A semi truck antenna is a great way to enhance communication while on the road.
And if you have a CB radio, a CB antenna will boost its signal reception.
But should you place the antenna on the roof or bumper, or which is the best place?
Also, how should you mount it for the best output?
Read on to learn the guidelines on where and how to mount semi-truck antennas, the different types of antennas, how to install them, and more.
Table of Contents
- Why You Need an Antenna for Your Semi Truck
- Types of Semi-Truck Antennas
- Where Do You Put an Antenna on a Semi Truck
- Guidelines for Mounting Semi Truck Antenna
- Why Do Trucks Have Two Antennas?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Why You Need an Antenna for Your Semi Truck
An antenna greatly enhances your connection to your favorite radio stations and end-to-end communication with other drivers.
See, with a good antenna; you increase the frequency range through which you can communicate well.
Usually, when you travel to extremely remote areas, you’re bound to experience poor signal reception. And that would make it hard to communicate through your mobile phone.
Only a CB (Citizen Band) radio can work in such cases. But the CB must have an antenna to respond to communication signals.
Types of Semi-Truck Antennas
Below are the different types of semi truck antennas:
- Fiberglass: These antennas are durable and flexible. And their universal thread makes it possible to connect to most CB antenna mounts. Also, they fit on the hood, stakeholder, bumper, or toolbox.
- Magnetic: Now, magnetic antennas are easy to install. That’s because all the accessories, such as the coax, magnet mound, and whip, come in one complete package.
- Center load: This antenna has a coil at the middle of its length and a plastic housing. Also, its thread is similar to that of the fiberglass antenna. Thus, it’s compatible with many CB radios. And because of the long antenna, they have a strong signal reception and are a perfect choice for semi trucks that spend long hours on the highway. That said, the antenna is delicate and not able to handle off-road terrain as it breaks easily.
- Whip: Another name for this antenna is 102 whips, one of the longest. Also, it has a signal reception that’s stronger than most antennas. However, its massive eight-and-a-half-foot length creates clearance issues. Because it can easily get caught by over-the-rooftop obstructions, also, it requires a heavy-duty mount to support it.
- No ground plane: This CB antenna doesn’t require a ground plane to function. See, it uses the ground to transmit the signal horizontally to your CB radio.
Where Do You Put an Antenna on a Semi Truck
Below are some of the places you can mount an antenna on your semi truck:
Bumper
Of all the places you could mount an antenna, this is the last place you should consider. For one, the bumper is too low.
As a result, it’s too difficult for the antenna to achieve the right height for better signal reception. Also, the truck’s cab would block the signal.
(Caption: Semi truck with an antenna on the bumper)
Hood
Undoubtedly, mounting an antenna on your vehicle’s hood is the cleanest place for a stylish outlook. In particular, the fiberglass antenna is one of the best options for antennas that blend in well with hood mounting.
However, as usual, ensure at least a third of the antenna is off the roofline for better performance.
Stake hole
Now the stake hole is the square opening along your truck bed rails. It allows you to install the antenna without drilling any holes.
Again, the antenna best suited for this mounting is the fiberglass.
And with this mounting, ensure you have at least a third of the antenna above the roofline for good signal reception.
Toolbox
Now mounting on the toolbox becomes necessary if you have a fiberglass antenna and your mount is a traditional 3-way.
But if you settle on toolbox mounting, ensure the antenna is long enough to go some inches above the roofline.
Also, place the antenna on the driver’s side. That way, you prevent the truck’s cab from interfering with the signal from other vehicles.
Center of the roof
The roof’s center is the vehicle’s highest part.
Thus, because of how high the antenna is, it maximizes the performance of the antenna. It enables excellent signal reception.
A magnetic mount is an excellent option for roof installation.
Guidelines for Mounting Semi Truck Antenna
If you’re considering mounting a semi-truck antenna, the following are some general guidelines:
Antenna Height
Generally, the higher the antenna, the better its performance.
So ensure that when you mount the antenna, at least a third or even half of it is above the roof line.
High Quality
Choose a high-quality antenna for durability. See, typically, semi trucks operate in relatively harsh environments.
Thus, it would be best if you had an antenna that’s robust enough to withstand such conditions.
So install an antenna that can handle harsh weather and constant vibrations in off-road areas for extended periods.
Antenna Length
Generally, long antennas tend to have better signal frequency reception capability.
But the problem is overhead structures, such as bridges and flyovers, can interrupt or destroy an antenna that’s too long.
However, today car manufacturers employ innovations that enable a short antenna to be just as effective.
For example, they use coil springs, making a long antenna appear much shorter.
Why Do Trucks Have Two Antennas?
(Caption: Semi truck with two antennas)
Often, you’ll see trucks with two antennas. And if you have ever wondered why that is, here’s why:
- Increased performance: Dual antennas increase signal reception so that it’s much better than with a single antenna.
- Mitigating dead spots: Usually, a single antenna is likely to have its signal blocked by even things as basic as other vehicles on the road. On the other hand, with a dual antenna, if one antenna gets blocked, the other remains active for signal reception.
- Increased CB range: Undoubtedly, a double antenna increases the bandwidth or frequency that your radio can access. As a result, upon tuning it, you’ll find that it captures more radio signals than a single antenna would.
FAQs
Where is the best place to mount an antenna on a semi-truck?
Granted, there are several places you can mount an antenna on a semi-truck, such as the bumper, hood, or center of the roof.
But out of all these positions, the best one is the center of the roof, right above the dashboard.
There, a significant part of the antenna is above the roof line for optimal performance.
Why do people put long antennae on their trucks?
Generally, a longer antenna has better signal reception. With a long antenna, it’s guaranteed a bigger portion of its length goes over the roofline.
Thus, it frees the antenna from any signal blocking by other vehicles.
How do I Mount a CB antenna on my truck without drilling holes?
One, you can use a magnetic mount that uses a metal plate to attach the antenna.
Another way to go about it is to mount the antenna directly through the windshield or rear window.
Conclusion
Now you understand more about semi truck antennas.
For example, you know the different types, different ways of mounting them, and how to ensure optimum signal reception.
And if you ever wondered why some trucks have two antennas, now you know why.
Simply follow the tips mentioned above, and you will never struggle with bad signal reception.
