Need help selecting Jeep antenna

[Lockedin]

Hi All,
So I have a Jeep Wrangler. When I had a CB radio in it, I used a firestick antenna on bracket off the spare tire mount. Pretty standard stuff. It worked pretty good.
The CB is gone and I a now installing a 2 way Motorola CDM1250 UHF 403-470. (to communicate with my dispatch)
I'm wondering if I can get some reccomondations on a antenna that will work with my Jeep for this radio.
Im thinking again on the tire carrier but am open to any sugestions.
Thanks!

 

[mmckenna]

Issue with Jeeps is getting a suitable ground plane. You can get around that by using a half wave antenna. You could mount a UHF half wave on the spare tire mount.

 

[jplyler]

Hi All,
So I have a Jeep Wrangler. When I had a CB radio in it, I used a firestick antenna on bracket off the spare tire mount. Pretty standard stuff. It worked pretty good.
The CB is gone and I a now installing a 2 way Motorola CDM1250 UHF 403-470. (to communicate with my dispatch)
I'm wondering if I can get some reccomondations on a antenna that will work with my Jeep for this radio.
Im thinking again on the tire carrier but am open to any sugestions.
Thanks!

I drive a 2015 JKU and run a Comet 2x4SR antenna on a Diamond k400 mount on the tailgate. With proper installation and ensuring good RF ground to the tailgate it works really well considering. I run that on one side and a screwdriver for HF on the other side on another K400 mount. I've been really pleased with the whole setup. It's not the ideal installation but I'm not sure any install on the jeep is ideal but it's 'good enough' IMO. Of course, YMMV.

Good luck.

 

[sdu219]

I have had 3 jeeps and I use the hole on the hood with the bumper and install an NMO mount antenna. When I traded it in I used a little silicone and put the bumper back. I had one UHF and one VHF unity gain antennas and I had no problem with my CDM125's

 

[Lockedin]

Thank you so much all the fast reply's. Im exploring all these suggestions.

SDU219 ," I have had 3 jeeps and I use the hole on the hood with the bumper and install an NMO mount antenna."


Im sorry, I just cant understand what you mean by that. did you have JKs?

 

[jwt873]

Your JK should have two round black rubber bumpers on the hood. (You can see them in the picture I attached below). They're there to rest the windshield on if you ever choose to fold it down. These bumpers just pull out and leave a hole that you can use to mount an antenna.

Another option is the fender mount.. Jeep Wrangler Radio Install • AmateurRadio.com

FWIW, I've been using a mag mount on my '16 Wrangler since it was new.. It's stuck on the passenger side cowl and holds a 2m 70cm Larsen dual band. Lots of folks here hate mag mounts, but mine works great.. It was supposed to be a temporary measure, but it has worked out so well, it has kind of become permanent

 

[sdetermann]

I have a Comet CP-5NMO adjustable mount on the tailgate of my JKU for VHF/UHF amateur communications. The first 18 inches of coax is mini RG-174A/U type allowing easy entry through the weather seal. I've been pleased with the performance of this antenna location- does not seem to be seriously affected by the spare tire or soft top (when up).

 

[Project25_MASTR]

For traditional Jeeps (still won't replace my XJ with anything newer) I typically use a flat mount bracket (~$4) and a standard NMO kit in a fashion similar to the Firestik fender mount. For antenna, 1/2 wave would be your best performer.

 

[Lockedin]

LOL, I read the word bumper and thought of a, well....bumper. You all were talking about the windshield bumper, now I get it!
Something in the middle of the hood there would drive me nuts probably but the mag mount on the cowling and the flat bracket on the side seem like great options.
Thanks for all the replys each of you. You guys really helped me out.
Time to go antenna shopping.

 

[W5lz]

I would treat a UHF antenna the same as I would VHF, put it as high as is practical and away from any metal as possible. Antennas like metal under them, but hate metal beside them. Naturally, the bestest place would be center roof (metal one of course). That's not always very paractical depending on how/where you drive the thing. So, do what's practical for you. If that means the tire carrier, then do it. The more you compromise the positioning, the less performance. (That also means it can get 'directional' too. Which isn't always a bad thing.)

 

[Lockedin]

Another question. My Chief gave me a antenna (Tram 1174) and I want to use the Laird bracket shown below w a NMO mount and cable.
This antennas page on antenna farm says “see NMO mounts” which are all 3/4” .
The ID of the threads on the tram measure 1 1/8”.
So, is it normal for antennas threads to measure over 3/4” ?



View attachment 79292

 

[Lockedin]

picture is not showing but it Is the Laird bracket SBTB3400

 

[Project25_MASTR]

3/4" is the hole diameter required, not the actual threading of the nut.

 

[Lockedin]

Yes, thank you. I just pulled an antenna off a ambulance and see exactly what you mean. The antenna base threads are the same and the threaded mount is closer to 3/4”
All makes sense now.
Thanks guys !!

 

[BITT211]

hi ! , something you may consider , my setup , works great , remote head / radio attached to rear of console / antenna inside , * all fiberglass top\ away from metal.

 

[sdu219]

BITT211 I love that idea with the antenna. I may just try that.
Lockedin. A unity gain antenna is so small/thin you hardly know its there. I put 6" UHF on drivers side and 18" on pass side. They eventually become invisible. LOL