102" SS Whip Dodge truck

[12 gage]

I am driving a 02 Dodge 1500. I was looking on CB World and found this mount
[Please login or register to view this link] [Please login or register to view this link] Has any body had any experienced with this type of mount and will it hold up to a 102" whip?

['Doc]

I've used that type of mount before, but not with a 102" whip. I would think that it would be possible if care was taken on placement, and attaching it with more than just one bolt.
- 'Doc

[12 gage]

OK thanks for the suggestion that makes since I was not aware that it only had one bolt. I have not had the chance to do much research on it.

[231]

I've used that mount with a few of my Dodge Ram quad cabs. The '02 it works fine as it did on my '01. I have currently an '03 and '04 I use it on, and both have had the 102" on there without a problem. Even with the added weight of the quick disconnect and HD spring it's done fine. I add on mine a few extra SS self tappers though, too. Mine are moved back toward the hinge where it's still gives me room to work on the connections and still move a tad. But with the 102" standing wave is very good on the analyzer @ 1.2:1 or so X=0. Plus the radio likes it.

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In fact, I got them at CB World back when they were at their old location. CB World has been around a long time...about 50 miles South of me.

Hope that helps.

[12 gage]

yes very much so now all I have to do is figure out how to pull it down without getting out of the truck to go into the parking garage at work.

[12 gage]

how did you run your coax into the cab?

[231]

how did you run your coax into the cab?

I drilled a hole in the firewall driver's side where I could reach it large enough for a couple of feed lines and power leads to the batteries. I couldn't find (let alone access) any factory grommets with the size of the Cummins in there on any of my trucks. So I drilled in a spot that was reasonably easy to access for me to work on things. I just made sure nothing could short out over time, sealed it up, and fused the power leads at the battery. Not many guys are willing to drill into their brand new trucks, but I knew sooner or later if I wanted a decent radio set up I'd have to. So I did. Besides, if sealed up properly most folks don't ever even notice it when removed for trade in and such.

Hope that helps some.

[12 gage]

Yes thanks now I just have get under there and figure out were to drill the hole.

[231]

Yes thanks now I just have get under there and figure out were to drill the hole.

I did mine up high by the steering column and braking lines. In my trucks there is sort of an open area that made it fairly easy to access standing up and leaning over the fender. The hole came out in a reachable spot above the driver's side and plenty of stationary things to zip tie the wiring to after it's pulled through. I fished the coax through from the inside out being the stud assembly uses ring connections anyway it makes it easy if you have a pre-bought piece of coax. Just snip off the end (or 3' back and make a jumper coax cable out of the remnant piece). I brought mine in to the bottom of the cup holder center dash/console area where the radios mount...with plenty to spare for other playing around with radios. As it stands now, my Icom radio is in the back seat with the face plate mounted on a stand off. So leave yourself some extra, that's all I'm saying so you don't have to pull new coax down the road if you want to play around with other radios and stuff.

Your truck may have had some changes, but I sort of doubt it. I don't see them completely redesigning the firewall in the years.

Best of luck.

[12 gage]

Thanks that is a good idea. Does your truck have the hidden storage compartment in the center of the front seat? I am not on the radio yet I am having to do some work to my truck and then i am going to start getting my radio and antenna. I am in the price comparing stage right now. I am also trying to figure out were to mount it I think I have settled on the front fender. The problem I am running into is I park in a parking garage at work and I don't want to get in trouble for braking the lights. so I am trying to figure out how to pull the antenna down with out getting out of the truck (lazy).

[231]

Thanks that is a good idea. Does your truck have the hidden storage compartment in the center of the front seat? I am not on the radio yet I am having to do some work to my truck and then i am going to start getting my radio and antenna. I am in the price comparing stage right now. I am also trying to figure out were to mount it I think I have settled on the front fender. The problem I am running into is I park in a parking garage at work and I don't want to get in trouble for braking the lights. so I am trying to figure out how to pull the antenna down with out getting out of the truck (lazy).

Yes, my truck has the hidden compartment. It's sort of a pain to use though with the way I decided to mount my radio. I never used it anyway and usually forget it's even there. LOL.

I'm sure there is a way to do a pull or layover system without getting out. But I never thought about it because quick disconnects always worked for me. But I bet it can be done. Best of luck on that.

[12 gage]

how are your SWRs with the quick disconnect and do you use a spring with them? If yes do you but it before of after the spring?

[executioner]

Thanks that is a good idea. Does your truck have the hidden storage compartment in the center of the front seat? I am not on the radio yet I am having to do some work to my truck and then i am going to start getting my radio and antenna. I am in the price comparing stage right now. I am also trying to figure out were to mount it I think I have settled on the front fender. The problem I am running into is I park in a parking garage at work and I don't want to get in trouble for braking the lights. so I am trying to figure out how to pull the antenna down with out getting out of the truck (lazy).

One trick is to use fishing line attached to the end of the 102, the other end in your cab. Just don't forget to raise you antenna, you might consider an electrical plug on the cab end of the line, when pluged in
will not let ya transmit, unplug line works normal.

[231]

how are your SWRs with the quick disconnect and do you use a spring with them? If yes do you but it before of after the spring?

Yes I have used a spring, but I find the standing wave quite acceptable (1.2:1 / X=0 on the analyzer) with just the quick disconnect, and more importantly the radio likes it. As much as the whip gives, I dont' think having a spring there really helps much other than lengthening the antenna. But when I had one on there I use the little 4" HD Firestik spring which works okay with the 102". It just looks a little out of proportion is all. I've not tried it directly to the stud assembly...nor care to.

And I mount it like this; mount-->stud-->spring-->quick disco-->antenna.

Your mileage may vary, but that's what I've done and how it's worked out for me. I like flexibility...but not everyone needs it.

[donny612]

I've used a right angle version of that mount (mirror mount) with a 102" plus spring and also a 7' Skipshooter fiberglass antenna mounted to the track system in my pickup's bed with no problems whatever. Personally I wouldn't use self tapping screws into sheet metal but rather nuts and bolts...stainless steel if you have them.

[231]

Personally I wouldn't use self tapping screws into sheet metal but rather nuts and bolts...stainless steel if you have them.

I use both. The fender bolts are tapped into nuts under the fender. They are plenty strong all by themselves but don't offer diddly for a good counterpoise connection (as I learned). The self tappers are used mostly to acquire adequate counterpoise connection. It just so happens there's enough steel there to be added strength in the mount as a bonus. Or so has been the case on all 3 of the Ram pick ups I've own(ed).