Is the ugly antenna actually genius?

[Darthwrangler]

I recently got my 2022 JLUR and the very first “mod” was to replace that awful eyesore antenna.

Now as I’m considering a lift and bigger tires, I’m wondering was the antenna length dual purposed? Better reception but also a “low bridge” indicator for lifted jeeps.

Has the original antenna saved anyone’s lifted jeep from a low parking garage?

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[Mikeoso]

The OEM antenna is that length for optimum reception. Has to do with multiples and fractions of wavelengths. I dunno if competent engineering qualifies as genius, but there's a reason for it. I do wish they made it in black, though.

 

[thance]

My Bronco antenna used to hit every truss in the AT&T garage.... I cut the top 4" off and fixed the problem.

 

[Dan M.]

I kept mine on. Saved me from running into my garage door before it was fully open (I'm coming from a Cadillac CTS, so I'm not used to letting it open all the way).

 

[The Last Cowboy]

My Bronco antenna used to hit every truss in the AT&T garage.... I cut the top 4" off and fixed the problem.

Did the same thing on my F150. Cut of 4", and reattached the ball with JB Weld. No loss of reception.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

Has anyone tried to plastidip the fugly stock antenna? If so, has it been durable?

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Has anyone tried to plastidip the fugly stock antenna? If so, has it been durable?

I put shrink wrap on mine. Turned out okay, but I need to go down to about 1/8 shrink wrap. I used a size that was just a little too big. It's sold in rolls at Home Depot. When I redo it, it should be nice and tight. I used a larger size on the base and it turned out good.

I may try the advice above and fill a 1/4 pipe with some Plastdip. That would work well too.

 

[AFD]

I'm still planning on getting a slightly shorter 27" mast in black, but after finally getting my Jeep, I was pleasantly surprised that the silver whip doesn't really bother me as much as I thought it would. I've already used it to gauge clearance, but think one that's flush with the roofline will still serve the same purpose.

At least OCD/aesthetically-speaking, it's the only thing that matches the stupid shiny silver keyholes. Really wish I could find body-colored key caps for those. ?

 

[Electrified]

WTF? It is a 1/16" piece of steel that seems to drive people bat sh*t crazy. I don't get it. I left mine on and never notice it. My AM radio comes in great.

 

[DaltonGang]

People obsess about the silliest things, on their Wranglers.

 

[CreepyCrepe]

I'm still planning on getting a slightly shorter 27" mast in black, but after finally getting my Jeep, I was pleasantly surprised that the silver whip doesn't really bother me as much as I thought it would. I've already used it to gauge clearance, but think one that's flush with the roofline will still serve the same purpose.

At least OCD/aesthetically-speaking, it's the only thing that matches the stupid shiny silver keyholes. Really wish I could find body-colored key caps for those. ?

If your Jeep is black, threedom makes body colored caps. ?

 

[azjl#3]

You all can see the antenna sitting in drivers seat? I can't. Only time I see it is when it whips around 100 MPH in the car wash. And it does give great radio reception.

 

[jack bauer]

Forgive me father, for I have sinned.
Bronco Antenna.

 

[Reinen]

Has anyone tried to plastidip the fugly stock antenna? If so, has it been durable?

It's quite durable. I've caught and whipped it several times. No damage to the plastidip.
I strongly recommend it over an aftermarket antenna.

 

[jollyjerry]

Ham radio folks have a lot of fun antenna mods. I don’t have a problem with the stock one. Just let it hit stuff and waggle around. If I can find a jack in the box head for it, I’d add it

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