Best Way to Mount Dual Bander Mobile Antenna

I've never used a glass-mount, but I have heard of some who have. I even heard one ham say he has reused his on different vehicles. The problem I see with using a glass-mount on a pickup would be the base of the radiating element would be below the top of the roof, and reflection from the roof could affect your SWR's.

The rack sounds like a better idea to me. As far as running the cable out of the cab, take a look at the path of the taillight wires. I'm sure you'll find a grommet where the wires exit the body of the cab.

Back when I was in HAM radio the glass mount worked pretty good for transmitter hunts.

For real daily work I adapted an old Roof Top Ski mount foir a long term antenna.

Depends on your pain level

No problem, I have no such compunctions, tell me where it is and I will make the hole for you...

Not said was the actual two bands you were speaking of. Assuming 144/432 MHz or similar: The dual band glass mount antennas today are reported to work just fine. Keep the mounting point as high as possible on the glass, but leaving at least 1" clearance from any in-glass auto radio antenna grid and/or edge of window. I've found that one can mount closer than that recommended by the antenna mfr.

There are many mfr's, and where most are listed in the AES (Amateur Electronic Supply) catalog and online, for a thumbnail. I think MFJ has a line for one.

Plan on having to adjust the antenna matching for best VSWR once installed.

Without seeing the pickup, I wouldn't dare to make a recommendation for an otherwise location. Pickups generally don't lend well for alternative antenna locations.

If your dual band spec. should be other, like HF/40/20M, then it's a different ball game. In this case, I'd use an antenna tuner.

That is the two bands. Thanks for the advice. I will check out AES. My HF mobile will be another matter. I will go back with my bumper mount for that. I have the Ford F150 Texas Addition.

which glass mount, some windows have a heater wire running through them, its just another pick coil.

My personal experience with thru-glass antennas has been with Larsen.

The glass acts as the dielectric of a capacitor coupling the signal from outside to inside and vice versa. If the glass is factory tinted, the dielectric constant is changed, and there is a good possibility that it will not work. If the glass is tinted with film, one can cut out the film where the antenna is mounted.

With the Larsens, there are little triangles at the edge of the inside and outside parts of the antenna. These triangles MUST line up. Also, the feedline is part of the matching network. Do not cut the coax to fit the truck. Roll up the excess coax and leave it under the seat (or someplace).

So long as the above guidelines were followed, I never had ANY problems with Larsen thru glass... and I sold them for many years.

Sincerely

Bill NW7L