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.

 

[Davidbt]

I finally got a quote on the install of the NMO mount for my truck. I was quoted $226. I'll probably be using my Tram 3500 for a bit longer. I just went through some issues with a dealer installed GPS/tracker system and finally got it all removed. Just when you think that a dealership can't get any worse, they prove me wrong and find a new bottom.

 

[mmckenna]

I finally got a quote on the install of the NMO mount for my truck. I was quoted $226.

That's pretty high. It's an hour of work for a good tech, and about $30-$40 in parts. If that quote was from the stereo shop, try an actual radio shop.

 

[Davidbt]

That's pretty high. It's an hour of work for a good tech, and about $30-$40 in parts. If that quote was from the stereo shop, try an actual radio shop.

Thanks, I don't think we have an actual radio shop in this town. I'll have to check around some more. I was expecting maybe $100.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks, I don't think we have an actual radio shop in this town. I'll have to check around some more. I was expecting maybe $100.

$100 - $150 on the high end would be reasonable. If you were on this side of the continent, I'd offer to do it for you for the cost of parts. It's not really a hard thing to do if you have the right tools and a bit of experience.

 

[niceguy71]

Thanks, I don't think we have an actual radio shop in this town. I'll have to check around some more. I was expecting maybe $100.

everyone thinks differently on prices.... but today to get anyone to do anything for a $100 is hard to find.
they have to have tools and insurance and knowledge and a shop ... on and on and on... so I wouldn't think $200 would be out of the question.. $226 is a lot for it... but a business has a lot of expenses you don't see.


I "used" to do part time plumbing, every night after working a full time job .... I'm now retired but I work just as much as I used too... people refuse to let me retire.

just for fun I will post my actual business expenses that I made 25 years ago... these are all very factual amounts 25 years ago

Monthly bills for my plumbing company

Health insurance 500

Insurance for homes 200

Van insurance 200

Gas 400

Van loan 600

Disability insurance 150

Money for taxes 1600

Dumpster 300

Cell phone 75

Phone 65

Monthly pay 4000 ( so I was only going to make $25.00 an hour )

Advertising 400

Stock payments 500

Forms and cards 100

Repairs Blades bits solder 100

Total per month $9190​

At 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month I must charge $114.87 just to pay the bills!!​

Every job requires travel, going to the supply house, or several supply houses to track down a part, giving free estimates, call backs (even if it’s just going over the customers new plumbing), meeting the supply truck to unload tubs etc. for next weeks jobs, stopping for gas/bathroom breaks, restocking the truck and cleaning it everyday. Ordering replacement stock, figuring a job and stock, Calling customers back and setting up appointments or answering questions

After all that you're lucky to get 20 hours "bill-able" a week. most plumbers work 50 to 60 hours a week but can’t bill all of it. You're VERY lucky to get paid for 20 hours a week meaning 80 hours a month.

If you don’t charge $115 an hour, you’ll be out of business fast

so after reading the cost of having a business... sometimes it gives you more perspective on what a small job costs.

 

[slowmover]

everyone thinks differently on prices.... but today to get anyone to do anything for a $100 is hard to find.
they have to have tools and insurance and knowledge and a shop ... on and on and on... so I wouldn't think $200 would be out of the question.. $226 is a lot for it... but a business has a lot of expenses you don't see.


I "used" to do part time plumbing, every night after working a full time job .... I'm now retired but I work just as much as I used too... people refuse to let me retire.

just for fun I will post my actual business expenses that I made 25 years ago... these are all very factual amounts 25 years ago

Monthly bills for my plumbing company

Health insurance 500

Insurance for homes 200

Van insurance 200

Gas 400

Van loan 600

Disability insurance 150

Money for taxes 1600

Dumpster 300

Cell phone 75

Phone 65

Monthly pay 4000 ( so I was only going to make $25.00 an hour )

Advertising 400

Stock payments 500

Forms and cards 100

Repairs Blades bits solder 100

Total per month $9190​

At 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month I must charge $114.87 just to pay the bills!!​

Every job requires travel, going to the supply house, or several supply houses to track down a part, giving free estimates, call backs (even if it’s just going over the customers new plumbing), meeting the supply truck to unload tubs etc. for next weeks jobs, stopping for gas/bathroom breaks, restocking the truck and cleaning it everyday. Ordering replacement stock, figuring a job and stock, Calling customers back and setting up appointments or answering questions

After all that you're lucky to get 20 hours "bill-able" a week. most plumbers work 50 to 60 hours a week but can’t bill all of it. You're VERY lucky to get paid for 20 hours a week meaning 80 hours a month.

If you don’t charge $115 an hour, you’ll be out of business fast

so after reading the cost of having a business... sometimes it gives you more perspective on what a small job costs.

Granted.

What I’ve run into is that all vehicle repair shops now use ALLDATA to quote work. Even when parameters don’t fit and the quote is wrong (too much time included). Instead of talking with someone intelligent to dial it in correctly this lazy approach drives away customers.


Jobs like the thread topic are about tools, the right ones for the job. NMO + Power doesn’t really require that which can’t be used again elsewhere, an advantage to considering DIY. Procedure is a matter of writing things out beforehand as this engages the brain in the right way.

.

 

[mmckenna]

I recently had a shop do some installs in some handicapped vans for me at work.

NMO mount with no connector $26.
N connector $11
Field tech $171/hour

Took her about 10 minutes to install the NMO mount, and that field tech time was for on-site, not in the shop.