I'm planning to use two 'L' shaped mounts bolted to the inside of the bedrails with the antennas mounted above the bedrails. In this configuration, the only way to make it successful is to use a lug-type stud mount so that I can use all 4 bolts to the bedrail and have the cable make a good exit from the mount. Has anyone used the firestik lug mount (not the standard ring terminal) and if so, how well does it work?? I can't tell how it grounds to the mount.

Here's a pic of the mount:


Thanks.

 

My post hole mount came with one of those, but it just didn't look very sturdy. It worked when I plugged it in, tho.

 

Yes I can ACTUALLY help someone, well sorta. Tom I have that EXACT mount...
It grounds via some funky design feature, the hard part is putting all the parts in proper order. (I had mine messed up and we fixed it on the old road at Centralia, thanks to John and his brother for help with that) Anyway, either of the two photos you have are good illustrations. The parts are the stud, a lock washer, a plastic o-ring/grommet, a flat washer and the antenna adapter. I understand how you want to mount it, I don't think it will be a problem. I do however recommend loctite on all your threaded pieces. Mine constantly was working loose even with the lock washer, I don't seem too have any electrical problems/signal lose due to the loctite either. I used the blue medium strength removable stuff. LILBLUE Neil has the same one as well, ours are mounted in our stake pockets but the coax cable and lug are identical.

 

Can I ask you WHY... You want to mount (2) antenna's !!!
The only way that would work is IF you CO PHASE the antenna's and that setup usually works best when one antenna is mounted in the front of the vehicle and the other is mounted in the rear... Otherwise.... you will be rather directional with your transmit and receive....

OR4x4

 

I would use stake pocket mounts except that my bedrails have been on the truck for 5 years so the condition of the paint under them is questionable. I figure that I can leave the bedrail caps on and drill holes into the vertical inside lip of the bedrail. That way, any water will be kept on the bedliner and the metal behind shouldn't rust too quickly.

The reason for two antennae is because one is for the CB and one for 2m HAM.

 

Ha ha! You sound like me. I'm always ranting against co-phase on a small vehicle. Yes, he is doing two different frequency bands. I have antennas all over my truck for different bands, lol.

CB antenna's need a 1/4 wave of free-air wavelength spacing between them to properly co-phase, you're right. The distance is about 8 to 9 feet generally. On a small vehicle front to back would be the way to get it. On a "big rig" side to side can be done.

The only place you're wrong though is in the directional area: a 2 antenna co-phase array is ALWAYS directional. However, at less than optimum spacing the pattern is whacked.