Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement Antenna Mount

[llaslo]

Good afternoon, I really want to install a 2m/70cm HAM antenna using the Mopar tailgate reinforcement mount, but I'll be damned if I can find anything that will fit the hole diameter and material thickness. It's crazy to me that they designed it like this, and I can't seem to find a mounting solution. Has anyone else figured out anything, or am I just being ridiculous? Also, I know it's not an ideal location, but I use this for trail communications for people close by. I am not trying to talk across county lines in this rig.

This pic shows the tailgate mounting point (this is a screen grab from an antenna mount that bolts to the tailgate reinforcement. Clearly whoever makes this product doesn't like that mounting solution. The product link is here: Rugged Ridge CB Antenna Mount.

Here are my measurements of thickness and hold diameter.
Hole diameter: 0.43"
Mounting Plate Thickness: 0.67"

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[danba]

See this:
Post in thread 'Casper build'
https://www.jeep392.com/threads/casper-build.3295/post-54174

 

[llaslo]

See this:
Post in thread 'Casper build'
https://www.jeep392.com/threads/casper-build.3295/post-54174

Thanks! I like the mount you installed, and honestly I might go that direction. My problem is (and I realize it's stupid) My OCD is driving me crazy having this hole there that is supposed to be for an antenna mount, but I can't actually find one that fits it.

 

[Nvdardx28]

I've thought about drilling and tapping the hole open so I could thread something in there to mount my antenna. It was just an idea, not sure if anyone has done something similar. But I don't have a radio or antenna yet so I really haven't looked into any real options.

 

[LARSONEM]

I struggled finding an antenna mount also that would work on the XR reinforced tailgate. I use a 3 foot fiberglass antenna and I don’t want it tangled in stuff on the trail either. I wanted to get it in the garage without taking the antenna off. Solution, build your own. I made several cardboard templates, then cut one out and taped it together. Finally took my cut pieces to the welding shop, painted it and installed it. I’ve got it set with about an inch and a half of clearance to get it in the garage.

 

[Wulfgott]

I bought this one for the Mopar Reinforced Tailgate. Fits into the antenna hole nicely and includes NMO mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR3UOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I picked up this NMO cover too, just to have on hand if I wanted to take the antenna off or what not for more than a little while.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z941MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[llaslo]

I bought this one for the Mopar Reinforced Tailgate. Fits into the antenna hole nicely and includes NMO mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR3UOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I picked up this NMO cover too, just to have on hand if I wanted to take the antenna off or what not for more than a little while.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z941MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for!

 

[mark203]

Is this indeed an NMO mount? I am only asking because the listing and photo doesn't seem so. And the listing says 3/8 hole.... vs 1/2 for the MOPAR bracket.

Just want to confirm everything before I click.

I bought this one for the Mopar Reinforced Tailgate. Fits into the antenna hole nicely and includes NMO mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR3UOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I picked up this NMO cover too, just to have on hand if I wanted to take the antenna off or what not for more than a little while.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z941MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Wulfgott]

Is this indeed an NMO mount? I am only asking because the listing and photo doesn't seem so. And the listing says 3/8 hole.... vs 1/2 for the MOPAR bracket.

Just want to confirm everything before I click.

Sorry, I just saw this today. Not sure why or how I missed a notification when you first posted this. That is indeed the one I bought and fits mine (Mopar reinforced carrier) just fine. 3/8" is smaller than the 1/2" hole that Mopar claims to be. The Mopar factory hole isn't really 1/2" at least on mine and others I have seen. Some people drill it out to make it actually 1/2" diameter. Others I have seen shave the top or bottom to make it flat but that is up to you.

When I put it all back together, I will try to remember to take pictures again. Currently the rear end is taken apart (and has been for a while) while I run wiring and replace the rear bumper and a few other things. That I have just not had time to do as other things have come up. So, hopefully here next week or so I can get most of it done.

 

[Atomic5]

I have a UHF base and thought about just drilling out the hole. I was afraid that would not leave enough surrounding metal. Modified a Diamond K400 mount and it worked out great.

 

[Nokones]

You should look at the Speedcom Communications Varible Surface NMO mount and cable. It appears to have the 3/8" stud that will fit the mounting hole.

Here is the URL Link:

https://www.speedcomracing.com/product-page/nmo-variable-thickness-surface-mount-antenna

 

[Nokones]

I bought this one for the Mopar Reinforced Tailgate. Fits into the antenna hole nicely and includes NMO mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR3UOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I picked up this NMO cover too, just to have on hand if I wanted to take the antenna off or what not for more than a little while.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z941MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can find the very same items cheaper than Amazon at Arc Antenna or the Antenna Farm.

The same rain cap is $8.95 at Arc Antenna and the cable and mount for around $21-22 at one of the aforementioned, but I don't remember which one now.

 

[supercazzola]

Sorry to revisit this thread but I have understood the reinforced hinge on my 2025 JLU isn’t grounded / bonded well. If I touch the bolt with my continuity meter and touch the frame, it beeps. However, when I ground away paint in the spot on the hinge where you all put the Amazon cable assembly, it doesn’t have continuity to the bolts or the frame. Other than running my own ground, anyone have ideas? Perhaps there are some rubber gaskets or other insulators between the hinge and the body. I thought about removing one of the bolts and then looking, but they seem to be captive and won’t back out all the way.

 

[TrevDawg]

I have a UHF base and thought about just drilling out the hole. I was afraid that would not leave enough surrounding metal. Modified a Diamond K400 mount and it worked out great.

What mobile radio are you using? Adding a Ham set up to my Jeep and like the idea of modifying the Diamond K4000 mount which I've heard good things about.

 

[Atomic5]

What mobile radio are you using? Adding a Ham set up to my Jeep and like the idea of modifying the Diamond K4000 mount which I've heard good things about.

I have a handheld Yaesu FT3DR using a Comet HS-05 jumper to connect to the external coax/antenna. Also an older Yaesu FT-8800R Mobile that I mount using a RAM mount with a clamp. I usually just clamp that to the cup holder or brake handle.

I mostly use the FT3 because it's digital and I like to have it on me when camping, hiking, etc.
The mobile 8800 cranking out 50 Watts of power is nice. I plan on replacing the 8800 with a newer digital model.

The Diamond K4000 is a nice mount. I used one on my 4Runner as well.

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