CB Antenna already installed

[Cayman09]

I'm installing a CB in my MH and by removing the dash faceplate, I found a nice coax that plugs in the CB (The coax goes to the right of MH). Does anybody know if it's connected to a proper antenna on the roof or is it just wired up???

I have a short rubber mast on the left side of the MH (I believe for the radio) and another short triangular plate on the right side...It doesn't look like a cb antenna to me.

I have a Firestick that I could install but I'm reluctant to drill holes and put another antenna on the roof.

Tks in advance.

[RustyTools]

Hi -
Yep, you're on the right track! The short rubber mast is for the radio. Most of the coaches also have a 'pig-tail' looking antenna (about a foot tall with several spirals near the bottom) already installed for the CB. Perhaps your triangle plate is/was for the CB, and someone removed it?

HTH

[Cayman09]

Hi RustyTools,

tks for the reply, actually the plate looks like a shark fin about 2" high, So nothing was removed. I have almost the same on my Audi...

[TXiceman]

You would get much better performance with a Firestix NGP antenna. If you are careful and properly bed and seal an antenna mount, leaks should not be a problem.

The short antennas installed by the manufacturer are pretty poor performers.

Ken

[wa8yxm]

A rule on CB antennas that is nearly etched in stone.. Up to a point.. (about 9 feet, really 18 feet but you only see 9 of them) the longer the antenna, the longer the range.


As others have said the firestick NGP.. Way to go. Those short (less than 2 feet) rubber things.. JUNK unless it is for a different use.. (I do know bands where that is the proper antenna.. but CB they are not)

[itdave]

The problem with the original CB antenna is the ground plane. Your motor home has a fiberglass roof and there may be a small piece of metal under the antenna but my bet is your range will be 1/2 mile or less. On mine I had a standard CB antenna mounted to the "A" pillar on the drivers side, range went from 1/2 mile to over 5 miles, because the antenna is bolted to the the frame. Easy to caulk the small coax entry hole and since it is on the side and not the top not much of a chance of leaks. Just run the coax down the inside of the A Pillar cover to your CB. I had the work done at a CB shop cost about $100 including the antenna.

[lwc1]

Michael: I installed a Firestix on the side of my coach following the instructions supplied by the manufacturer and have no leaks along with outstanding performance. You will get better performance with a Firestix NGP (no ground plane) and you don't have to drill through the roof if you don't want, as per my installation. Check them out at Firestik Antenna Company Home Page.

[Cayman09]

Thanks for all the help. I think all check the reception with the actual antenna and as many said, it will probably be bad. The alternative will be to install the Stick in the hole I already have for the electric awning (On the right side, over the door) and remove the stick when I don't need it (It might be too high for underpass and parking at my place!). I guess I'll have to measure.

Tks again and I love the exchanges in this forum, lot's of hands on experience and creativity.