennafarm.com has what you need:

3/4" NMO Hole Mount 17' RG58/U with PL-259 connector TE Connectivity MB8PS

Manufacturer: TE Connectivity; Description: The Laird MB8PS vehicle roof mount antenna installation hardware kit is for Motorola-style mobile antennas, 0 –

theantennafarm.com

If you use that part number, you might be able to find it cheaper somewhere else.
Laird, PCTel and Larsen are the reputable makers you want. Do NOT buy the Chinese stuff, Tram, Browning, etc.

NMO mounts are standardized, so you can get any one from those brands and they'll work with the Larsen antenna. You don't need to go overboard on the coaxial cable, either. For mobile use, RG-58 is fine and much easier to run than the larger/stiffer cables.

Thanks @mmckenna , very appreciated.

 

[niceguy71]

I recently traded my 2021 Ram 1500 for a 2024 Ram 2500 crew cab. I hope to keep this truck for quite a while. At least, that's what I tell myself. I would like to do a NMO mount finally for my QT-80 with a 64" antenna. This truck has a front bench seat and I found a mount that will fit on the hump between the seat and dash. I guess a Larson NMO and base would work with the 64" whip?

I just bought a full set of just what you need at the antenna farm on May 01 2025

the 64 inch antenna $42.95

the correct base for the 64 inch antennaNMO34bco $63.95

I bought this NMO mount it's 3/8" instead of the 3/4" ....so I could drill a smaller hole 3/8" NMO mount for $33.95 ..... I bought mine without an end so I could cut the coax to the length I need and solder on an end.... but you can buy one with an end if you need.

I also bought a magnetic NMO so I could test the range of the NMO VS the Stryker SAR-10 antenna.... I didn't want to drill the hole in the Jeep until I was positive that this 64" NMO and NMO 34 base would work really good ..or at least as good as the Stryker that we are getting 14.90 miles on a 7 watts AM radio. the magnetic NMO mount $40.95... I'm sure you don't have any metal on the new truck... but I thought I would throw this out there anyway.

and lastly I bought the end ( I have all the strippers and crimpers already ) the PL 259 crimp end

I have not set the SWR on it yet ( I've been insanely busy) so I don't know what to cut off of it yet... but when I get the final length I'll let you know

looks like all the prices have come down since 05/0/2025... they charged me $213.53 for everything... free shipping over $100 bucks

 

[mmckenna]

I bought this NMO mount it's 3/8" instead of the 3/4" ....so I could drill a smaller hole 3/8" NMO mount for $33.95 ..... I bought mine without an end so I could cut the coax to the length I need and solder on an end.... but you can buy one with an end if you need.

@Davidbt Just keep in mind that to use the 3/8" NMO mount, you need to have access to the underside of the cab roof. That means that lowering or removing the headliner is required.

If you go with the standard 3/4" NMO mount like I linked to above, you do not need to remove or lower the headliner.

+1 on buying the mount without the connector, or uninstalled. Much easier to route the cable without a big honkin' PL259 on the end. Either install the connector yourself, or have a shop do it, after cutting the coaxial cable to length.

 

[Davidbt]

I just bought a full set of just what you need at the antenna farm on May 01 2025

the 64 inch antenna $42.95

the correct base for the 64 inch antennaNMO34bco $63.95

I bought this NMO mount it's 3/8" instead of the 3/4" ....so I could drill a smaller hole 3/8" NMO mount for $33.95 ..... I bought mine without an end so I could cut the coax to the length I need and solder on an end.... but you can buy one with an end if you need.

I also bought a magnetic NMO so I could test the range of the NMO VS the Stryker SAR-10 antenna.... I didn't want to drill the hole in the Jeep until I was positive that this 64" NMO and NMO 34 base would work really good ..or at least as good as the Stryker that we are getting 14.90 miles on a 7 watts AM radio. the magnetic NMO mount $40.95... I'm sure you don't have any metal on the new truck... but I thought I would throw this out there anyway.

and lastly I bought the end ( I have all the strippers and crimpers already ) the PL 259 crimp end

I have not set the SWR on it yet ( I've been insanely busy) so I don't know what to cut off of it yet... but when I get the final length I'll let you know

looks like all the prices have come down since 05/0/2025... they charged me $213.53 for everything... free shipping over $100 bucks

Thanks Steve, you've been great help in the past.

 

[Davidbt]

@Davidbt Just keep in mind that to use the 3/8" NMO mount, you need to have access to the underside of the cab roof. That means that lowering or removing the headliner is required.

If you go with the standard 3/4" NMO mount like I linked to above, you do not need to remove or lower the headliner.

+1 on buying the mount without the connector, or uninstalled. Much easier to route the cable without a big honkin' PL259 on the end. Either install the connector yourself, or have a shop do it, after cutting the coaxial cable to length.

We have a stereo shop in town that does antenna work on PoPo's cars. I plan to get a quote from them. It will be a bit, we're having our pre monsoon June heat wave, and we won't be traveling far until November. Thanks @mmckenna 😊

 

[mmckenna]

We have a stereo shop in town that does antenna work on PoPo's cars. I plan to get a quote from them. It will be a bit, we're having our pre monsoon June heat wave, and we won't be traveling far until November. Thanks @mmckenna 😊

OK.

Usuallly "Stereo Shop" and 2 way radios are mutually exclusive in the industry. Many of us have seen horrible, horrible things done by local stereo shops. But if they are doing work for the local agencies, that's a better sign.

The benefit here is that they'll have the correct tools to properly install the antenna, route the cable etc.
What helps is that they will cut the coax cable to the length you need without leaving a bunch extra. Proper installation of the connector will be important.

And that's often a good way to go if you are installing just one. That'll save you the cost of buying all the tools, etc.

Get them to run your power for the radio if you want. Just make sure they land the negative power lead to a body ground near the radio. Don't run it all the way back to the battery.

 

[Davidbt]

OK.

Usuallly "Stereo Shop" and 2 way radios are mutually exclusive in the industry. Many of us have seen horrible, horrible things done by local stereo shops. But if they are doing work for the local agencies, that's a better sign.

The benefit here is that they'll have the correct tools to properly install the antenna, route the cable etc.
What helps is that they will cut the coax cable to the length you need without leaving a bunch extra. Proper installation of the connector will be important.

And that's often a good way to go if you are installing just one. That'll save you the cost of buying all the tools, etc.

Get them to run your power for the radio if you want. Just make sure they land the negative power lead to a body ground near the radio. Don't run it all the way back to the battery.

These guys have done quite a few cb installs, they just won't adjust the swr's. Which I'm fine with, thanks.

 

[slowmover]

Looking forward to it.