WeBoost Drive Reach (model 470154) Install

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

I decided do an install write-up for the WeBoost Drive Reach (cellular booster) after some inspiration from @charwest's overland build.

1. Mounting External Antenna:

Much like @charwest's build, I have a supercab XL; so rooftop real-estate is a hot commodity. I placed the external antenna on the rear leftward side of the cab since my internal antenna would be positioned in the middle on top of the dash near my phone.

2. Routing external antenna cable:
Per the instructions, the cable is strong enough to be wedged under the door weather seal. To keep the cable hidden, I wedged it under the interior door seal. Once at the floor the cable was routed under the cab floorboard until it was under the driver seat. To enable cable routing under the floorboard, removal of the driver rear stowage box trim is necessary. This allows enough of a gap to route the cable with relative ease.

3. Connecting external antenna cable to Booster Box (red shiny thing)

4. Connecting power supply:
Since my right plug is already taken up with my prior dash-mount wiring job (build here), I opted for the left plug. It was pretty easy to route the plug cable under the plastic center console trim. This hid it all the way to the booster module under the driver seat.

5. Wiring & Connecting internal antenna:
Per the instructions, the internal and external antenna should be as far apart as possible; while still allowing placement of the internal antenna in close proximity of your phone's location (within 8"). To balance the accessibility needs and distance requirement, I opted for wiring through the dash like my charging cables, utilizing a hole drilled prior.

Once the internal antenna cable was threaded through, dash was re-assembled and cable was tucked under the center console trim like the power cord. Excess was coiled up and tucked under the seat for a clean look.

Once wired up, check your booster unit to verify there are no blinking red lights (indicator of oscillation). If there are any blinking red lights, you'll need to increase the distance between your internal and external antenna.

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[charwest]

looks nice. and no cutting the rear vent seal like i did (although im not sure the slot cut makes any difference). we've been happy with the booster so far.

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

UPDATE:
After using the Reach Cell Booster with moderate success while camping, I've decided to upgrade to the OTR antenna to increase the booster's range and signal strength.
During the first camping outing using the stock antenna; the WeBoost worked perfectly in the morning for remote working; but near the middle of the day I couldn't get reliable signal. Decided to get the upgraded antenna to alleviate some of the issues (location being a prime factor).

WIRING:
I decided to run the thicker OTR cable through the rear of the cabin via splicing a hole into a rubber grommet; then running the cable in a similar fashion to the original install.

View of the grommet from underneath the truck.

ANTENNA MOUNTING:
This took some trial and error. I had originally hoped to utilize a RAM suction mount I had laying around; but the pole ended up being too heavy. As a 2nd "no-drill" option, I placed down 3M Scotch extreme strength double stick tape. This worked when stationary; but I could tell the adhesive would not hold under severe stress given the narrow surface area AND the non-flat truck bed railing.

Finally I gave in an hogged out the existing holes on the standard RAM Mount I had stashed away. The install wasn't the cleanest, but the mount is now solid.

Thankfully only 1 of the 2 bolts ended up janky. The further nut was a B**** to get on, but it mounts flush so, worth it.

Lastly; I built this system in mind with the ability to fold the antenna down and out of sight when not in use. It's currently set up to tuck in behind the Soft-topper fabric and tethered to one of the canvas frame poles.

 

[charwest]

how do you find the reception difference between the stock antenna and the OTR antenna?

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

how do you find the reception difference between the stock antenna and the OTR antenna?

Hey Charwest;

Compared to the stock Reach antenna, I've experienced much less service fluctuation while stationary and working remotely(main reason I went with this set up). There are certainly other factors that can impact cell service (geography, air water vapor content), but for me this removes 1 variable from the cell service quest.

 

[sklnbnz]

If you see this, can you give me a better grasp of where the grommet is on the inside, I want to put the antenna cable through that grommet then pull up between the Cab and Bed to get to the antenna location. Going to do my install tonight

 

[XL_Ranger_Danger]

If you see this, can you give me a better grasp of where the grommet is on the inside, I want to put the antenna cable through that grommet then pull up between the Cab and Bed to get to the antenna location. Going to do my install tonight

@sklnbnz, The grommet is directly behind the trim that is behind the driver side rear jump seat belt anchor point. I've attached three pictures that should h lol guide you to the position of the hole. I would highly recommend removing the rear jump seat back rest in order to gain easy access to this grommet.

 

[sklnbnz]

Thanks! Found a different grommet that comes up right under the carpet as well. Installed with no issues!

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