CB antenna Wire - How to get it inside?

StringFellow · 01-02-2014, 07:27 PM

I am about to install a CB antenna using a ladder mount and wanted to know what would be the best option for routing the wire to the inside of the RV? I thought about drilling a hole on the underside of an outside storage compartment and them again from the inside of the storage compartment to the inside of the RV. Initial thoughts are to use the compartment that holds the power and TV connections - that should get to between the slide out and the drivers seat. Just wondered if anyone had any other thoughts. BTW, I have a 2014 Winnebago Access Premier.

ChrisKW · 01-02-2014, 11:58 PM

We recently had a Cobra CB/Weather radio and Midland Power-Max Through-Glass Mobile CB antenna installed on our motorcoach. The antenna whip is 25-inch and attaches to the glass. The best part was quick, easy installation, and no holes, but it does not work on dual pane windows so check your mounting location choice first. It mounted to the forward area of the driver's side window. I cannot speak to any performance differences over a mirror or rooftop antenna, and admittedly there is not any traditional RF ground plane, nor is there perfect omni-directional reception, but it works well for my needs. Ref. https://midlandusa.com/accessories/product/18-258/

Wizard · 01-03-2014, 07:49 AM

I also once used the through the glass antenna on a class A motorhome and it worked really well, best part, no drilling. Unless you have the proper crimping tools to reattach the CB connector to the cable, you have to drill a really big hole that then needs to be sealed

DeWat · 01-03-2014, 08:04 AM

I mounted mine to the rear ladder and ran the coax to the underside on my previous Vista 35B. As soon as I was on the underside, I had a 30' patch coax cable of the very thick low loss long distance stuff with female ends run from the rear to the front. Once at the front underside, I used another standard size low loss patch coax and just brought it in through the firewall with the rest of the wires. As far as the "really big hole" goes, they make coax cables that will allow you to unscrew the large PL259 (the CB end plug) so the coax can be run through the standard small holes: Amazon.com: Wilson 18-ft. Belden Coaxial Cable PL-259 to FME: Electronics

vsheetz · 01-03-2014, 08:46 AM

X2 on the cable with FME connector. I recommend for mobile installs. And the mentioned cable is a good quality cable.

I would recommend to install the antenna at the front of the coach rather than the rear ladder. The long cables runs are lossy unless using low loss (large) cable diameters.

wa8yxm · 01-03-2014, 08:55 AM

Class A, Diesel or Gas. or a trailer

Trailer.. I'd go in via a wet bay, Then up through the plumbing channels into the rig.

Class A Gasser,, Along the frame to the front and through the firewall

Class A Diesel.. Quite likely the same path, coming up next to the steering column and just pushing the coax through the foam sealant.

Class b and C.. Same as A

NeilV · 01-03-2014, 12:07 PM

I guess I am spoiled in that I have an older coach from when Winnebago installed the CB antenna for you on the roof near the right front of the coach and left the radio end of the cable coiled up in a bag under the dash ready to plug into the radio of your choosing.

SuperGewl · 01-03-2014, 07:39 PM

Check with a local Stereo shop and see what they charge to install the antenna if you don't want to mess with the drilling of a large hole in the roof. Other wise just drill the hole and fill it in with self leveling lap sealant. Look for a Marine style CB antenna they make some good ones for boats that don't have access to the back.

wa8yxm · 01-04-2014, 10:29 AM

No need to drill at all. He wants to use a ladder mount (This is a standard Trucker's mirror mount by the way, Clamps on the ladder upright or horizontal) then you follow the ladder down under the RV along the frame and up next to the steering column, No holes at all need to be drilled. At least not in a class A-B-C.

on a trailer I might drill into a compartment and up from there, again using EXISTING holes in the floor.

hosenose · 01-04-2014, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilV

I guess I am spoiled in that I have an older coach from when Winnebago installed the CB antenna for you on the roof near the right front of the coach and left the radio end of the cable coiled up in a bag under the dash ready to plug into the radio of your choosing.

X2

luckydog1949 · 01-05-2014, 10:57 PM

Remember to use a "no ground plane" antenna. Otherwise, you won't be able to get a very good SWR. They usually come as a cable/antenna matched set. Our '05 Horizon came with a CB antenna and radio installed (the antenna was missing, though); but, I'm about to replace the antenna with a no ground plane antenna mounted on the side wall, near the driver's seat.