Need opinion on mounting location - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Slowlyvverot · 09-14-2009, 01:48 PM

My 6ft cb antenna is mounted on my rear bumper. I drilled a hole through both the plastic covering the top of the bumper and the metal itself.

Do you think this is an adequate setup for my antenna in terms of good signal strength? I figured I'd just shoot this out there and get some opinions from more educated individuals.

**rizzjc** · 09-14-2009, 02:35 PM

Well, the first, and most important question is - Did you isolate the ANTENNA from the METAL BUMPER? Can't tell from the picture. If not, then you'll likely blow out your finals in your CB.

Slowlyvverot · 09-14-2009, 02:58 PM

The adapter piece underneath the spring is touching the metal.

I was under the impression that this is how your signal is sent and received; via a metal plane (such as the roof or in my case, the bumper) that your antenna mount is in contact with.

It has been hooked up like this for almost 3 months now. My radio has not suffered any adverse affects yet. Am I doing this wrong?

Slowlyvverot · 09-15-2009, 09:31 AM

Anyone else have any advice/knowledge to bestow upon me?

**rizzjc** · 09-17-2009, 11:06 PM

Sorry, I've been off the computer for a bit. Sounds like it's fine. I just can't see the complete install. The MOUNT should be grounded, but the antenna whip itself should not. If you have an SWR meter on your radio, and it says it's fine, then you should be OK. I just wanted to make sure, since I could not see the whole install.

Sandy · 09-18-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowlyvverot

Anyone else have any advice/knowledge to bestow upon me?

What's the SWR ?

How's the noise levels; with and without the engine running ?

09-14-2009, 01:48 PM	#1
Slowlyvverot Wannabe Elite Explorer Greensboro, NC 93 ExElTee Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 178 Vehicle Specs	Need opinion on mounting location My 6ft cb antenna is mounted on my rear bumper. I drilled a hole through both the plastic covering the top of the bumper and the metal itself. Do you think this is an adequate setup for my antenna in terms of good signal strength? I figured I'd just shoot this out there and get some opinions from more educated individuals. __________________ '93 XLT: Shacks, 31x10.5 TSL's on soft 8s, intake, exhaust and an ever increasingly cut-up body Plans for spring: 3" BL, F150 Coil Seats, 4.88's, Disc Brake 8.8 swap, 33x12.5s

09-14-2009, 02:35 PM	#2
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,817 Vehicle Specs	Well, the first, and most important question is - Did you isolate the ANTENNA from the METAL BUMPER? Can't tell from the picture. If not, then you'll likely blow out your finals in your CB. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum

09-14-2009, 02:58 PM	#3
Slowlyvverot Wannabe Elite Explorer Greensboro, NC 93 ExElTee Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 178 Vehicle Specs	The adapter piece underneath the spring is touching the metal. I was under the impression that this is how your signal is sent and received; via a metal plane (such as the roof or in my case, the bumper) that your antenna mount is in contact with. It has been hooked up like this for almost 3 months now. My radio has not suffered any adverse affects yet. Am I doing this wrong? __________________ '93 XLT: Shacks, 31x10.5 TSL's on soft 8s, intake, exhaust and an ever increasingly cut-up body Plans for spring: 3" BL, F150 Coil Seats, 4.88's, Disc Brake 8.8 swap, 33x12.5s

09-15-2009, 09:31 AM	#4
Slowlyvverot Wannabe Elite Explorer Greensboro, NC 93 ExElTee Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 178 Vehicle Specs	Anyone else have any advice/knowledge to bestow upon me? __________________ '93 XLT: Shacks, 31x10.5 TSL's on soft 8s, intake, exhaust and an ever increasingly cut-up body Plans for spring: 3" BL, F150 Coil Seats, 4.88's, Disc Brake 8.8 swap, 33x12.5s

09-17-2009, 11:06 PM	#5
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,817 Vehicle Specs	Sorry, I've been off the computer for a bit. Sounds like it's fine. I just can't see the complete install. The MOUNT should be grounded, but the antenna whip itself should not. If you have an SWR meter on your radio, and it says it's fine, then you should be OK. I just wanted to make sure, since I could not see the whole install. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum