ANTENNA installation

[Fitzy1]

Hi All, I have a new JL Wrangler 2-door Rubicon, which came with the trail-ready pack inc steel bumper.
Looking at putting in a CB radio and the guys at ARB aren't sure where to mount the antenna on the front bumper. Anyone done this and if so would be grateful for the advice, Thank you kindly
Fitzy

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[ghastlyohio95]

I personally wouldn’t mount to front bumper but a tailgate hinge or spare tire mount is what most run around here. Also a lot of people have left cb and went to Gmrs (at least where I’m at) easier mounting options and tons more distance

 

[smokeythecat]

I made a mount by bending some 3/32" strap steel (I would get some stainless next time) and using one of the body bolts just inside the hood to mount it. This position gives the advantage of easy routing through the firewall plug underneath the power brake assist. It also has the advantage of making your hood a ground plane for the antenna. Sorry about the crappy photo. Apparently I didn't document my build.

 

[El Jefe]

I made a mount by bending some 3/16" strap steel (I would get some stainless next time) and using one of the body bolts just inside the hood to mount it. This position gives the advantage of easy routing through the firewall plug underneath the power brake assist. It also has the advantage of making your hood a ground plane for the antenna. Sorry about the crappy photo. Apparently I didn't document my build.

This is a popular location & there are many aftermarket brackets to go here, or a little further back where the two cowl bolts are.
That or the rear tire carrier area are the two most popular antenna mount locations - lots of aftermarket brackets there too.

 

[SargeDiesel]

This is a popular location & there are many aftermarket brackets to go here, or a little further back where the two cowl bolts are.
That or the rear tire carrier area are the two most popular antenna mount locations - lots of aftermarket brackets there too.

This is the one I went with and so far it's working great.
https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/139-gladiatorwrangler-front-antenna-mount.html

 

[SargeDiesel]

Hi All, I have a new JL Wrangler 2-door Rubicon, which came with the trail-ready pack inc steel bumper.
Looking at putting in a CB radio and the guys at ARB aren't sure where to mount the antenna on the front bumper. Anyone done this and if so would be grateful for the advice, Thank you kindly
Fitzy

I went with this one. It checked all the boxes. Very easy install and the mount is very well made, it comes with all the hardware that you need.
https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/139-gladiatorwrangler-front-antenna-mount.html

 

[SargeDiesel]

Way to close to A pillar to result in decent gain.
The common rule is antenna should be greater than 30" from any metal.
Just as easy to install to move it forward and get full designed gain.

I don't really understand your statement, I was thinking unless you are using a non-ground plane antenna, an antennas require a large metal surface ( ground plane) in order to work properly...
If your saying the a-pilar will cause interference, thats a different story with lots of variables.

 

[Fitzy1]

The reflected signal is reduced by closeness to metal like the A pillar If you have SWR meter that shows both Fwd and reflected signal it becomes obvious. When you buy an antenna it is tested for gain and when you mount it near metal the gain is always reduced.
A no ground plane (NGP) antenna that is top loaded improves the situation because the total fwd and reflected radiated signal will be higher even when close to the A pillar. Advantage to the NGP top load antenna is 4db vs 3 db as a comparison. The top load NGP antenna is taller and more fragile due to the load coil way up in the air.
Yes, I have both and have verified the above. I no longer use the NGP because it hit a branch and broke at the load coil. Post 5 gives link with real test data to find the best location.
Regarding what I think your question might be. All antennas will have reduce gain when near an metal object.
And the Jeep fender mount does provide a non optimum but reasonable ground plane with small degradation in gain. A fender mount does have other negative issues like directional wave pattern that is stronger in some directions compared to others.
A metal roof is way better for an antenna. Non directional and highest gain.

Thanks for all the info However it's far too savvy for my limited knowledge. Ideally, I want a powerful Antena mounted on the front of the Bumper with interchangeable lengths, One shorter one for most time and one Longer one when I'm traveling out the back of Whoop whoop! The problem I have is the installer dude I spoke with couldn't find a place that didn't interfere with lights blinkers etc. So was just hoping someone with a 2022 wrangler rubicon JL 2 dr with the factory-fitted steel Bumper with a trail-ready camera had solved the problem already

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