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Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014

Permanently installing 3G antenna on camper roof?

For the last few years I've successfully used a Verizon 3G USB modem when traveling. If not in town, I use a Wilson 301103 Tri Band (800/1900 MHz) magnet mount antenna for a stronger signal. Since my truck camper has an aluminum roof, I have a steel plate I use as the required ground plane.

I'm thinking about having a more permanent setup, by mounting the antenna on the roof. I'd epoxy the steel plate to the aluminum roof and use the mag mount. I'm thinking about using the roof TV antenna connecter to connect the antenna to the inside, vs. a new hole. I'd have to rig up some sort of adapter for the TV connectors on the outside and inside, since the antenna has an FME connector. Or, replace the FME on the antenna cable with a TV connector.

Any comments or other ideas?

Thanks,

10 Replies

  • Redsky's avatar
    Redsky
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    I mounted a marine type antenna bracket that allows for the coax to pass through the bottom so the hole is covered by the bracket. The bracket holds a 18" omnidirectional 4G marine grade antenna and allows the antenna to be lowered so it is parallel to the roof if necessary. Actually I found no difference in 4G signal strength and now leave it at the horizontal position.
  • Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
    Ramblin__Ralph
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2014
    GordonThree wrote:
    Leave up while driving? I guess I don't understand.
    I should have also said "... and passing under low tree branches", since I camp mostly in USFS campgrounds. The mag mount antenna I have is very flexible vs. the rigid one you have.

    Re signal loss due to coax impedance mismatch that was mentioned, I thought about that. I'm sure there is some sort of calculation for it, but it's been a long time since my earlier days of active ham radio. :)

    Thanks for all the comments and ideas. Still TBD here. I'm not planning on any sort of signal booster at this time.

    Ralph
  • vermilye's avatar
    vermilye
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2014
    Combined with the Sleek my hotspot sits in, the trucker antenna provides as much as 23db gain, enough that I have not had any problems.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2014
    Leave up while driving? I guess I don't understand.

    The antenna is only 18" or so, shorter than the air conditioner. It is a permanent install, I don't take it down while I'm on the road. It's all fiberglass and stainless steel, and rated to survive winds well higher than the trailer would.

    My truck has a mag mount mini antenna and I move the Sleek between the two as needed. I worry about the mag antenna damaging the paint though, last time I removed it quite a bit of grit had accumulated under it somehow.

    I had debated the trucker antenna, but the low gain in the 4g band turned me away, since I'm mostly interested in 4G data versus making phone calls.
  • vermilye's avatar
    vermilye
    Explorer II
    Apr 12, 2014
    Another antenna possibility is the Wilson short trucker antenna. The latest versions cover the 4G frequencies, although with only 3db gain. Never the less, combined with a Sleek amplifier, I have had excellent results throughout the country.
  • pauldub's avatar
    pauldub
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2014
    When I did this, I attached the steel plate to the roof with polyurethane caulk.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer III
    Apr 11, 2014
    Do not use the TV antenna cable to feed your cell signal through the roof. Cell antennas typically use 50 ohm impedance coax, such as RG58 or RG174, but the TV coax impedance is 75 ohm RG6 or RG59. The impedance mismatch will reduce the signal level.
  • Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
    Ramblin__Ralph
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2014
    Thanks for the picture. I want to stick with my flexible antenna I can leave up while driving, however.

    Ralph
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2014
    Here's the antenna... it's a Wilson brand, can't recall the model number. Booster is a Wilson Sleek 4g-V for Verizon

  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2014
    I mounted a 12 (or was it 15?) dBi marine grade tri-band antenna to the back of my RV, and ran the cable in through the gray tank vent stack. It is hooked up to a 3g/4g booster inside. If there's even the slightest whiff of cell phone service nearby, this setup pulls it in.

    Hardest part was finding the mounting bracket to go from 1" marine thread to something I could put screws through.

    I'll post a picture for you a bit later.

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