Ditch light / antenna mount
- Thread starter luckypup
- Start date
kidphc
Member
Personally, I am using a massive metal ditch light antenna hood mount on my landcruiser.
You do lose a bit of range and directionality. Due to the obstructions of the pillar and really bad ground plane.
Same antenna, same radio compared to a center roof mount. The ditch mount antenna hears between 60-70% of what it heard on the roof.
In my case, some frequencies get qrm, interference as well due to the proximity of electronics. It was really bad as my brake accumulator and abs module were dying.
If you can accept the losses. There are tons of vendors. Simple Google search will yield tons..
For example, the Rago one. You will need to buy the ditch light mount then the appropriate antenna mount tab.
www.ragofabrication.com
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
You do lose a bit of range and directionality. Due to the obstructions of the pillar and really bad ground plane.
Same antenna, same radio compared to a center roof mount. The ditch mount antenna hears between 60-70% of what it heard on the roof.
In my case, some frequencies get qrm, interference as well due to the proximity of electronics. It was really bad as my brake accumulator and abs module were dying.
If you can accept the losses. There are tons of vendors. Simple Google search will yield tons..
For example, the Rago one. You will need to buy the ditch light mount then the appropriate antenna mount tab.
Ham Antenna Ditch Bracket Extension
The Rago Fabrication Ham Radio Extension is all you need to add a Ham Radio Antenna to your ditch brackets! Easily attaches onto existing brackets and doesn't interfere with the hood. Made In America.
www.ragofabrication.com
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
luckypup
New member
Many thanks. I know the placement isn't optimal for reception, but I'll mount it there until I get a new roof rack.Personally, I am using a massive metal ditch light antenna hood mount on my landcruiser.
You do lose a bit of range and directionality. Due to the obstructions of the pillar and really bad ground plane.
Same antenna, same radio compared to a center roof mount. The ditch mount antenna hears between 60-70% of what it heard on the roof.
In my case, some frequencies get qrm, interference as well due to the proximity of electronics. It was really bad as my brake accumulator and abs module were dying.
If you can accept the losses. There are tons of vendors. Simple Google search will yield tons..
For example, the Rago one. You will need to buy the ditch light mount then the appropriate antenna mount tab.
Ham Antenna Ditch Bracket Extension
The Rago Fabrication Ham Radio Extension is all you need to add a Ham Radio Antenna to your ditch brackets! Easily attaches onto existing brackets and doesn't interfere with the hood. Made In America.
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
kidphc
Member
Make sense..
Roof racks, was going to get one. Till I had problems figuring out how to make an nmo to nmo jumper.
When shopping, ask the manafacturer what type of loading it was designed for. Even when, it in specs. I see a lot of rocking from my ditch mount, due to the light and antenna. With the 2/70sh antenna it's doable for me. When I drop the Comet 2x24sr, the whole thing is constantly rocking due to the wind and bumps.
Wish you luck finding one you like. They are great if you can't find a sturdy good looking fender mount.
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Roof racks, was going to get one. Till I had problems figuring out how to make an nmo to nmo jumper.
When shopping, ask the manafacturer what type of loading it was designed for. Even when, it in specs. I see a lot of rocking from my ditch mount, due to the light and antenna. With the 2/70sh antenna it's doable for me. When I drop the Comet 2x24sr, the whole thing is constantly rocking due to the wind and bumps.
Wish you luck finding one you like. They are great if you can't find a sturdy good looking fender mount.
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
BrentfromHB
New member
Hit up GG Lighting, I think they make one.
If you're open to ditching the ditch light mount (!) I recommend this one: https://www.gamiviti.com/antenna-brackets I have two of these on my 4Runner. Puts the antenna a bit more forward than a ditch mount, and the antenna stays in place when you open the hood.
Not stong enough for a 40" fiberglass CB antenna, but works well with 1/4 wave and 1/2 wave whips.
Not stong enough for a 40" fiberglass CB antenna, but works well with 1/4 wave and 1/2 wave whips.
kidphc
Member
I didn't like the one for the lc100. Bit flimsier then I had hoped. If I had a metal brake I would of put some extra bends in it to get it closer to the fender and stiffer.
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I used CBI ditch light mounts for antennas on my Tacoma. I ended up moving them but that wasn't due to any issue with the mounts themselves. I just didn't like having antennas there. They'd ********** the hood and roof when drive on tight trails, was actually a little worried it might crack a windshield.
Actually have the driver side still. I don't know if it would fit a 4Runner but if so it's for sale.
cbioffroadfab.com
Actually have the driver side still. I don't know if it would fit a 4Runner but if so it's for sale.
Ditch Light Brackets | Shop Products | CBI Offroad
Shop our selection of ditch light brackets to add to your ride. CBI Offroad products are trail proven and American made. Shop CBI Offroad online today.
cbioffroadfab.com
MotoDave
Explorer
Another option is a hood channel mount like this: https://www.gamiviti.com/antenna-brackets
I've used them on my last 2 trucks, and been satisfied with the performance. I think the ground plane is somewhat better than the ditch light locatiuon ... but I'm no expert. Its worked fine for me for comms when driving in groups.
I've used them on my last 2 trucks, and been satisfied with the performance. I think the ground plane is somewhat better than the ditch light locatiuon ... but I'm no expert. Its worked fine for me for comms when driving in groups.
SDDiver5
Expedition Leader
They may make them for a T4R, I'm not sure, but there are 3rd brake light for trucks (up top on rear of cab) that you can add chase lights or just have an antenna mounted. I think I am going that way in the future. Something like this https://www.dieselpowerproducts.com...MIjY_VrJ77ggMVQCKtBh3gyQU5EAQYASABEgJfHPD_BwE
A little pricey but it moves the antenna high up and away from an obstructions like a ditch light.
A little pricey but it moves the antenna high up and away from an obstructions like a ditch light.
Bigc3031
Active member
Personally, I am using a massive metal ditch light antenna hood mount on my landcruiser.
You do lose a bit of range and directionality. Due to the obstructions of the pillar and really bad ground plane.
Same antenna, same radio compared to a center roof mount. The ditch mount antenna hears between 60-70% of what it heard on the roof.
In my case, some frequencies get qrm, interference as well due to the proximity of electronics. It was really bad as my brake accumulator and abs module were dying.
If you can accept the losses. There are tons of vendors. Simple Google search will yield tons..
For example, the Rago one. You will need to buy the ditch light mount then the appropriate antenna mount tab.
Ham Antenna Ditch Bracket Extension
The Rago Fabrication Ham Radio Extension is all you need to add a Ham Radio Antenna to your ditch brackets! Easily attaches onto existing brackets and doesn't interfere with the hood. Made In America.
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
I used this same mount but I cut it down past the slotted portion and drilled a hole to mount to the SDHQ/light so it fits tighter to the truck.
