fusion Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Hey all, I got a Uniden PRO520XL for my birthday, along with a Firestik Firely 3' antenna with a HD spring. I can't decide where to mount it though. I obviously want it to be as efficient as possible but also want it out of the way and trail-safe. I figure my options are a jamb mount above the rear taillight, a hood channel mount on the driver side or a roof mount all the way behind my roof rack. Pros and cons: (yes, I over analyze everything) Hatch Jamb Mount Pros: out of sight, short enough for garage/trees, tall enough to extend more then 1/3 above roof, not too ugly Hatch Jamb Mount Cons: sticks out (trail safe?), might hit the body, have to run wire a long ways, have to make visible holes for mount, might get in the way of loading/unloading Hood Channel Mount Pros: Good ground plane, no visible holes, garage/tree safe, short wire route Hood Channel Mount Cons: In line of sight (distracting), might get in the way of engine bay work, ugly Roof Mount Pros: Great reception/transmission, out of sight, not in the way, makes truck look like an RC car Roof Mount Cons: not garage/tree/trail safe Did I miss anything? What have other folks done for their mount? I dont have a grill guard or custom bumper/tire carrier so those options are out. Pictures help! Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverPath Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I mounted my right to my rear bumper, Its out of the way, and its on a spring if it gets hung up on anything. Mine is longer then 3' however, so it sticks above my roof giving me a relatively low SWR reading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 I mounted my right to my rear bumper, Its out of the way, and its on a spring if it gets hung up on anything. Mine is longer then 3' however, so it sticks above my roof giving me a relatively low SWR reading. That looks (and probably works) great! I however, have a plastic bumper cover... not good for mounting an antenna, even if on a big spring, I wouldn't trust it. Ever gotten any flack for obstructing your light? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I had mine mounted to my rear bumper until I got a spare tire rack, mine was a little shorter though and it wasn't the best reception. Never got bothered about it blocking the light, hell the cable for my current setup blocks more of the lense then the antenna did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddfildvaynes Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 http://www.durhamrad...rio-canada.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pezzy Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 /\ need to fix your link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpathy Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Here is the good link: Adjustable Door Edge Antenna Mount Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) http://www.durhamrad...rio-canada.html That is a clean install. Any particular reason you went with the driver side, as opposed to the passenger side? Thanks for the replies everyone! Edit: Also, what was your thought process on choosing to mount on the rear instead of the hood channel? Edited February 17, 2011 by fusion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverPath Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 That looks (and probably works) great! I however, have a plastic bumper cover... not good for mounting an antenna, even if on a big spring, I wouldn't trust it. Ever gotten any flack for obstructing your light? The firestick is only like 1cm wide, so you can barely tell its there once the brake light is on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 The firestick is only like 1cm wide, so you can barely tell its there once the brake light is on. True, that would be my logical conclusion as well but I have been pulled over by CA Highway Patrol for less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverPath Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Heh, you aint kidding about the for less part. I got pulled over having a tinted license plate cover..... and I see everyone with them on now... Anyway about them CBs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverton Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Hood Channel Mount Pros: Good ground plane, no visible holes, garage/tree safe, short wire route Hood Channel Mount Cons: In line of sight (distracting), might get in the way of engine bay work, ugly If you get a strong enough spring, it shouldn't be too distracting as it won't move much. I have a weak spring on mine, and thankfully it's on my tirecarrier and I can only see it when I lean over and look through my passenger side mirror. The antenna should be able to unscrew from the mount for engine bay work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmons Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 Nice place for that hook up. Looks like a real clean set up. I'm using a Wilson 1000 mag mount right now and i'm going to drill the top instead since the lip on the roof doesn't allow the mag mount to sit well. Now I'm debating whether to go this route since you did such a clean job on the installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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