GMRS antenna while towing

[dcaero]

I tow a camping trailer that I built and have been running a Midland MXT275 radio. I tend to lead the convoy on trips and I've found that having a large metal box behind me hinders reception.

Any thoughts on how you'd rig up an antenna to get above/around the trailer?

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[kodiakisland]

What antenna and where mounted?

 

[dcaero]

The one that came with the radio. Don't have a photo but it's mounted where I annotated in red.

You think if I upgrade to a proper 6dB whip antenna from Midland and mount on the tailgate, that'll improve it?

 

[JediMcMuffin]

The one that came with the radio. Don't have a photo but it's mounted where I annotated in red.

You think if I upgrade to a proper 6dB whip antenna from Midland and mount on the tailgate, that'll improve it?

Your antenna being inside the vehicle certainly isn't helping. A hood/lip mount with a 38" antenna is gonna go right over that trailer without issue.

 

[dadjoke]

The one that came with the radio. Don't have a photo but it's mounted where I annotated in red.

You think if I upgrade to a proper 6dB whip antenna from Midland and mount on the tailgate, that'll improve it?

I got one of these

https://midlandusa.com/collections/...ucts/micromobile-mxta26-6db-gain-whip-antenna

And ran it up on the front, driver side on a ditch light mount like others have here. Admittedly have never tested it while towing, but I've had it on and picked up conversations from at least 20 mi away before (in urban/suburban sprawl). I think moving your antenna up to the roof, or at least outside the cabin would help you.

 

[kodiakisland]

The 6dB gain would definitely be good, but even the smaller ghost antenna mounted on the cowl should be better than the one that came with it. I don’t remember wait strength it was, but do remember thinking it sure was cute while tossing it with the box.

 

[HighVelocity]

What kind of radios are the other people using? I have a feeling the problem is with the reception, not the transmission. The antenna inside isn't a problem since you don't have a metal roof, the height MIGHT be, but I doubt it.

I do a shitload of towing using my truck and a big travel trailer and my wife following in her Suburban. Never have we had a problem with our radios using GMRS frequencies.

 

[dcaero]

What kind of radios are the other people using? I have a feeling the problem is with the reception, not the transmission. The antenna inside isn't a problem since you don't have a metal roof, the height MIGHT be, but I doubt it.

I do a shitload of towing using my truck and a big travel trailer and my wife following in her Suburban. Never have we had a problem with our radios using GMRS frequencies.

I suppose I was expecting better range while driving through mountain roads when we get separated. They indeed have handhelds so not much output.

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