In a quandry

[Long Drive]

Hey new to the site some of ya may have seen my post in the welcome fourm: [Please login or register to view this link]
I was gifted a Uniden PRO 520xl(brand new in the unopened box),after doing some research,I'm gonna try to make it work(impressed with the reviews on the web so far). Just trying to getting it talking for now. And if my addiction with these contraptions takes hold like it did in my youth, in the not so distant future all the bells and whistles no holds bared .
Here in lies my quandry, the radio will be a truly portable unit as I utilize 2 differnt trucks in my job and would like to have it in my personal truck as well. Weighing the choices in antennas, if I go the magnet mount route I'm pretty sure I will use a Wilson unit . Pocket change is pointing to the 'lil will" at this time. Seriously considering pony-ing up for the next level ,the 1000 IIRC.
Now to the nuts, the real question. Going with the Wilson unit and matching the radio and antenna(setting the swr's). I guess what I'm try to wrap my head around is,will the vehicle profile change the performance of the tuning. The F-550 and my F-150 S-crew should be close. The 550 is a tad taller than the F-150 but vehicle lenght and width are simular. But my primary is a Chevy 7500 and vehicle profile is quite differnt. The magnet mount eleaveates the need for 3 different antenna sets. But if the need to retune for each vehicle presents then I need to rethink this before laying down my hard earned scratch.
I hope I'm not over thinking this and making it harder than it should be. Sitting back now,counting my ex-spendable funds ready to purchase, hook up,tune up, key the mike and "modulate". Let the chips fall where they might. I value all opinions and info or I wouldn't have posted. Not a run-board virgin, just a little "Citizen band" challenged.
Thanks in advance

[231]

I'd suggest just getting the 1k or 2k from the get go. It's a litter more expensive but not only will it out perform the Lil-Wil, but should be a bit wider banded allow some forgiveness for the different locations...assuming they are at least similar. My guess is they are and you've already worked that out in your mind (or so it sounds). I'm not a fan of mag mounts, but if it's the only set up you have then that's probably a good one to choose to move around different rigs.

Congrats' on the new radio, too. I am a fan of the Pro Series Unidens, though. I'm sure it'll serve you well.

Best of luck in your choice.

[Bombero]

I'd suggest just getting the 1k or 2k from the get go. It's a litter more expensive but not only will it out perform the Lil-Wil, but should be a bit wider banded allow some forgiveness for the different locations...assuming they are at least similar. My guess is they are and you've already worked that out in your mind (or so it sounds). I'm not a fan of mag mounts, but if it's the only set up you have then that's probably a good one to choose to move around different rigs.

Congrats' on the new radio, too. I am a fan of the Pro Series Unidens, though. I'm sure it'll serve you well.

Best of luck in your choice.

GOOD ANSWER

['Doc]

Changing vehicles with a mag-mount antenna can throw the tuning of that antenna off a bit. It may not be much, but there will be some differences.
Rather than start off with a 'small' antenna and work up to a 'larger' one, especially if you think you will later, why not just start off with that 'larger' antenna? Makes sense to me.
Which antenna? I would suggest one that 'fits' your particular situation(s). Lots of 'give-n-take' in that 'fit' thingy, you'll know more about it than I would.
- 'Doc

[kc4eoe]

My daughter bounces her 520XL and Wilson 1000 mag mount from her little Toyota Corolla to her boyfriends big F150 truck all the time and did not notice hardly any SWR change. She also picked up one of those cheap power mics at a local truck stop since she did not want anything done to her little "mini-monster".

[Long Drive]

Thanks again for all responses. Now in the hunt for a Wilson 1000 minimal.I figure the profiles of My F-150 and the F-550 are simular enough this will be this will be a good fit for a moveable set up for them. If the changes are drastic on my primary ride(the 7500) I'll guilt my boss into funding a decent set up for the 'big truck"(different story different time). I guess as I age my feminine side comes out I have been this stoked about shopping for something in a while(tis ok tho my "Man Card' dures are up to date and I'm in good standings)
Can hardly wait to start 'Modulating" again.
More details as this unfolds. "Stay Tuned' (no pun intended)

[mat_me]

I agree with starting with a better antenna. A few months ago I started with a lil wil and chenged it up after 2 weeks. I went with a mag mount K40 and found a huge difference in range.