Understanding Truck Antenna Mount

A truck antenna mount is a step in the right direction for outdoor enthusiasts, off-roaders, and truckers to achieve reliable communication.

Such mounts offer a secure and firm antenna attachment point, thus providing a seamless signal reception for communication devices like GPS and radios.

Therefore, you must understand several key truck antenna mount aspects to optimize antenna performance and durability.

This means considering factors like the mount’s compatibility with the vehicle & antenna, material quality, and the mount type.

But what is the best location to mount antennas on your truck, and what types of antennas can you use?

Today’s article answers such questions and more to help you have an exciting off-road experience. Let’s get rolling!

Best Locations To Mount Antennas on Your Truck

Choosing an appropriate location to mount your antenna is the first step in achieving a reliable and high-quality signal.

This section highlights the best places to mount your antenna on a truck.

Roof Mount

The truck roof is among the best locations to mount your antenna since it offers a high vantage point away from obstructions.

And whether you receive signals from a satellite or transmitting tower, your antenna has a clear line of sight.

Moreover, a roof mount provides a firm and stable mounting base, especially for larger antennas.

Fender/Hood Mount

These locations work perfectly for CB antennas; you can easily access them during maintenance and installation.

Moreover, they provide almost perfect ground plane coverage, thus improving the overall performance.

However, mount the antenna firmly on the fender or hood to prevent vibrations from damaging everything.

Mirror Mount

Mirrors, too, offer a reliable mounting option, especially for smaller and portable antennas.

Such antennas are straightforward; we usually install them on the truck’s side mirrors.

In most cases, we employ these mounts for handheld and CB radios. However, during installation, ensure the antenna weight matches the strength of the mirror.

Stake Hole Mount

Some trucks have stake holes on their bed rails, allowing you to comfortably fit antennas into the holes.

Funny enough, stake holes offer a convenient and sturdy location to mount an antenna.

You can mount multiple antennas, especially for communication applications.

Roll/bull Bar Mount

Trucks have roll and bull bars that you can use to mount your antennas.

Surprisingly, roll or bull bar mounts serve multi-antenna setups and large-sized antennas.

However, these mounting setups only work well for emergency vehicles and off-road trucks.

Luggage Rack Mount

Most trucks have roof or luggage racks to comfortably mount your antenna.

However, the antenna installation should not interfere with the cargo, nor the cargo interfere with the antenna signal reception.

Rear Bumper Mount

(A truck with an antenna)

Although this is a surprise on our list, it is the best location to mount whip and CB antennas.

And although it provides reliable ground plane coverage, consider any obstruction from the cargo or high equipment.

The Types of Antennas To Mount on Your Truck

(A vehicle with an antenna)

We have countless antenna options you can mount on the truck, each serving a unique communication purpose.

CB Antenna

The Citizen Band (CB) antennas are among the most popular truck mount antennas, operating in the 27 MHz frequency range.

Generally, these antennas find application in short-range communication, especially roadside assistance and truck-to-truck communication.

Common citizen band antennas include magnet mount, fiberglass, and whip antennas.

UHF and VHF Antenna

The Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) antennas are among the best truck communication options.

And while the UHF antennas work in the 400-520 MHz range, the VHF options function in the 136-174 MHz range.

Since these antennas support long-range communication, you can comfortably employ them for emergency services and fleet management.

GPS Antenna

Most off-road drivers use trucks to navigate new territories. Therefore, there is a need to attach GPS antennas to their trucks for accurate navigation and positioning.

A GPS antenna simply receives signals from a geostationary antenna in space to determine a truck’s actual location and, at the same time, generate real-time tracking information.

Since GPS antennas are compact, you can always install them anywhere on the track, including the dashboard or roof.

Cellular Antenna

(An antenna on the upper cabin of a vehicle)

We also refer to these antennas as cellular signal boosters, and they help with cellular signal reception to improve data and voice call connectivity.

Surprisingly, these antennas come in different forms, including mirror-mounted, adhesive-mounted, and magnetic-mounted antennas.

Generally, cellular antennas are compact, and you can install them anywhere.

FM/AM Antennas

FM/AM antennas allow you to access quality entertainment from local radio stations while in your truck.

The most common FM/AM antenna types are shark fin and whip antennas, which we mainly mount on the truck’s rear fender and roof.

WiFi Antenna

These antennas help truck drivers and other travelers have a reliable internet connection while traveling.

And depending on the area you wish the antenna to cover, you can have a directional or omnidirectional antenna.

Satellite Antenna

(A parabolic satellite dish antenna)

Although satellite antennas closely relate to GPS antennas since they both receive signals from a satellite, they serve different purposes.

Generally, we use satellite antennas to receive satellite internet and television signals.

However, you will find these antennas difficult & complex to install, especially thanks to their large size.

But if you are a trucker who spends much time on the road, you better install these antennas to access unlimited entertainment (television and internet).

FAQs

What is truck antenna mounting?

This is installing a reliable antenna on a truck to improve overall communication.

Generally, you must buy a reliable antenna (CB, cellular, or satellite), identify an appropriate mounting location, and follow the installation guidelines to complete the process.

As such, it becomes easy to listen to the radio, access the internet (WiFi, or watch television), regardless of location, as long as you are in your truck.

What is the best place to mount an antenna?

The perfect position to mount your antenna depends on factors like the surrounding conditions and the type of antenna.

For example, a cellular should have a clear line of sight to the transmitting antenna for the best results.

Therefore, it means having no obstruction on the path of the signals.

However, we mainly prefer roof mounts since the area is open to satellites or transmitting towers and will provide optimal reception with the right elevation angle.

But you can always use the luggage rack, read bumper, and stake if your roof doesn’t allow installation.

Can you mount the truck antenna yourself?

Yes! Mounting a truck antenna is straightforward if you have the relevant skills and equipment.

You only need to buy the best antenna for your specific application (WiFi, satellite, or radio antenna).

Then choose a reliable mounting location with a clear line of sight to the transmitting source.

Fortunately, most manufacturers design antennas with clear installation guidelines on the best practices and procedures.

Final Remarks

With the ever-changing technology, we can now mount antennas on trucks to access services like the internet and television.

However, for the best signal reception, identify an ideal installation location, buy a reliable truck antenna, and strictly adhere to the installation guidelines available in the user manual as provided by the manufacturer.