Looking for RV Antenna Mounting Ideas (Amateur Radio)

[The-Rombauts]

Hey everyone!
Are there any fellow radio operators here who have mounted external antennas on their RVs? I’d love to see some pictures of your setups if you're willing to share!

I currently use a Diamond K400 lip mount on my car and would like to use the same antenna with our RV. I’m just not sure where—or how—to mount it so that it’s safe, legal, and convenient while driving.

This question isn’t limited to Amateur Radio (FCC Part 97) users—I'd love to hear from anyone who’s installed an antenna for CB, GMRS, FRS, or any other radio service.

If I had a pipe-style mirror arm, this would be easy. I’m also open to mounting it on the rear ladder if that’s a solid option while underway. Right now, I’m just doing some research and looking for inspiration, so any tips, photos, or suggestions you can offer would be much appreciated!

Aaron - KE2DYI

 

[ducksface]

On the top mount for your seat belts;
There is a metal plate behind it that is easily tapped from the outside of the rv.
This probably isn't big enough to act as a ground plain but is a good mounting spot.
You'll need an antenna that doesn't require a ground plain.

Hundreds of you tube videos.

 

[The-Rombauts]

Ah, this is interesting! I have a Diamond NR770HA (NR770HA - Diamond Antenna) which does not require a ground plain. It has a radialless structure. This may be an option then. Would need a solid surface mount.

 

[ducksface]

Its going to be right behind here(or whatever yours looks like)

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

If you're out on the plain... you'll definitely need a "ground plane". Sorry... can't help myself!

What BAND are you primarily using? The linked video pretty much covers what TYPE of antenna you'll need... even talks a little about ground plain (JUST STOP IT!! ).

As far as mounting, higher is usually better... but compromises are typically more functional, like avoiding putting a 6 foot + tall antenna on your roof. Interestingly, improvising a ladder mount is on my list of projects.

 

[ducksface]

I wasn't sure if it were plain or plane...factually.
I knew the common usage but am not sure it's correct except in that it is thought to be correct and therefore championed.

As it is a relatively flat surface and hopefully devoid...
I chose plain.

So,
Other than engineers being wrong since ever:
Why is it a plane?

You plane a plain to make a plain a plain.
Once it's flat it is a plain.
Argument has been made that somehow a metal plain is a plane...but why metal only?
(Planes are two dimensional if we're talking about real planes)

Dictionaries are minor mentions of true meaning, not end-alls.

I sway easily.

(Any animal that sheds it's antlers has antlers. EXCEPT elk which have horns. I assume some big mean guy made everyone say it the time he got it wrong...and it has stuck for generations)

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

The English language is an absolute monster... a vast sea of contradictions. I'm from the phonics generation and I taught myself spelling by literal letter pronunciation. It's a miracle ANYONE could become fluent in English later in life!

But back to "plane vs plain". I believe the usage of PLANE in radio signal propagation comes from the geometric shape of the hypothetical flat surface describe in mathematics, which is generally accepted to describe the propagation surface... which can be in any dimension... but typically either horizontal OR vertical for radio purposes.

For PLAIN... the closest analogy would be the flat wide-open expanse of real estate in the central-western U.S. commonly given this term.

For technical purposes of signal propagation, the former is more fitting in radio engineering circles.

 

[ducksface]

As an electron bed and as close to two dimensional as we'll ever see;
Yes, I believe they refer to the electron plane and not the flat surfaced plain we use to allow for the electron plane.

Hypothetical Technical plane.
Real life plain to support the plane.

I'll not concede but I'll concur.

The use of plane makes it plain to plain folk who will be looking for a relatively expansive plain to mount their antenna to so the electrons can plane, relatively.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

If you were writing a thesis on radio wave propagation, you would likely lose credibility using the term "plain"... but then some folks fill their motorhomes with "gas" from the "gas station". But I think the slang excuse wouldn't fly for "plain"... unless you glued wings onto it... but I'll stop there.

For the OP... apologies... but PLEASE follow up with what you end up with... and pics are appreciated!!

 

[ducksface]

If you were writing a thesis on radio wave propagation...

If I even came close to something like that please use an arsenic coated bullet on me as you throw me off of the roof.

 

[The-Rombauts]

If you're out on the plain... you'll definitely need a "ground plane". Sorry... can't help myself!

What BAND are you primarily using? The linked video pretty much covers what TYPE of antenna you'll need... even talks a little about ground plain (JUST STOP IT!! ).

As far as mounting, higher is usually better... but compromises are typically more functional, like avoiding putting a 6 foot + tall antenna on your roof. Interestingly, improvising a ladder mount is on my list of projects.

I appreciate your reply! I am not considering operating band in this request. I am only looking for antenna mounting ideas and pictures. Also, this is for while the RV is underway, so that should be in consideration.

I am leaning towards the ladder mount as this will not require any sort of modifications to the integrity of the walls. The only concern I have is the length of the coax and passthrough options up into the cockpit.

 

[ducksface]

A copy and paste from almost every source:

'The key is to have a cable length that provides a good match between the radio and antenna impedance, and that is as short as feasible.'

 

[The-Rombauts]

A copy and paste from almost every source:

'The key is to have a cable length that provides a good match between the radio and antenna impedance, and that is as short as feasible.'

Exactly, that is why it is one of my concerns. I figure at 50' or less, I should be okay, though. The losses from the cable may not matter with the dBi gain of the antenna.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Maybe use a CB antenna mount on the ladder. If you have an existing convenient roof entry close to the front, run the coax on the roof secured with an occasional strip of EternaBond tape.

Otherwise go underneath, zip tie to frame and bring it inside in the firewall area through a grommet.

I used to work communication for SCCA road rallies back in the 1980's and had a mag mount 2-meter antenna. But that was strictly a temporary rig... through a window and attached to my Kenwood handheld. There's not enough exposed metal in an RV to hold anything like that today

You could also find a craft oriented metalwork guy (or gal) to custom fabricate a mirror mount for you.

 

[k_enn]

I use a CB in my RV. I went with a Firestix NGP (no ground plane/plain) mounted through the RV body just forward of the driver side window. I had the installation done by a professional (Good RV dealer or CB shop should be able to do it). Just remember that with NGP antenna, the cable is part of the system and should not be shortened or lengthened. The only issue I had was that at highway speeds, the airflow could cause the top of the antenna to slap the RV body. I used a rubber fishing rod holder to keep the top from moving. The CB is mounted on the wall to the left side of the drive seat. Pictures attached (pardon the spanish moss on the antenna).

 

[RVGeek-THOR]

Hey everyone!
Are there any fellow radio operators here who have mounted external antennas on their RVs? I’d love to see some pictures of your setups if you're willing to share!

I currently use a Diamond K400 lip mount on my car and would like to use the same antenna with our RV. I’m just not sure where—or how—to mount it so that it’s safe, legal, and convenient while driving.

This question isn’t limited to Amateur Radio (FCC Part 97) users—I'd love to hear from anyone who’s installed an antenna for CB, GMRS, FRS, or any other radio service.

If I had a pipe-style mirror arm, this would be easy. I’m also open to mounting it on the rear ladder if that’s a solid option while underway. Right now, I’m just doing some research and looking for inspiration, so any tips, photos, or suggestions you can offer would be much appreciated!

Aaron - KE2DYI

I've been hamming in my Class C (23U) for several years, but not in motion. I mount a pair of hamsticks to a 18' MFJ (remember them?) telescoping mast inserted in Flagpole Buddy ladder mounts. Occasionally, I mount the mast in a MFJ (ditto) tripod when the ladder mount is obstructed. Works well.

I've had limited success using a vertical on the Class C. Not enough metal in the body for a good counterpoise. I've run wire radials out to improve the situation, but only marginally. The dipole configuration eliminates the need for a counterpoise.
Jim, K4JUQ