3strucking
02-20-2009, 05:13 AM
I dont know how many members own or drive dump trucks, but i wanted to pass a little info along and maybe get some recomendations in the process. You only have a few choices on antenna placement on dump trucks because of the height and the headache rack or cab protectors. This is why you usually see mirror mounts used on dumps and tractors. As you all know, a mirror mount is not the best way to mount the antenna because it is not located over the ground plane of the vehicle. On a dump truck you have the headache rack that is only about 2 foot from the antenna when its mounted on the mirror, so it causes reflect.
I am currently using a predator 10k dual coil short whip with a 12" shaft. It is mounted on a breedlove fold over which is connected to a breedlove hd terminal style mount. This adds 5" to the height of the antenna. So, I am at 17" to the bottom of the first set of coils. This puts the coils clear of the roof by plenty, but they dont clear the headache rack. I machined another shaft extension out of a piece of .750" aluminum to get the coils clear of the headache rack. The problem is I am now around 17.5' in total height which is way too tall. It tunes out fairly nicely and i will post the readings I got with my analyzer later today.
I am wanting to try out some different antennas and I dont think I want to go back with a dual coil anything. I May try a 55 and a bad boy, and I was wanting to know if anyone has recomendations on them or any other antenna. I will post all info on whatever antenna I try next.
I am currently using a predator 10k dual coil short whip with a 12" shaft. It is mounted on a breedlove fold over which is connected to a breedlove hd terminal style mount. This adds 5" to the height of the antenna. So, I am at 17" to the bottom of the first set of coils. This puts the coils clear of the roof by plenty, but they dont clear the headache rack. I machined another shaft extension out of a piece of .750" aluminum to get the coils clear of the headache rack. The problem is I am now around 17.5' in total height which is way too tall. It tunes out fairly nicely and i will post the readings I got with my analyzer later today.
I am wanting to try out some different antennas and I dont think I want to go back with a dual coil anything. I May try a 55 and a bad boy, and I was wanting to know if anyone has recomendations on them or any other antenna. I will post all info on whatever antenna I try next.