New rig and antenna help please

[KI4HBX]

I want to get me a new 2m/440 mobile and antenna for my pickup truck, I would like suggestions on what radio, what antenna, and best way to mount the antenna to my truck. I would like to get a really good setup that is not difficult to mount without loss of performance. Thanks.

[K0BG]

The best one to buy, is the one which suits your needs, and not mine. I don't even like FM operation!

As for the antenna, many here will yell you, that the Larsen NMO2/70BK is the way to go. Some of the Pacific Rim stuff sounds good, until you bash it against a low limb. About all you'll do to a Larsen it bend it.

[AF60D]

I just bought a Diamond NR72BNMO 146/440 antenna for my car.   Its a nice low profile antenna, so it won't look much different than a stock antenna.   1/4 wave version  A buddy has this on this truck and it works great for him.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/1578.html

It's an NMO mount, so a small hole in the roof will be drilled. ( best place for the antenna )   I'm using some LMR-240 coax, so the mount can be used for cell ph or GPS use later on when I don't own the car.  
LMR-240 has half the loss of RG58 cable.    This site sells coax with the connectors for a great price too.  http://usacoax.com/topics/times-microwave-lmr240-coaxial-cable/lmr240-ham-cb-radio-cable/
I'm using an NMO mount that you screw the coax onto it as I can get access under the head liner.
I like the NMO that make only a 3/8 hole vs the 3/4.  just in case you have to plug it, its just a small hole.
FWIW I love FM,  so nice and clear

cable attenuation   http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/coaxperf.html#atten

[N3IDG]

my choice is run a 1/4 wave on each band

[K0BG]

When someone recommends using some super duper coax cable in a mobile scenario (lengths seldom over 12 feet), I'm always amused. Even at 450 MHz, the difference in loss between the very best RG8 size coax money can buy, and the same length of lowly RG58, is about .2 dB.

[AF60D]

For Me, I can convert the NMO mount for ph or even GPS use, when I pull the radio and sell or trade in the car/truck.   People don't mind when you tell them its a cell ph antenna mount


450Mhz
RG58    10.6db / 100 = .106 x 12' = 1.272 drop
LMR-240   5.3db / 100 = .030 x 12' = .636 drop
Did the math and its .6 db drop differance at 450Mhz.  

KOBG you have a nice web page for HF setups

The web site I linked, has a 10' LMR-240 cable with your choice of connectors on each end for $12.50
I found an 8' RG58 for 9.99 on a different site.   So the cost is not a big factor.