Antenna location on my truck

[T Bird]

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge, extended cab. The hood is plastic and the rear outer fenders are plastic. The box interior, front fenders and the roof are steel. I was originally planning to put a short (3') antenna on the drivers side front fender/hood area. I assume that by having a plastic hood that this location will not work well. I was trying to have an antenna that would still allow me to get into my garage OK. My radio is a std power SSB, no amp. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

[nutcracker]

Best place is always on the roof, but the hood or anywhere open will work. Just keep it away from any metal surfaces like mounting it in the bed.

['Doc]

I sort of think that right front fender will probably work about as well as anywhere else. Might not be the best, but there really isn't going to be a huge difference. I've had antennas in about that spot several times. All things considered, they worked as well as about any of the other mounting locations I've tried. 'Course, it wasn't on a Ford Ranger! I do own a Ford pickup, but it's almost as old as I am, which means it was made of 'real' metal. Almost two and a half tons of it . Better radio reflective metal back then,m you know...
- 'Doc


(Hang that out over your garden. I dare you! You'll need a chainsaw to pick them 'mater's.)

[T Bird]

Doc...I remember when they were "real Metal" too. If I were putting the antenna on my 1960 Thunderbird I would not be having this problem that's for sure. It seems that my Ford Ranger has a plastic hood and plastic rear fenders.

[jessejamesdallas]

I have the same problem as you do, with my Box Van...Only I have even "Less" metal to deal with than you do!
But a fender mount works great! I can talk all over the Country when DX is rolling, my SWR is 1.1, and I'm running over 1200w's threw my Predator 10K in this Van. And since most of the Van is Fiberglass, I have almost no reflect problems, and a very good signal in all directions. My hood is also plastic. Just the fenders and doors are metal.
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[T Bird]

Mr. James,

Thanks for the help...I was hoping the fender mount would work. Great pics too!

[jessejamesdallas]

Mr. James,

Thanks for the help...I was hoping the fender mount would work. Great pics too!

Thanks...My First idea, was to mount the antenna on the mirror brackets, but no mater what I did, I couldn't get a good enough ground. So this was my next option, and as it turned out, was probably the best...

[jessejamesdallas]

i was wonedring if mounting 2 102'' whips to a tool box that is made of metal would it work good or would i have problems

anyone have any idea's

Unless you have at least a 6' spacing, your going to have problems getting them tuned...You would be better off just having one, in the center.

[jessejamesdallas]

do 6' need to be between the toolbox or between the mount an antenna like a popbelley spring?

Between the two antenna's. If your talking about running two 102" Whips...then they need to be 6 feet apart. (minimum)

[Roper]

IMO I would run a 102' SS Whip with a spring you just can't go wrong with the old school whips.