HAM Radio Antenna

[MileHighCitizen]

I've got this one for VHF/UHF PL259, and a Rube Goldberg Fabrication on the other side for HF;

https://www.amazon.com/Linskip-Tailgate-Compatible-Exterior-Accessories/dp/B0CCRY87QN/ref=sr_1_16?crid=3SPXHEMSSV62Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nmCuviCMtgEl5hf6SxYmuAGfv1QWX_SCU8JdRMD8DICqYJoTG9DItHImInMifQGs6mqYR8KLZnkrQKc52wcNVjTQ8L8xvgNq_Ix2L9YunBHYjzuAXYnyPLbMq89AFsRhJkK3euPAJDqy3Lla6j6Gll3JhlMlEFdb3IEVzGGpgCZU6HAEdbQrKvj90bhXdJ6jaz61_APiYUdX83duuiI9IjHEoi05aVJq-jA3cGiJeX_CHjbKCVBArb77CdmQbqU31C_gQfrDtCOsj3GLZSqU7RcRkhoX0UNCEaxTxMrtG0M.00u2x41hGx4Jeah5rOvxXKeiSkpiBN2gtkGNmk5L3O8&dib_tag=se&keywords=2022+bronco+spare+tire+carrier+antenna+mount&qid=1714573886&replacementKeywords=spare+tire+carrier+antenna+mount&sprefix=2022+bronco+spare+tire+carrier+antenna+mount,aps,163&sr=8-16&vehicle=2022-54-633------------&vehicleName=2022+Ford+Bronco&th=1


https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/low-q-bronco.84929/#post-2148610

Just checked out your build thread for your radios, and wanted to pick your brain really quick.

I just got my Amatuer GMRS license, and was a Radio Operator in the military, so I'm not a total beginner, but am not gonna get too serious about it and don't want to "grow" out of anything and have to upgrade later.

Can you recommend a GMRS radio for my Bronco? I hear mixed reviews about all the brands, and am just overwhelmed with features I may not need. Been thinking about the Midland 50w, but not decided one way or the other. I'd like to spend no more that $500 for everything if I can get something reliable. Thanks in advance.

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[615_Bronco]

The Bronco tax on this is pricey compared to mounts made for a JL which fit just as well.

I get it but most the ones for Jeeps didn’t work with the SAS tires without modification.
Plus I like giving my money to good ole boys from the mountains.

 

[Sparkherd]

Just checked out your build thread for your radios, and wanted to pick your brain really quick.

I just got my Amatuer GMRS license, and was a Radio Operator in the military, so I'm not a total beginner, but am not gonna get too serious about it and don't want to "grow" out of anything and have to upgrade later.

Can you recommend a GMRS radio for my Bronco? I hear mixed reviews about all the brands, and am just overwhelmed with features I may not need. Been thinking about the Midland 50w, but not decided one way or the other. I'd like to spend no more that $500 for everything if I can get something reliable. Thanks in advance.

Well I've been a Ham since about '91, but I just started into GMRS with a couple of no-name handy-scratchy radios I got from Amazon, I think, so I'm probably not a good source for GMRS info.
Ask me for my Amateur Radio opinions tho, and you won't be able to shut me up!
I would advise you to do some research, and get something with a recognized brand name.
I know quite a few Amateur Radio peeps using Bow Wow Wow Fangs, AnyOldDamnTone and TYT radios, and they serve a purpose; being cheap.
Having said that, I saw a post here on B6G where a guy installed his Midland, and the next morning it went TU.
Your mileage will probably vary...

 

[Mr Bacon Jr]

https://mountains2metal.com/tailgate-flag-antenna-mount-bracket/

5/8 hole, will work with a 35in tire.
I’ve got one and love it.
@Mountains2Metal makes some great products

I'll echo this endorsement. And available either LH or RH config.

 

[Liquidtravel]

I'll echo this endorsement. And available either LH or RH config.

Awesome, If the one I just ordered doesn't work, which I don't think it will, I will give this one a try.

 

[WILDcardOD]

I'll echo this endorsement. And available either LH or RH config.

How sturdy is this? I wanna put a 6 foot whip with flag on it but I don’t want the bracket to be wobbling around.

 

[Liquidtravel]

How sturdy is this? I wanna put a 6 foot whip with flag on it but I don’t want the bracket to be wobbling around.

How sturdy is this? I wanna put a 6 foot whip with flag on it but I don’t want the bracket to be wobbling around.

It is very sturdy. It will handle a whip and flag. The only issue is that it touches the back side of the spare time on my bronco so I wrapped the backet in rubber as a dampener to keep it from marking up the tire.

 

[WILDcardOD]

It is very sturdy. It will handle a whip and flag. The only issue is that it touches the back side of the spare time on my bronco so I wrapped the backet in rubber as a dampener to keep it from marking up the tire.

Thank you I’ll be ordering one today. What kind of rubber thing did you use to do so?

 

[Liquidtravel]

Thank you I’ll be ordering one today. What kind of rubber thing did you use to do so?

Ha, I bought a cheap rubber floor mat from AutoZone and cut it based on what I needed.

 

[Gnomad]

I've been a ham since 1995 and recently got a GMRS license, as I am hearing more activity on channel 17 than our local VHF/UHF repeaters. Way more useful out on the trail than ham, since most users are not bothering with taking the test for a ham ticket when the only test for GMRS is navigating the FCC website.I bought a TIDRadio H8 that I can change from ham to GMRS and yes, it is legal that way. For trail use a HT is fine and while I could wire up my TYT TH-9800 like i had in my LR3 I really can't be bothered.
I do have a NMO mount waiting for me to punch a hole in my plastic cover by the mirror. Right on it!

 

[HPNQ420]

Well I've been a Ham since about '91, but I just started into GMRS with a couple of no-name handy-scratchy radios I got from Amazon, I think, so I'm probably not a good source for GMRS info.
Ask me for my Amateur Radio opinions tho, and you won't be able to shut me up!
I would advise you to do some research, and get something with a recognized brand name.
I know quite a few Amateur Radio peeps using Bow Wow Wow Fangs, AnyOldDamnTone and TYT radios, and they serve a purpose; being cheap.
Having said that, I saw a post here on B6G where a guy installed his Midland, and the next morning it went TU.
Your mileage will probably vary...

I'll bite on your offer for amateur radio advice...

I am taking my technician test in early July and am planning to go on to at least general.

I currently have a Rugged Radio's 41W waterproof mobile GMRS with a 1/4 wavelength antenna on the cowl. The radio is mounted in the passenger footwell.

I like to keep everything in my interior waterproof, and I can neither find a waterproof dual band mobile, nor do I really have room. So my plan is to get a Yaesu VX6R mobile and use the handheld mount that I used to use for a handheld GMRS. I would add in vehicle power, a waterproof mic, and another cowl-mounted antenna, probably one of the shorter Diamond dual bands. If I found I needed more power I could mount an RF amplifier up above the glove box where it would at least be rain protected.

Does this seem like a viable plan? Anything you would change? Thank you.

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