Weird CB antenna issue?

[bikerjosh]

So I noticed last week on my first trail run when I actually need a CB that on the trail I didn't have much range to sending or recieving.
So a couple pieces of info:

-antenna is a 24" mounted to front of ARB bumper
-runner a splitter under the dash so I can use it for both CB and Radio.
-after hitting several pieces of trail side fauna at speed I noticed that radio reception was dramtically worse.

Questions:
Wouldn't only having a 2' ant mounted to a front bumper tend to get crappy cb reception?
Could I have damaged it internally say hitting something like a Yucca plant at 45+mph a few times?


If I'm looking at relocating the antenna (or a new one) to the roof or back hatch is there any reason not to go with a longer one? My rig needs 7.5 feet of clearance to drive into a garage so I don't really go into any parking structures.
Here's a pic of my current set up:

thanks Josh

 

[magicfish]

That's a really bad location for a CB antenna. A CB antenna will give the best range in the direction of the most metal from the antenna. In other words, in the example shown, you will get the best range to the rear left and very little range to the front right.
Put the antenna on the roof. Higher is better. If you put it in the centre you will get the best overall transmission range. If you have it at the rear, you will have better range to the front , but poorer range to the rear. If you want maximum range in front and rear of the vehicle, use two antenna sticks, one on each side like you see the transport drivers use.

 

[brian2sun]

Have you had the CB antenna tuned in with a SWR meter? That will probably make a big difference.

 

[Baja Runner]

I vote putting the antenna on the hood, using a channel mount that goes inbetween the hood and fender. Or yes, on top of the roof is the best. The worst place for them are in the front or rear of the truck, (which is weird because everyone seems to put them there). If you'd like to do some real good reading, check out this site:

Tech-Docs Index

On a separate note, do you have any photos of what you did to bring your ARB bumper up to your 2" body lift?

 

[Ryan_S]

Didn't know you could split it and use the same antenna for radio (I'm assuming FM) and CB. Try disconnecting that. And get a SWR meter, can be had for as little as $15, and check your setup.

Also, if you mount it to your rack, don't forget to check if the mount is grounded. I had to run a wire to a roof bolt to ground the antenna.

 

[bikerjosh]

CB antenna

Have you had the CB antenna tuned in with a SWR meter? That will probably make a big difference.

No, the PO installed it. I think I actually did some internal damage to it by smacking trailside stuff on the mojave road.:ybrick:

So if I'm going to go with another Firestick and mount it on the roof, should I stay with a 2 foot or go 3 or 4'? Anyone have any other suggestions for good antennas?

Yes, I'll look to borrow a SWR for tuning when I set the new one up.
josh

 

[the great him]

ok a couple of issues here, first your antenna is too short especially for that location, i wouldnt use under a 30" antenna... i run a 36" and its on my brush guard up front just off to one side, it works fine, but thats cause 95% of it is up above the hood plane and uses the hood as a reflector. your other two issues are you have it split, you are basically only able to use half(at best) of that antennas ability to receive and transmit. and thirdly a short antenna like that wont stand up to much abuse, it dosent have the flex like the longer ones do so yeah hitting trees and branches and brush at 40+mph will damage the antenna, you could of cracked the fiberglass rod or broken part of the copper coil and not be able to see it cause the vinyl sheath is still intact. if you dont want to put the antenna ontop of the fender or hood or on the roof, then id say put it ontop of the ARB bull bar up front on one of the two tabs(that is what they are there for)