Where to run non-permanent cb wire?

[Jester4kicks]

So I found many threads about how to wire the line for a cb antenna that will remain stationary, but not much for running a line on a temporary mount.

I picked up a magnet-mount antenna (Amazon.com: Cobra HG A 1500 Base-Load Medium Magnet Mount 300W CB Antenna: GPS & Navigation). I was hoping to mount it on the roof, but I can't figure out how to run the line back inside. I didn't really want to just close the door on it... unless there's nothing wrong with that.

The problem is that I need to be able to put it up and take it down easily, since the runner won't fit in the garage with the antenna up.

Thoughts?

 

[Huskey]

I just bought my CB and antenna as well and plan to install it this weekend. I thought about the magnet, but didnt like the idea of dealing with the cable. If you still have have the option to return it, another option for you is to permanently hardwire your antenna to the roof by using a removable antenna. "Larsen" makes a great kit for this and it has a waterproof cap to go on the antenna base when the antenna is removed.

 

[snowbrdr033]

I had this issue on my 3rd gen, I ran the wire on the opposite side of my RCAs/amp power wires and through to the trunk, up the rear panel and through the opening for the trunk.
It will pinch the wire some, but it never caused any issues with the CB and I had the magnet mount for the roof and had to lay it down when pulling into the garage. It worked great for the time I had it on the truck!

Real easy to do and the most time is trying to hide the wire from the front to the rear so it's hidden....

 

[Jester4kicks]

I had this issue on my 3rd gen, I ran the wire on the opposite side of my RCAs/amp power wires and through to the trunk, up the rear panel and through the opening for the trunk.
It will pinch the wire some, but it never caused any issues with the CB and I had the magnet mount for the roof and had to lay it down when pulling into the garage. It worked great for the time I had it on the truck!

Real easy to do and the most time is trying to hide the wire from the front to the rear so it's hidden....

Man, I totally can't visualize any of that. Sorry for being clueless. :shrug:

 

[4runr30]

So I found many threads about how to wire the line for a cb antenna that will remain stationary, but not much for running a line on a temporary mount.

I picked up a magnet-mount antenna (Amazon.com: Cobra HG A 1500 Base-Load Medium Magnet Mount 300W CB Antenna: GPS & Navigation). I was hoping to mount it on the roof, but I can't figure out how to run the line back inside. I didn't really want to just close the door on it... unless there's nothing wrong with that.

The problem is that I need to be able to put it up and take it down easily, since the runner won't fit in the garage with the antenna up.

Thoughts?

Have you considered a stubby antennae that mounts on the side of your hood? This option isnt temporary but It would still allow you to fit in the garage. The reception on mine has been great.

 

[Jester4kicks]

Have you considered a stubby antennae that mounts on the side of your hood? This option isnt temporary but It would still allow you to fit in the garage. The reception on mine has been great.

Yeah, I'll probably get a good setup at some point, but for the time being, I just wanted something simple and temporary.

Unfortunately, it seems like the "temporary" part is actually making the wiring trickier.

 

[T4RSpectreSix]

I use a Wilson 5000 magnet mount antenna and just close the cable in the door of my choice, routing it through the O.S. Handle and down. It uninstalls in literally under a minute, and if I need to, the Wilson antennas detach from the magnet mount base and come with a weather cap to put on there to keep it clean. You can run the cable through a cut in the rear tailgate electrical conduit and then through the inside of the roof of the truck and down to one side within the wall panels, routing it under the kick panels from back to front. It takes time, but makes for a clean setup minus the couple feet between the hatch crease to the mag. mount on the roof.

Honestly, though, if you are seriously preoccupied with appearances of the cable and not liking shutting it in the door (something the durable Wilson antennas are made for, says right in the manual) then I urge you to just be done with it and install a hood clamp mount or perhaps a direct roof mount for a removable antenna that is drilled in and sealed by a professional CB Shop.

Personally, I keep my antenna nice and neatly tucked into the door, it stays close to the body of the truck and really doesn't stand out that much. Doesn't bother me a bit or create any wind noise or leaks, etc. Works fine that way. The only real downside to closing it in the door is if your antenna comes with some crappy/cheap cable, it might eventually kink and wear out. That's why I went with a Wilson.

Hope this helps you out somewhat.

 

[Jester4kicks]

Lots of advice! Thank you!

I guess the problem with the cable on the mount I got is that any fishing I do with it will need to be through openings big enough to fit the connector at the end. (The one that connects to the CB radio.)

Good to know I can probably close it in the door without any issues. At a minimum, this will give me a good fall-back.

 

[rushrunner]

I run a little wil to the lift gate and just shut it. No warn wires. Also, I run a cig lighter extension from the back to the front so I can plug the cb in under the seat. No wires seen and leaves the two outlets up front free. I have the CB velcro'd to the side of the shifter box. Works awesome.

 

[chaz]

i wanted something temporary also,got the same ant but the magnet scratches the paint on roof after awhile, so i used a different mount. theres enough space so no crimped wire & only place it gets a very slight flat spot is at the rubber, but theres no wear & it still works well.

 

[T4RSpectreSix]

One way to avoid any magnet mount scratching your paint is to cut out a slightly larger, matching piece of black pantyhose or other thin material to use as a buffer. Also, be absolutely sure to clean the area of the paint before putting the mount down. Basically, the scratches happen when tiny dirt particles vibrate between the paint and the magnet mount, but with the pantyhose in there as a buffer it alleviates this issue pretty damn completely, they are so thin that they will not interfere with the mounting at all, just be sure you've got everything nice and clean before you attach it.

Do not move the antenna across the paint with the magnet attached, it will scratch as it drags. Always "disengage" it from the truck before re-mounting it somewhere else.