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1-8 of 8 messages
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pickup truck opinions?
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by K3TD on January 28, 2006
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For a variety of reasons I am moving from being a long time SUV owner to a pickup truck later this year. I'd like to get opinions on the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Dodge RAM 1500 as far as EMI and radio/antenna installation options go. I'll be operating HF as well as VHF/UHF and will probably mount the VHF/UHF antenna on the roof and the HF antenna just behind the cab.
Thanks in advance and 73,
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by W4KPA on January 28, 2006
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Well, here's my two cents worth based on 30 years of mobiling, 20 of it on hf.
I can't speak to the F-150 or the Dodge Ram, but I've been running hf/vhf/uhf mobile in a Silverado for the last six years. There are no problems on vhf/uhf fm, as you would expect. I get a little interference on SSB, primarily from the fuel pump, but also a little hash and ignition-like popping from various places around the vehicle. The problem is so minor that I've not invested any time in chasing it down. I'm sure a day installing ferrite beads and bonding straps would probably fix what little problem I've had. An aside -- the fuel pump noise seems to peak on 17 meters. I don't know why that would be, or if another vehicle would be the same.
As far as antenna placement goes -- you will be well satisfied with the vhf/uhf antenna on the roof, especially if you swallow hard and drill a hole in the roof for a permanent installation. But, I'd reconsider putting the hf antenna right behind the cab. I ran one like that on a Jeep Commanche for several years. It worked out fine, but I found when I moved it to the back corner of the bed rail that it was a whole lot quieter, and it tended not to interfere with the various onboard computers and the electronics in the cab. Transmitting on 20 meters would kill the engine. That problem went away when I moved the antenna. If you plan to run an amp, I'd definitely move it back.
On my Silverado, I've got the antenna on the right rear corner, since fast food, drive-thru overhangs are a bigger problem in town than bushes and limbs. It's mounted on a Geotools stake pocket mount, which gives me a very good ground and a mechanically-strong mount. You may break the antenna off, but the mount won't be dislodged. Also, this position puts the antenna high above the ground and in the clear. It doesn't look as good back there as it does behind the cab, but I've found it works better.
I'm using a Hustler with standard coils right now. I've used Hamsticks and Iron Horse whips, all with similar results.
Good luck. I'm sure you'll have a lot of good advice before the day is over. Maybe K0BG will weigh in.
Bruce
W4KPA
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by KG6WLS on January 29, 2006
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Alan is probally replying to your post as we speak (or type).
www.k0bg.com
Has everything, problem solving, and ideas for ALL mobile installs.
Mike
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by K0BG on January 29, 2006
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You're not going to have much trouble with any of the three you mentioned, except with RFI from their ignition systems. With proper bonding, even that can be reduced to an acceptable level. I have a suggestion or two, however.
All three offer heavy duty electrical systems. In the case of the Dodge, you have to buy the upgraded trailer hitch, but that's a cheap upgrade.
GeoTool makes some very good stake pocket mounts for all of the popular trucks that still have them (Nissan and Honda don't have stake pockets).
If you check my web site and look under Installations, you might get a few ideas from what others have done.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by AA4PB on January 29, 2006
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I agree with W4KPA. Mount the antenna on the rear of the bed rail. I use the left side in an attempt to avoid overhanging tree limbs. If you have stake pocket holes, check out Geotool for some really solid mounts.
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by K3TD on January 30, 2006
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Bruce, Mike, Alan, Bob:
Thank you for the helpful replies. Great web site, Alan! I remember it from when I installed an FT-100D in my Durango about 6 years ago.
Thanks and 73,
Tad, K3TD
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by WA5UHK on February 1, 2006
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Take a look at the Toyota Tundra. Lift the hood and look at the bonding done by Toyota. Also, the ignition coil function is right on top of each spark plug. That high voltage spike doesn't have to travel down a resistance wire to get to the plug gap and I think that makes it an electrically quiet engine.
My opinion.
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RE: pickup truck opinions?
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by W7LV on March 1, 2006
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I'm not a partisan for any big 3 brand, but I had a 2002 (next generation) RAM 1500 for 4 years. The coil on plug ignition made it reasonable quiet. One can hear the fuel pump on HF on 40/80, but not nearly as loudly as in an Explorer. Plenty of capacity in the battery and alternator. Be sure to bond the box to the cab in two places. Mounted HF antennas "Aussie Style" (or Columbia River Valley Style) on a Polar grill guard on the front Passenger side with no problems.
Lots of room for VHF/UHF rigs and the business ends of ICOM and YAESU HF/6 rigs behind the seat, and an easy run for separation cables from there to good mounting locations for control heads on the dash.
I had the 4.7L V-8. Was only in the shop twice while I owned it (AC warranty issues) and it STILL didn't squeak or rattle the day it drove away with 52,000 Miles on it. Somewhat offsets the in-town fuel mileage disappointment. I could get 19.1 MPG on cuise control on "Alligator Alley" in Florida, dead flat country, and typically 18.0 - 18.5 MPG from Las Vegas to Ely, NV.
I'm nearly certain that there are Silverado and F-150 owners with similar experiences, but that was RAM time for me.
FYI, a bad back (sciatica) and the need for a more car-like ride were the only two reasons to sell it. 'Twas a Good Old Truck.
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