Recommendations for 2013 F-150 Raptor Yaesu FTM-300DR install

[c_b_mazur]

Going to be installing my Yaesu into my new to me Raptor. I have a ADD Chase Rack with a actuator driven light bar. I am putting it on the top center of the lightbar thinking of using the mount pictured below. The reason I am considering this is I dont want to put a hole in my roof and the 3rd brake mount is fairly spendy, and I park in a garage and parking garage about once a month or so. If i put it on the light bar, I can remotely lower the antenna. What are your thoughs, concerns and other ideas. Pic attached for reference. Thinking on the center of the top bar above the lightbar.

 

[SurgePGH]

Drill the roof, do it correctly, remove the antenna as needed for parking and car washes.

 

[c_b_mazur]

Drill the roof, do it correctly, remove the antenna as needed for parking and car washes.

I do want to avoid the hole in the roof. I understand that it is the optimal location. But it is another potential for a future leak.

 

[AK9R]

But it is another potential for a future leak.

A properly installed NMO mount won't leak.

 

[mmckenna]

What are your thoughs, concerns and other ideas. Pic attached for reference. Thinking on the center of the top bar above the lightbar.

Some of those LED light bars are known RFI generators. Placing your antenna in close proximity to it might be asking for lots of headaches. Getting the coax back into the truck becomes an issue. Lack of ground plane is going to be an issue.

The third brake light mounts are expensive, they result in a lopsided radiation pattern, they are going to be close to the LED light bar as well as the LED lights in the lamp, and there are lots of reports of them leaking.

Properly installed permanent NMO mounts -do-not-leak-. That's a story told by hams that don't have the knowledge, skill, understanding, or desire to install an antenna correctly. I've been doing permanent mount NMO's for a few decades now, never had one leak. What you will get is a perfect ground plane, much better performance than the compromise mounts, separation from the noise makers, much more professional look, and no headaches.
I know, people don't want to tackle it, but taking it to an upfitter shop will get you excellent results and you won't be disappointed. While you are at it, having them install a second mount for CB, scanner, GMRS, etc. might be something to consider.


If drilling the hole is really an honest non-starter, I'd probably suggest a fender mount and take the performance hit.

 

[nokones]

Drill the roof, do it correctly, remove the antenna as needed for parking and car washes.

And use a Rain Cap after removing the antenna.

 

[nokones]

I do want to avoid the hole in the roof. I understand that it is the optimal location. But it is another potential for a future leak.

They don't leak. Just use a quality Laird or equivalent NMO mount and purchase it from a retailer that specializes in selling two-way radio products and/or antennae, suchas Talley Communications or Arcadian, and not from a third-party type warehouse operation that doesn't specialize in any particular product.

 

[ofd8001]

I've used Vehicle Specific antenna fender mounts on both my 2013 and 2020 F150s as have other fire service colleagues. They work fairly well and I'm happy with the trade off with respect to signal stuff and no holes to drill and ease of removal for car wash purposes.

 

[c_b_mazur]

I did inquire with a local radio shop as to the costs of the NMO Roof mount and it isn't too expensive.

Further thoughts are the 3rd brake light mount isn't really on the table. But, wouldn't I get about the same ground plane from the brake light mount as I would from the mount on the bars about 6" above and to the rear of that location?

For a fender mount, how much of a performance loss will I suffer from Fender Mount vs Brake Light Mount vs as centered as possible roof mount?

Attached better picture of the location I have been considering.

 

[c_b_mazur]

I've used Vehicle Specific antenna fender mounts on both my 2013 and 2020 F150s as have other fire service colleagues. They work fairly well and I'm happy with the trade off with respect to signal stuff and no holes to drill and ease of removal for car wash purposes.

I have found that the majority of my local automatic car washes can not accommodate my truck. Between the 6 extra inches on the width, I have aftermarket bumpers that reach out a bit more. Hand and pressure washes for me for now. Fender mount is starting to move up my list a bit. I still like the idea of the auto tip antenna for now.

On a side note I did find another Raptor that has / had something similar. Similar Idea and a link to his video.

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[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I do want to avoid the hole in the roof. I understand that it is the optimal location. But it is another potential for a future leak.

NMO antenna mounts are very well sealed. I doubt there will be a leak if properly installed.

 

[SurgePGH]

I do want to avoid the hole in the roof. I understand that it is the optimal location. But it is another potential for a future leak.

When installed properly, they will not leak. I've installed several hundred, maybe over 1000, and have never had a leak. They will not degrade the value of the vehicle at the time of trade in. It won't leak.

 

[mmckenna]

I did inquire with a local radio shop as to the costs of the NMO Roof mount and it isn't too expensive.

Further thoughts are the 3rd brake light mount isn't really on the table. But, wouldn't I get about the same ground plane from the brake light mount as I would from the mount on the bars about 6" above and to the rear of that location?

RF ground plane and DC ground are different things.

The light bar will not provide a ground plane in front or behind the antenna. That's going to result in a wonky radiation pattern at best and probably issues tuning the antenna.

The third brake light mount will have a lot of ground plane in front of the antenna, but none behind it. That's going to result in a radiation pattern that is biased towards the back of the truck.

If you want to add second antenna, the third brake light mounts with two NMO's don't provide enough separation between antennas. I know, you are only asking about one antenna, but this hobby tends to grow….

For a fender mount, how much of a performance loss will I suffer from Fender Mount vs Brake Light Mount vs as centered as possible roof mount?

Radiation pattern of the antenna will be tossed off to the side away from the truck. Fine for short range communications, but not ideal. And having the antenna down below the cab can result in additional shadowing behind the cab.


Don't get me wrong, just providing some advice. But a nice truck like that deserves a good radio setup. It really is worth it to do it right the first time. Compromise mounts can work if you are willing to accept the shortcomings. I've always installed permanent mount antennas on my trucks, and never regretted it.

 

[mmckenna]

I have found that the majority of my local automatic car washes can not accommodate my truck. Between the 6 extra inches on the width, I have aftermarket bumpers that reach out a bit more. Hand and pressure washes for me for now. Fender mount is starting to move up my list a bit. I still like the idea of the auto tip antenna for now.

I had a 1 ton Ford and it never went through car washes. Just too long. I always hand washed it.

Never needed to remove the antennas to wash the truck, but I did remove them to clean under it and just do a general inspection. If you need to do an auto car wash, they make NMO rain caps that screw on in place of the antenna. But since the mounts are well sealed, it's not necessary for the occasional car wash. Just dry it off well before reinstalling the antenna.