CB Antenna Mount Needed!

[DanW]

Although tailgate mounts are very popular, there are some things to be concerned about. The primary consideration is the difference between an electrical (DC) ground and an RF ground. Electrical grounds are relatively straightforward and are extremely easy to test for using an Ohmmeter. RF grounds, on the other hand are not so easy to test for - as the ohmmeter will show it as grounded. But RF antennas need a good ground-plane to "push-back" against. The metal body/frame of the Jeep is not the greatest for a ground plane but it's all we got! Coming back to the tailgate, the OEM typically has some type of nylon or Teflon material lining the hinges so that is opens smoothly and without squeaks. The net of this is that the hinges really don't allow the tailgate to achieve a good RF ground plane with the main Jeep structure. (They are not as structurally connected as you would want.) The latch and strike plate will help but often the OEM will use non-metallic materials to improve NVH. Well, long story short, sometimes the tailgate is the most convenient (and likely the most popular) but you can probably achieve much better RF performance if you can find a location to mount the antenna bracket directly to the body or frame.

The only great place to get that is the hood/fender mount. I hate having the antenna in my line of sight. I've got a license plate mount on my JK, and it's reception/transmission is barely adequate. My buddy has the tailgate mount and it is MUCH better. In addition, the tailgate mount has the flag hole, which I need at the Badlands in Attica, Indiana.

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[Sloxkhart98]

I don't see how the Extreme Terrain CB or antenna mounts can work on the JL.

It doesn’t fit. Bolt pattern different. Not sure why they are saying it does.

 

[matchews]

I’m going to use this hole in the Mopar tailgate reinforcement for my antenna until somebody release a spare tire bracket for the JL with an extra hole for the flag. Does anyone know if the JK grab handle microphone mount will work on the JL?

 

[pburke]

Extremeterrain.com claims this mount will work for the JL. I emailed them and they said they've been assured by the manufacturer that it fits. I don't know how that can be, but I'm going to go ahead and order one and find out for myself. It has the two holes I want, one for the CB antenna, and one for a flag.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/rugged-ridge-cb-antenna-jk-1150389.html

Dan, did you end up ordering this antenna mount? Curious if it fits as there does not appear to be any other tire carrier mounting options currently available.

 

[DanW]

Dan, did you end up ordering this antenna mount? Curious if it fits as there does not appear to be any other tire carrier mounting options currently available.

Yep! Just got it today. I'm going to try and pull the spare this weekend and see if it fits. Fingers are crossed!

 

[Spank]

Although I am not installing a CB, but I will be putting my Yaseau FT7900 Dual Band radio in, I did see somewhere in my surfing that there is a company that is doing an AM/FM CB antenna mount that replaces the factory radio antenna with a multi plexor so the antenna is actually dual purpose.

http://www.ruggedridge.com/cb-am-fm-antenna-mount-kit-97-18-jeep-wrangler-17212-20.html

So, I noticed that the JL has been added as being a supported vehicle for this product. Still kinda on the fence about getting it because it's Rugged Ridge.

 

[DanW]

So, I noticed that the JL has been added as being a supported vehicle for this product. Still kinda on the fence about getting it because it's Rugged Ridge.

I've got the Rugged Ridge, and the powdercoating on it is excellent. It appears to be very thickly applied, and strong. It has a rugged texture to it. I haven't installed it yet, but I am pleased with how it looks.

 

[Spank]

I've got the Rugged Ridge, and the powdercoating on it is excellent. It appears to be very thickly applied, and strong. It has a rugged texture to it. I haven't installed it yet, but I am pleased with how it looks.

I'm talking about the multiplexor. I'm still wanting to combine the CB and the radio antenna.

 

[DanW]

I'm talking about the multiplexor. I'm still wanting to combine the CB and the radio antenna.

Ahh, I see. I'd be curious as to how good the reception is with that.

 

[My#8andlast]

There's also a mounting point on the passenger side of the front, Steel bumper when you remove the end caps. I didn't go that direction but I'm definitely running a trail flag off of it.

 

[MacombRoger]

I'm talking about the multiplexor. I'm still wanting to combine the CB and the radio antenna.

Oh, very interested in answers to this question. I saw this product and thought it would be a perfect stealth solution. Don't need great CB reception, its for off-road use only. I think adding a thicker fire stick style antenna would look good there too.

 

[Spank]

Oh, very interested in answers to this question. I saw this product and thought it would be a perfect stealth solution. Don't need great CB reception, its for off-road use only. I think adding a thicker fire stick style antenna would look good there too.

I just can't find any reviews, posts, or even discussions about it other than us talking about it here, regardless of its use on a JL.

 

[matchews]

I just can't find any reviews, posts, or even discussions about it other than us talking about it here, regardless of its use on a JL.

The little I’ve read about the multiplexer wasn’t good. I know the range will be sacrificed, but don’t know by how much. I’m sure it would be fine under 3/4 mile. I would also look at the mounting. That panel where the radio antenna is mounted is plastic, but I suspect the factory antenna mount is tied to something more robust underneath.

 

[Coda]

Following...Has anybody found a spare tire mount that works yet?

 

[pburke]

Following...Has anybody found a spare tire mount that works yet?

I have also been searching for a CB mount that attaches to the stock tire carrier but can't find one anywhere. You have to think somebody will release one soon.

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