Best Bobile Antenna for an FJCruiser

[Bent Nickel]

Looking for recommendations for a [Please login or register to view this link]antenna for an FJ Cruiser (sport utility type vehicle). I have height issues because I have to put in in a garage at times. So i need something that i can remove the whip/radiator pretty easily and I really want to stay away from a magnetic mount type of thing.
Thanks!


[Please login or register to view this link]

['Doc]

I would think you should have quite a few options. Almost anything from a bumper mounted 102" whip, to a loaded antenna with a 'folding' mount of some type on that luggage rack. Which would be best? I think the better question would be, which would be better for -you-, and I can't answer that. Do lots of looking at various mounts, which I think might be the key. You'd know your budget, circumstances and willingness to drill holes, etc, better than I do! No matter what you decide, it's going to be a compromise of some sort, so make the best of it. A mobile antenna -above- metal is always going to be better than -beside- metal. Think stronger/larger rather than just adequate for mounts.
Not much help, huh? Sorry 'bout that.
- 'Doc

[Red Warrior]

Like Doc said, a bumper mount 102 is your best bet. Don't get tempted to mount an antenna on the cargo bars on the roof. Second best would be a roof mounted bottom loaded antenna. Third option would be a mag-mount in the center of the roof.

[yota167]

I'd say the first and best option...far better than a 102" on the rear bumper would be a Wilson Mag Mount 5000. Put it in the center and you won't be so extremely directional with your transmit and rx like a 102 on the bumper would be. I've ran 102's on 3 different trucks over the years on bumpers, and let me tell you, I will never go back after a mag in the center.
NICE YOTA by the way!!
-Yota

[HOUND DOG]

Nice fj. Im thinking about getting a fj myself and had thought about mounting a preditor 10K on the roof with a puck mount and quick disconnect(hole required). My other thought is mounting the 10K on the rear of the cargo rack with a heavy duty mirror mount type bracket(no holes). Not sure if the cargo rack will be a good enough ground though. My last option will be a wilson 5000 magnet mount(no holes). Maybe there's some other fj owners out here that can give some advise.

[Pro-Tech]

A blue Skip Shooter would match the paint. A seven footer off the back and if that is too high to get into the garage, a five footer. They are top loaded so you want the top to clear the roof. We back out reading the mail.

[Hazelnut 7201]

Google "HANK BREEDLOVE MACHINE SHOP", he can fix you up with a first class mount (I didn't say cheap, but if you wanted cheap, then you probably wouldn't have posted the question).
You can then add the antenna of your choice, heck get 2 or 3 and run us a test.
I, also think that a blue SkipShooter would look cool.

[Pontiac787]

This one is made for the FJ Cruiser. You would just have to make sure you have a good ground.

[Please login or register to view this link]

[Gummybear]

This one is made for the FJ Cruiser. You would just have to make sure you have a good ground.

[Please login or register to view this link]

Good work Pontiac. With this mount any antenna will be possible. I also recommend hank breedlove's ez over/ quick disconnect. Worth every penny.
[ external image ]

[Bent Nickel]

Thanks to everyone. I appreciate the advice. Super folks all!

I like that Band-mount system and that blue skipshooter antenna. I am thinking of going with the quick-release and getting two different antennas. One shorter for normal use (e.g., garage parking, etc.) and switching over to a longer top-loaded antenna for long-hauls with better performance.

['Doc]

Just a few thoughts, nothing at all definite, just something to think about.

Only going by what I've read! <-- That 'FJ Cruiser' mount can get sort of difficult to use correctly, as in opening that door, you do loose some opening room. If I read the comments about it right. Lot's of 'wiggle room' in that, take it for what it's worth.

Using a quick disconnect means adding to the overall length of the antenna, so shortening that antenna by the same amount is typically required. Is that a biggy? Depends on the antenna, doesn't it, and I can't say. Some are easier to shorten than others.

Changing antennas for whatever reason. I guess that's an option, but it isn't as easy as just swapping the two out. It may only be minor, but there's always some 'adjusting' required when you do that. If doing that swapping is worth it to you, then do it!

Changing the looks of an antenna... heat-shrink tubing! Whatever color you want, almost. None of it that I've ever run across has been conductive, which means it should be invisible to RF. (Maybe?)

---------
And completely beside the point. I recently put a new antenna on the truck. No coax on hand that wasn't already in use. Wanting to use it 'RIGHT NOW', made a trip to the 'Shack'. 50 foot of RG-58. No 259's on hand. Used all of it. Oh my, antenna worked beautifully! 'Daylight to dark', multi-bander. Polished! 30-40 feet coiled up in the bed of the truck. Aggravating, but it works so who cares! Had to make it more-better, ordered connectors. Replaced same. Nothing works now. What's this all about!? Aw @#$! Re-did connectors. Same. What the @#$$ is this? Noticed that RG-58 was maybe 50% shielded (yeah, I know, but it worked). Good reason why all them torroids were needed. That doesn't matter, they ain't coming off. Ever had one'a "those" days? No local source for electrical/radio stuff except for one radio shop ($$$$) and the 'Shack', we are 'challenged'. It ain't easy being cheap! I want you to know that, it ain't easy! Might use some of that coax I ran over with the lawn mower, or maybe do some 'whine/whimper/sniveling' at a club meeting, that's a thought! Oh shut up! It takes 'style' being this cheap... and re-doing stuff.
- 'Doc

I really do know better!

[yota167]

Wilson Mag Mount. Center or rear of roof. The stinger will bend and flex...the mag will not get ripped off in garages. I had one on a 6" lifted yota and had a girlfriend at the time...needless to say we were in and out of parking garages at malls frequently.....I'm so glad I haven't been near a huge mall in over a year LOL!!

[Gummybear]

Bent Nickel did you ever figure out you situation? I was just wondering since I saw this in springfield, IL the other day and it made me think about your post...
[ external image ]

[madsage]

Wilson Mag Mount. Center or rear of roof. The stinger will bend and flex...the mag will not get ripped off in garages. I had one on a 6" lifted yota and had a girlfriend at the time...needless to say we were in and out of parking garages at malls frequently.....I'm so glad I haven't been near a huge mall in over a year LOL!!

Next to mounting a 102" whip on the top center,

I too would go with the wilson mag mount. I run a Jeep with the 102 on the back driver side, its like driving a freakin beam around, major rear and driver side rejection, transmits in a straight line across the longest plane of the body, front passenger in this case. boy can it talk and hear in that ONE direction! lol Unfortunatly i dont have a choice in a jeep, rag top or fiberglass hardtop. neither can be planes of gound.

if you get in the trees or brush, you can move the mag mount onto your hood. looks goofy, but works until you get out of the brush.

the 933 RiffRaff
in teh stickers

[Gummybear]

BUMP...

[Bent Nickel]

Bent Nickel did you ever figure out you situation? I was just wondering since I saw this in springfield, IL the other day and it made me think about your post...
[ external image ]

Gummybear,

I put things on hold due to a busy schedule but I am using a small mag mount in the meantime. I think I will be getting Firestik and Bandi Mount system. I will probably go with a short antenna so as to clear my garage door. I already haul too much stuff around in the back of my vehicle as it is and don't need to add to the mess. I won't get the same performance as a Wilson Mag Mount with the Firestik, but I will have something I don't have to worry about. I may add the Wilson for long trips or whenever I need more performance.

Thanks for all the help and hope to catch you on the Radio someday!

Bent Nickel