I end up making my own since I can't use a tailgate one

 

What kinda reception you get with that setup? Id imagine you wouldnt get very good because of the antenna running along the body

 

After reading this thread and talking to the cb shop here is what I ended up with. Got it all mounted and wired now just need to find an open area to tune it.
Antenna mount came with a lower bracket to mount to big rig mirror not used, then I cut the length off just past the first hole and drilled another. Searched forever to find a way to go thru to the cab with the cable since it won't fit through the holes filled with the spray expandable foam. Found this nice spot I never new was there inside cab it's covered with black sticky tape and the engine compartment side is black rubber with a cross cut on it already. Figured this would be great since it wouldn't be running right along with my amp power line for the sub. The small red wire you see is for the led lights which will get covered with wire loom. The antenna is tunable if you look close you can see the two metal ring that turn and lock at the base of the antenna. And it's nice and thin as to not obstruct the view too much.

 

Nice install, Dirk. I have an antenna like that laying around somewhere...I think it's a Skythumper "Twist and Shout". I might dust it off and try it on the Jeep like you did yours.

 

Realjeep... If I wanted to fab a mount off of my tire carrier to mount a Wilson 5000 Roof Mount antenna to, how large of a horizantal surface would you reco? I would plan to make it so that the surface is even with the top of the tailgate and it would be offset to the hinged side. I would also add a ground strap to help ensre a good ground.

 

Ok went last night to an open area to tune it. As it sat without any adjustments the swr meter was showing 1.5 on 1, 1.4 on 20, and 1.5 on 40, I tuned it and best I could get out of it is 1.3,1.2,1.3 respectively. I don't think I could get much better than that.

 

As much as you can do the more the better. Main rule of thumb ... the longer antenna the better the more metal in the ground plane the better.

 

Ok thanks. another question, can you help me understand how to choose between a "base load" and a "center load" ant? I am thinking that a center load would be a better choice when doing a spare tire mount setup because it would get the coil up above the interference caused by the tire and tailgate... Is this correct? If not, what is the benefit of one over the other?

 

If you have to put it there then center load. Anything to get the important parts of the antenna away from the to chunks of metal. You may still have SWR issues unless the antenna is tunable. Note: that tunable antennas can be set to a good SWR but being sandwiched like that shortens the transmission range. Remember it all comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.

Thanks

 

just got a 103'' whip antenna and ball mount from my stepdad. where's a good place to mount it? I want to put it in the back somewhere.