Hey guys, I recently got a CB and am looking for places to mount the antenna. My only issue is I go through an auto car wash a couple times a week (I pay 20 a month for unlimited washes so why not) so it has to either be hidden from the brushes, or very easy to remove when not in use. I considered putting it on the rear tire carrier I'm purchasing next week, but I also had another idea a few minutes ago... What about a folding antenna on the roof rack? I don’t really ever plan on putting anything up there that would interfere with it, and if it folds down and clips onto something (cross bar?) it should be secure enough, right?

Here’s a (very) basic illustration of what I am talking about. I could also mount it on the bar that goes front to back in the same manner.

Do they make a folding CB antenna mount?

 

ya they do make folding mounts for the antennas i know ugly monkey has one check out his build thread

 

Hm... and to think, I am following his thread and didn't notice. Time to go browse again. Thanks Gio!

 

Np =)

 

A Wilson 1000 or 5000 hard mount antenna would be ideal for your situation. The base becomes an integral part of the roof, which provides better capacitive grounding to the body of the vehicle. This in turn offers greater couterpoise for the antenna and will make tuning it easier. The coax will all be internal so you don't have to worry about damage to it, and it makes for a much cleaner looking install. When you go through the car wash simply unscrew the base of the antenna from the mount and screw on the (provided) weather cap. The whip is very flexible so it will bend if you happen to hit a low hanging branch or a drive-through sign without damaging the antenna.

 

That isn't ideal at all. I'm very forgetful and will probably not remember to remove the antenna, or I'd lose that cap. Something that simply folds over is a much better option for me.

 

Fold over antennas are convenient, but I have yet to see one that withstands the test of time. After being folded over a number of times the hinge becomes loose. Once this happens the antenna has a habit of folding over while you're traveling down the road, especially the lesser quality ones. I don't recall the manufacturer, but there is one on the market that locks into place. I would spend the extra couple of bucks and get that one. There's nothing wrong with using one, but anticipate problems in the future if it doesn't have the locking feature. If you haven't, it would be a good idea to seal the underside of the mount (where the coax connects) with coax-seal. This will prevent moisture from getting on the connections and promoting corrosion. Route your coax in a fashion that will minimize exposure to the car wash brushes. I have seen the coax on several external mount antennas get ripped out of the mount when it becomes caught on the brushes - even when secured with wire ties.

 

I haven't mounted anything yet, so this is all hypothetical. The antenna will stay folded down 95% of the time and I don't anticipate putting it up often at all. Probably only while offroading or on a roadtrip.

 

If the radio is only going to be used occasionaly, then you may want to consider a magnet mount antenna. It will have a better capacitive grounding with the body versus one mounted on the tire rack or roof rack, and you won't have to worry about any damage when going through the car wash. Just stick it on the roof and route the coax in through a window when you want to use the radio. The rest of the time you can store it in the truck.

 

I suppose that's an option too. Do they have the magnet mount ones with a retractable antenna or would I have to unscrew the antenna each time?