Antennas

[ivan256]

I've only driven home from the dealer so far, but I know my first mod needs to be an antenna. Not only is it catching the wind, but I think it's going to hit the ceiling in the garage at Alewife like my original antenna on my old truck did.

I know lots of you must have replaced your antennas already. What are you using? Do you like it? And most importantly, share pics!

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[thecoloradokid]

I replaced mine with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJKMGY4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

Low cost. Works fine. And super easy to install.

 

[MillieChliette]

I also got my antenna on Amazon. Wanted it to be as short as possible and aluminum. $20, and it's fine. There are about a thousand different options on there.

MAXRACING Short Aluminum Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 Pickup Truck 1997-2023
https://a.co/d/e8Zi99h

 

[RavenYZF-R6]

Builtright antenna. $25 I think and reception seemed good. USA made.

 

[Oneand0]

Every time I pull the Lightning out/in the garage I cringe, when I hear it hit the top of the garage doorway. I’m getting one now!

 

[ivan256]

I went with the “Rydonair” one. Two factors: next-day prime delivery, and it also appears to actually be an antenna. Billet aluminum nubs look nice but aren’t good antennas.

It’s OK. Could seal nicer at the bottom like the original. But I’m going to stick with it I think.

 

[alockbox]

I went with the “Rydonair” one. Two factors: next-day prime delivery, and it also appears to actually be an antenna. Billet aluminum nubs look nice but aren’t good antennas.

It’s OK. Could seal nicer at the bottom like the original. But I’m going to stick with it I think.

I just got this today and decided to return it. I think it would be fine short term, but if Ford decided to engineer theirs with a cap of plastic that covers where the metals connect, I’m thinking there might be a reason for longevity-sake. The quality of it seemed great, just not a great fit. I did see some complaints that GPS signal got worse with an antenna replacement, but to my knowledge that antenna is just for radio.

 

[mr.Magoo]

Today was Tech-Saturday and I decided to make a test with the stock / OEM antenna, a 13" Rydonair (I believe it's a longer version than the one pictured in this thread) and "The Stubby" 3.2" antenna.

I picked two AM and two FM stations in the area, one strong and relatively close to where I was and one weaker / further away and then switched antennas and compared the signal strength (as measured by the car).

It's pretty clear that you compromise a lot with the Stubby, for the looks, and that the Rydonair would be a great alternative to the OEM whip - IF - they made a better adapter that covered the stump that you attach the antenna to (see below, borrowed the pic from the thread), or better yet, made a version dedicated to the F150 that didn't require an adapter in the first place.

[EDIT] The comment about GPS signal is REALLY interesting, I would have bet a lot on the GPS only relying on the pucks on the roof and not the antenna, but I'm now curious if any of my issues (separate thread, "haywire gps") is related to me switching to the Stubby....I had no issues prior but that was with older software and Rydonair antenna which is close to the OEM whip for radio so I just assumed it was a software issue.


Signal Strength Table

 

[ivan256]

That piece on the bottom unthreads, and seems to be an adapter to support multiple vehicles.

I agree that it would be better if it covered the bottom to keep water out of the threads like the original, but I have had a similar replacement on my other truck for over 6 years and it's been fine.

Replacing the adapter with one that has a recess would be a fun lathe project though. Maybe I'll make one out of Delrin.... In the meantime I'm not too worried about it.

How did you get into the diagnostics menu?

 

[F150ROD]

I went with the “Rydonair” one. Two factors: next-day prime delivery, and it also appears to actually be an antenna. Billet aluminum nubs look nice but aren’t good antennas.

It’s OK. Could seal nicer at the bottom like the original. But I’m going to stick with it I think.

Nice! I’ve had this antenna for over 2 years, no issues at all. Great product!

 

[Priccijr]

I went with this one. I haven't noticed any reception issues. No pics sorry

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R574FNF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

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