Help with 2004 Tacoma

oldradioguy · Post by **oldradioguy** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 4:54 am

Want to install a dual bad Icom in the truck. Clearance between the roof of the truck and overhead door is only 12" so the 19" dual band antenna I have won't work there. I thought of a glass mount on the back window but they're 28" or so and would probably hit the garage door. Last resort is a front fender mount. But I noticed that with the hood closed the coax may get pinched. Any ideas here???

Dale Earnhardt · Post by **Dale Earnhardt** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 12:13 pm

I remember they have antennas that were foldable, not sure if it was for dualband though.. but defintley I remember it was for amature band

oldradioguy · Post by **oldradioguy** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 1:31 pm

Didn't want to go with a fold over antenna.

Post by **akardam** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:49 pm

I have a 2004 Tacoma Double Cab, and all my antennas are mounted through my Tradesmen aluminum camper shell (I don't have a height requirement, no garage). However, if you don't need to use the bed for bulky obects, there's a couple solutions I can think of:

1. Toolbox. Get yourself one of those toolboxes for the bed, the ones that sit crosswise right behind the cab. Should give you enough ground plane for a dual band 144/440 antenna.

2. A Tonneau cover. There's quite a few places that make nice aluminum OEM matching covers, such as these ones:

http://www.truckaccessoriesworld.com/to ... covers.htm

As long as you make sure you have a braided grounding strap between the cover and the bed, it ought to work great, and gives you plenty of room to mount several antennas if you so choose.

I'd be interested to see what you come up with. I really ought to get some pics of my truck up, but it's an ever evolving project *grin*.

crazyboy · Post by **crazyboy** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 4:40 pm

I believe that they also make bed stake mounts but im not sure how well they work. also you could use a fender mount.

oldradioguy · Post by **oldradioguy** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 5:34 am

Is there an antenna out there that's shorter than 12" for 144/440?

mike m · Post by **mike m** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 12:00 pm

I have the same problem on a new Honda pilot, only 12 1/2 inches clearance on mine.
Check the Gigaparts link below and at the top look for the Comet B10 series dual bander, just 12 inches tall. You may be able to bend it at the top a little if needed for more clearance, that's my plan if it strikes the door.

Mike

http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?acti ... type=radio

oldradioguy · Post by **oldradioguy** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:29 pm

Thanks very much for the info. I'm going to have to go out and measure exactly how much clearance I have. But it looks good. Can't wait to post some install pictures.

Post by **batdude** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:10 pm

i have used the 12" B10NMO from comet before on other vehicles...worked great... just don't hit it with more than 50w

this is a short cell-like dual bander

doug