Forum Discussion

PCarnathan's avatar
PCarnathan
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015

Where to place GPS and XM antenna

We just bought a 2009 Mandalay 43A. I'd like to install an in-dash AM/FM/XM/CD Navigation unit; something like the AVIC series from Pioneer. My question is this: What's the best way to mount the two antennas? There's one for the GPS and another for XM. I believe the roof of the coach is fiberglass, so a magnetic mount won't work.

Please don't tell me to just use a separate GPS unit. I have a Garmin that I'll use until I install the new deck. I prefer the in-dash navigation to the sit-on-the-dashboard variety - Personal preference.

Thanks in advance,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com
Class A
  • haddy1's avatar
    haddy1
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2015
    Silicone to the roof works, but you might try installing under a fiberglass front cap. That's where mine is and it works better than Tiffins roof mounted one.

    FWIW, the factory installed Sirius antenna on my Wrangler is mounted to the roll bar which puts it under the fiberglass hardtop.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Feb 10, 2015
    I installed a 16 ga. steel plate on the coach roof as the ground plane for our cell service antenna. Our XM radio magnetic antenna is also mounted there. The plate is secured to the roof with 3M trim cement plus strips of Eterna-Bond around the edges. The wires are routed through the roof using a grooved plate that Winegard sells for their roof mounted antennas.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2015
    I've found the GPS will work lying on the dash but the XM works better silconed to the roof

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