Anyone mount an Ham Radio antenna on the bed ot the truck?

[Sgt York]

I have a bed cover installed on my 2021 Ranger. My problem is I'm tring to install a ATAS-120A inside of the bed. I attached an L shaped bracket to the side bed rail lip and it too flimsy. Want to beable to quickly remove the antenna and close the bed cover when not using the ham radio. Anyone have any suggertions? I do know that I do not want to moutn it on the hood/front fender. Thanks

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[Gdub]

I use a Wilson mag mount on the top of the cab for my 6 meter. It works great. I have transmitted and received over 25 miles. As I recall, it has a 5/8 wave antennae.

The top of the cab makes for a great ground plane for the mag mount, at least that is what I am told.

 

[9zero1790]

i had a similar issue and ended up settling for a magnet mount on the roof. the 5g rangers do not have boxed bed lip or stake pockets. disappointing. the forward bed wall is a bit more sturdy but then its a squeeze. Ive seen a few of our members do bumper, mirror, ditch light mounts etc.

 

[Sgt York]

i had a similar issue and ended up settling for a magnet mount on the roof. the 5g rangers do not have boxed bed lip or stake pockets. disappointing. the forward bed wall is a bit more sturdy but then its a squeeze. Ive seen a few of our members do bumper, mirror, ditch light mounts etc.

That's what I was afraid the answer would be. be nice if someone made a tailgate mount like Jeep has

Thanks anyway

 

[Frenchy]

I doubt it's what you are looking for, but this is something to consider. Probably the closest solution I can think of. As for what Gary said he is right. Having a flat plane for the antenna is best regardless of Band.

https://vanpartswarehouse.com/produ...FM-_82aZBbrBJhYhp-aDmUbH4-SN-qxxoCYg8QAvD_BwE

 

[Sgt York]

I wonder if it could be mounted on top of the ranger's bed rail? Does not look like an NMO hole though

 

[9zero1790]

I wonder if it could be mounted on top of the ranger's bed rail? Does not look like an NMO hole though

could be done if one wanted to put the effort in. id hate to put a hole in the bed cap protectors.

 

[Sgt York]

Me too. That's why I have not installed it yet. I'm running out of ideals

 

[ControlNode]

While I only have GMRS, I've always been of the thought to put the antenna high enough that the output is not sending much signal going into the cab. So, I've been a fan of the roof mount magnets or similar. Granted on my 67 Lincoln and 72 Caprice I had the antenna on the truck lid, but that was CB and much lower power output. I have a bed cover and route the coax through it.

When I remove the antenna, I have that cap to put on there.

That mount @Frenchy posted is interesting, I already have Thule aero bar set for the Ranger, so I could get a more secure/stable mount with that since I did find a speed recently on the way to the Zoo that the antenna would blow off the roof. The crimp on the coax was good as the antenna didn't go far, but I need to make sure the 90 degree tug when it yanked didn't damage the coax inside before I can use the radio again.

 

[Msfitoy]

I located my antenna on the ditch light bracket...

 

[Peragrin]

I located my antenna on the ditch light bracket...

which ditch light bracket? on last count you had more light backets than I have fingers.

 

[Msfitoy]

which ditch light bracket? on last count you had more light backets than I have fingers.

Both of them lol...SW on the right...CB on the left...they're both grounded...

 

[Sgt York]

Where did yo get the ditch light bracket and the brand. Thanks, Earl

 

[Msfitoy]

Where did yo get the ditch light bracket and the brand. Thanks, Earl

Here you go, Earl...the last link is for the bracket...

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/post-36948

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/page-31

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/post-359988

https://fordrangerlifts.com/shop/ols/products/a-pillar-ditch-light-brackets-2019-ford-ranger

 

[Sgt York]

Here you go, Earl...the last link is for the bracket...

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/post-36948

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/page-31

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/project-msfitoy-v3-0.2804/post-359988

https://fordrangerlifts.com/shop/ols/products/a-pillar-ditch-light-brackets-2019-ford-ranger

Thanks Sid. That helps alot!

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