Community Forums

on2thenext · 03-17-2015, 12:12 AM

Hello everyone before the weather started getting bad in the north east where I live. I asked the question where would be the best place to mount a CB antenna on my 30ft class C. Someone mentions that I should Mounted on my latter and run the cable under neath the unit and come through the firewall. now that the weather is starting to get nice I am thinking of tackling the task. my question is it hard or difficult to come through the firewall?

Timon · 03-17-2015, 12:20 AM

There is the best place and the most reasonable place. If the roof of your class "C" is metal the optimal place is on the roof along the center line and at least half the with from either end so you have the best ground plane. Just make sure it's not taller than 13' 6" so it doesn't slam into bridges.

If the roof is fiberglass then mirror mounts would be about the best way to go.

If you don't have the equipment to tune the antenna I'd suggest finding a good communication radio shop to do the install.

Mr_D · 03-17-2015, 12:30 AM

Somewhere I still have my meter for setting the antenna's. The Magna doesn't even have a CB and I see no need for one anymore unless you want to listen to the truckers language! I don't and neither does my wife who worked in the shipping industry!

on2thenext · 03-17-2015, 12:31 AM

My roof is Fiberglas

on2thenext · 03-17-2015, 12:36 AM

Some people say that the cell phone replace the CB radio I disagree no one is going to call you on your cell phone to tell you there is a deer in the middle of the road

on2thenext · 03-17-2015, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on2thenext

Hello everyone before the weather started getting bad in the north east where I live. I asked the question where would be the best place to mount a CB antenna on my 30ft class C. Someone mentions that I should Mounted on my latter and run the cable under neath the unit and come through the firewall. now that the weather is starting to get nice I am thinking of tackling the task. my question is it hard or difficult to come through the firewall?

Spellcheck sorry on my ladder

on2thenext · 03-17-2015, 08:07 PM

Anyone have any experience running a cb antenna cable through the firewall I have a E450 class c

Bigdaddy · 03-20-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on2thenext

Anyone have any experience running a cb antenna cable through the firewall I have a E450 class c

I mounted my ant. on the ladder(make sure the ladder is grounded, had to run an extra wire to ladder and body). I ran my ant. cable through the main cable run from the cab. Make sure to use lengths of cable in 9ft. lengths ie. 9, 18, 24, 36 etc. I ran 36ft and had almost 1:1 SWR. I used a 36" Firestick antenna and the tip is about 10" above the AC cover.

Funhaus · 03-20-2015, 11:15 AM

Most RV's are made of fiberglass, The best option for a CB antenna is to buy a NGP (no ground plane) antenna. These are made to mount on Fiberglass RV's and Semi trucks that have a fiberglass roof.

As others have stated you really need to get your antenna tuned to as close to a 1:1 ratio otherwise damage can occur to your CB unit, not to mention you can also broadcast further.

AS far going thru firewall, look for an existing hole to feed the cable through most times you can fit it through with an existing wire loom

on2thenext · 03-21-2015, 12:43 AM

I am guessing I can use a NGP antenna on my ladder ?

wa8yxm · 03-21-2015, 07:32 AM

I drive a class A, fiberglsss, so I used a NO GROUND PLANE antenna which used to be inside but I finally got around to mounting it outside

On the side of the rig, the tip is about 13' above ground. measured.

My NGP ham antenna (VHF/UHF) is mirror mounted.

Funhaus · 03-22-2015, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on2thenext

I am guessing I can use a NGP antenna on my ladder ?

Google search NGP CB antennas, Firestik makes some nice kits, you should be able to mount it to your ladder, just remember that most antenna wire for NGP applications should not be cut to shorten, you can add to it but I believe it is in 9' lengths.

denlock · 03-22-2015, 07:31 AM

To run it through the firewall, just look for where another wire is going through it. Fish it in through that rubber boot to keep it sealed and away from a sharp edge. Or you can pick a spot and drill a hole, but you will need to make sure to get a rubber boot to put in the hole. We used to do that back in the late '70s when we were customizing vans.

jones47172 · 03-22-2015, 07:37 AM

I used a Firestick antenna with a side mount NGP antenna cable. Also purchased a standing wave meter (about $15) to tune the antenna. The Firestick has a threaded tip that can be adjusted anytime by simply lengthening/shortening the tip. The antenna was mounted on the copilot side windshield post and the wire was run down the post beneath the interior trim piece and under the dash.