Anyone upgrade or improve their xm antenna?

[matt3liv]

I have a Yakima Loadwarrior on top of my TE. It causing some blockage of the XM reception. Its directional, so as long as I always drive north, I'm cool. :thumb3:

Aside from removing the rack, does anyone have any suggestions? Relocation is an option, especially to the rack itself. It carries misc cargo, or two kayaks, or ski racks. The front area will soon house aux lights as well.

Thoughts?

 

[SeattleMike]

My rack sits very low, requiring me to shave off the top half of the sharkfin. Before I did that, I removed it, half-filled the actual fin with epoxy, then cut it with a hack saw before sanding it down and rounding the edges. Before I even put my rack back on, I noticed a huge improvement in reception, and at least equal reception with the rack installed.

 

[COTroutBum]

i need my satellite antenna removed so I can use my Thule Ascent 1600 roof box. the damn antenna fin is way higher than the roof rack crossbars which prohibits the roof box from riding level, leaving a huge dent in the bottom from the antenna and does not allow a solid instal on the rear crossbar.
piss poor ploy by automakers and satellite radio companies to be so presumputous that we all plan to pay for sat radio - BS! make it an option - not a standard.

so far my dealer is unable to address my "remove the antenna" request - or at least they are still figuring out what to do. i expect trouble with this and the remaining hole in the roof. but it has to go. i use my roof box almost daily.

 

[Fialdj]

Seattle Mike, can you give us a picture/ I'm worried about my Thule Box or my canoe knocking it off. And you say the reception got better? I can agree stock looses signal too much.