which type of antenna?

[bluestallion]

Im going to be putting a 2meter back in my truck. Will be putting a yeasu ft2600 in. Before i had a nmo magmount. But saw what they claimed to be a 5/8wave hard mount 2 meter antenna on ebay. was around 54" long i believe. Should i go back to mag mount or should i hardmount antenna on side of bed? I have a 102" antenna mounted behind my toolbox on passanger side of bed, and works well. Thanks

 

[n5ims]

If you don't mind drilling a 3/4" hole for a perminant mount this would be your best choice. A mag mount works pretty well but is designed for a temporary mounting and can cause paint to change color (well, not fade under it while the rest of the car's paint fades due to sun exposure) or scratch (from dirt getting under the mount or the coax rubbing the paint moving around from the wind) so it shouldn't be used for long term use.

Another option is to mount the normal NMO mount in an L bracket so you only have small screw holes, not a large 3/4" mount hole. Fender/Bracket Mounts : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source! shows these along with other similar options that may work for you.

 

[W2NJS]

The truck bed, just behind the cab, is probably the worst place to mount an antenna. Whether you use a 5/8 wave or quarter-wave antenna is up to you and depends on your specific needs. However, in many cases nothing beats a quarter-wave mounted permanently on the vehicle's roof.

 

[bluestallion]

the antenna is back about where the fender well is. I have a tool box on the truck, and it is around 4-5inches away from it. Thats why i put my 102 away from the cab. Would it be ok to do this?? Im not sure if i really wanna drill a hole in my roof yet. Does anyone have any pics of a 2003-06 silverado with a nmo hardmounted on it?? where on the roof would be best? cuz i know the middle of the cab is flimsy. Thanks