Truck Camper - Location CB and Satellite Radio antennas?

[DOITHARD]

Need help on two issues:

1. Would like to install CB in TC but not sure where to place antenna?

2. I only listen to Sat radio. And have lot of poor reception due to the TC on top blocking signal, specially while driving. Any suggestion!

TY

Carlos

[Steve_in_29]

KE6IRJ wrote:
For the CB, consider a hood mount. This is what I have used for years and love them.
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/fender-bracket-mounts-268/vehicle-sp...

The problem with a hood mount and TC is that you have a huge RF blind spot that covers almost a third of the antenna's propagation pattern. Works good towards front and along the side it's mounted on but not so good towards the rear and opposite side.

[Steve_in_29]

You could buy extra antennas to mount on the roof of the TC for best reception/transmission and then pick up some longer antenna cables to connect them to the truck. Disconnect truck mounted CB/Sat cables from radios and connect the longer ones from the TC. Just another couple of connections to make when loading the TC.

[KE6IRJ]

For the CB, consider a hood mount. This is what I have used for years and love them.
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/fender-bracket-mounts-268/vehicle-sp...

[DOITHARD]

HMS Beagle wrote:
The Sirius antenna has been discussed on the Ford truck forum a bit. It seems that on the newer ones, if you have the navi system, it is a combo GPS/Sirius. These can be had aftermarket, but you have to know what to look for and what connector is being used, there are a bunch of them. The conclusion I have come to (same problem) is to buy the OEM antenna and mount it in the plastic cowling just ahead of the windshield. There is supposed to be a connector in the drivers kick panel, since the OEM install has the wires running up the drivers side A pillar. I haven't done this yet but others have. It's on the list.

Thanks for the info...I have a 2014 F450 w/ nav and sat, do you think if I take it to the dealer they would install the aftermarket sat antenna?

[HMS_Beagle]

The Sirius antenna has been discussed on the Ford truck forum a bit. It seems that on the newer ones, if you have the navi system, it is a combo GPS/Sirius. These can be had aftermarket, but you have to know what to look for and what connector is being used, there are a bunch of them. The conclusion I have come to (same problem) is to buy the OEM antenna and mount it in the plastic cowling just ahead of the windshield. There is supposed to be a connector in the drivers kick panel, since the OEM install has the wires running up the drivers side A pillar. I haven't done this yet but others have. It's on the list.

[DOITHARD]

KD4UPL wrote:
You want the CB antenna on the camper? To use while stationery? A CB antenna designed for a boat or any antenna designated as not needing a ground plane would be best. Your camper probably has an aluminum frame but I'll be the sides are wood/fiberglass and the roof is rubber. There's not much there to act as a ground plane for the antenna. You'd be better off installing it on the truck or using a stationary base station antenna.
As for the sat. radio you need to relocate the antenna. I have mine installed on the hood of the truck, at the center near the windshield. It works pretty well unless I go under a bridge while heading north. Then there's a brief drop in the signal.
You should be able to find an aftermarket antenna. You'll have to locate where the factory one is, unplug it, and connect the new one mounted in the clear.

Thank you for your input. I actually want to use the CB while driving and in the TC. Installing in the camper seem more difficult because of what you just explained regarding plane. Not sure how to do both!

Your idea of disconnecting the oem sat antenna and plugin a new one in a different location is a good one. Got to look into how Ford's sat antenna is wired.

[KD4UPL]

You want the CB antenna on the camper? To use while stationery? A CB antenna designed for a boat or any antenna designated as not needing a ground plane would be best. Your camper probably has an aluminum frame but I'll be the sides are wood/fiberglass and the roof is rubber. There's not much there to act as a ground plane for the antenna. You'd be better off installing it on the truck or using a stationary base station antenna.
As for the sat. radio you need to relocate the antenna. I have mine installed on the hood of the truck, at the center near the windshield. It works pretty well unless I go under a bridge while heading north. Then there's a brief drop in the signal.
You should be able to find an aftermarket antenna. You'll have to locate where the factory one is, unplug it, and connect the new one mounted in the clear.