Noob needs antenna help

[samthetramp]

Ok I haven't had my radio in my new truck yet but after the wife and I took a 2000 mile road trip I'm moving mine from my old truck to the new one. The antenna will have to be replaced as the old one is a victim of tremendous trauma syndrome. I'm running a Cobra 29 not sure of the exact model. I had it mounted on the trans tunnel in the Chevy with the antenna cable running under the carpet and out a cab vent and the antenna was mounted on the bed about a foot off of the cab. Then I had a bumper pull camper that I use for work so there was no interference between the 2. Now I'm pulling a 5th wheel and need a different place to mount the antenna. I'm not adverse to a magnetic mount but would really rather not because the last one caused the clear coat to fail on the cab over time.

Truck is a 2018 Dodge 2500 crew cab. While the radio has had some work done I can't remember what. I do not have an amp as I only use it for when I'm traveling to monitor traffic problems but would like to get the most range I can. Amp is not completely ruled out if it will give me more range so please consider antenna recs that will work with or without one.

I'm looking for antenna recommendations and mounting locations.

Thanks.

Sam

[MDYoungblood]

A magnet mount is the easiest way to go, the trick using one is to have the coax run straight back to the rear of the cab, then down and in, adding a jumper for the added length needed won't effect anything. The best is to bite your lip and drill the hole, can't beat a permanent mount for best performance. Last would be a channel (light-bar style) or door (top lip) mount, there has been a lot of improvement in this type of mount, both in functionality and cosmetically. Antenna wise I would recommend just about anything over 4ft in length, my first choice would be the Sirio brand, running a fifth wheel the longest center load antenna would be the one. They are also power rated well for a later amp purchase.
I have seen the new Ram pickups, (I test drive everything while getting my Jeep serviced), haven't got a clue where you plan to mount a Cobra 29 (any model). New truck, new radio, I have 2 choices, if you like SSB the Anytone AT-6666, it's small and would fit in the pocket under the trucks Nav system or if you like AM only the Stryker has a nice small radio.

3's

Greg

[samthetramp]

What do you mean by center load?

[jessejamesdallas]

What do you mean by center load?

Wilson 5000 trucker antenna...Predator 10K's...Monkey Made's...all these are center load...

You could also go with a front-fender mount antenna...They make brackets for allot of trucks that mount under the hood, then stick out between the fender and hood...This type mounting usually works best with the stick-type fiberglass antenna's like firestick's on skip shooters.

[MDYoungblood]

What do you mean by center load?

There is a shaft under the load of the antenna, base loaded is the load at the bottom, top loaded usually means it has a couple coils toward the top.

3's

Greg

[samthetramp]

Thanks guys

[Pappabass]

Do you have a toolbox? I mount mine with a L shaped antenna mount on box

[samthetramp]

No box. Gonna mount it in the left corner of the bed. Best place for camper clearance when towing

[Lost Ram]

Try to keep it away from the Cab of truck, to close will cause issues with tuning.

[samthetramp]

Try to keep it away from the Cab of truck, to close will cause issues with tuning.

The antenna I'm going with for now is a Frances 5.5 foot fiberglass stick. Supposedly pre tuned. We shall see. Anyway I'm kinda limited on mounting locations. I've used mag base and it caused my clear coat to fail. Don't want to risk it on a new truck. I pull a 5th wheel camper so along the side rail I could go maybe 10 inches away from the cab.

Where would you suggest? I'd really like to drill into the truck only once. The Frances may be replaced later depending on how it performs. I'm using a Cobra 29lx peaked, tuned and barefoot. May or may not add boost later. Just use for traveling.

[Lost Ram]

I would try to get it a least a foot if you can. Also be sure to ground your truck bed to the frame as its insulated by the rubber bed mounts. I would not bet on the pre-tuned deal. I have a Mega cab Laramie longhorn Cummins truck with a soft tonneau cover so I understand. Although its lifted to much to tow our 5th wheel with I do tow it with my Dodge Quad Cab and have to be careful as it hits my Hustler CG144 when in a tight turn while backing up so I make it hand tight when I tow.

[samthetramp]

Lost Ram thanks for the info. I'm not planning on it being pre tuned but we will see.

Sam aka Ironhead

[Lost Ram]

Lost Ram thanks for the info. I'm not planning on it being pre tuned but we will see.

Sam aka Ironhead

Your welcome, good luck!!!

[samthetramp]

Hey Lost Ram you think I might be better off using a mount between the hood and fender?

[Lost Ram]

Yes,
Those work very well. I am considering one of those for the Mega Cab as I dont have any place to drill into the bed due to the rail things for the bed cover.

[samthetramp]

Thanks