Tacoma antenna install recommendations

[jcka]

Hey all, I recently installed a Yaesu FT-8800 in my 2011 Tacoma. So far I have been using a MFJ mag mount antenna, but am getting tired of putting it up and taking it down when I park in the garage. I have some thoughts on istalling an antenna, but thought I'd throw out a request for installation idea's (i.e. locations, methods...). There seems to be a lot of creative minds in this group, can't wait to see what ideas come in...

Thanks in advance,

john

[NotAMog]

John,

Take a look at the Diamond K9000 motorized mount. I have a couple of these on my Pinzgauer and I just installed on the Tacoma. Here is the link to the previous post on the Pinzgauer installation - http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=273

They are a little pricey but they will pay for themselves if you break more than a couple of antennas. It is spring loaded so the antenna will rotate backwards if you forget to lower the mount. There are 3 types of mounts, a lip mount, a luggage rack mount, and a large luggage rack mount. On the side of the Pinzgauer and the Tacoma I used half of the luggage rack mount at attached it to the side. On the Tacoma it's attached to the side of the AT FlipPac camper on the back. On the top of the Pinzgauer it's attached directly to a plate that was fabricated to cover the factory antenna mount opening.

I'll try to post some pictures of the Tacoma installation later today.

[NotAMog]

Here are a couple of pictures of the K9000 install -

Antenna Up



Antenna Down

[OLLIE]

I say K9000 all the way. One of the best radio related items on my FJ.

[Willie H]

K9000 is awesome! I don't have one, but I want one.

[jcka]

Cool, that settles it then...thanks for all the input...

[NotAMog]

I was reminded several times yesterday running Swansee grade to Cerro Gordo that the K9000 mount also also has a ratchet mechanism to protect the antenna if you forget to lower it. I hit several branches on the way. Fortunately all that was necessary was to click the antenna back into place.

[DennisDawg]

Just to toss in mine, Comet HD-5M mount, Comet SBB5 Antenna (folds) for the trail and such and a Comet SBB1 Antenna for around town (fits in the garage).

Going up to Cerro Gordo this weekend! Weeeeeeeeee.