Need new antenna??

[trkn_again]

I have the same radio and antenna on my truck for almost 2 yrs. I was able to get out about 5-6 miles. Now, all of a sudden, I can only get out about 1/2 mile. Do you think I need a new antenna? Thanks in advance.

[Carolina Thunder]

Just dont start throwing money at it,find a shop to check your SWR first then go from there. It could be that the coax has broken down (be my first thought) or the antenna stud has to much corrosion on it to get a good ground ( but check this first ) or the antenna has just gotten beat against a tree one to many times.

[trkn_again]

Thanks.....like i said, It was real qiuck, so I will be checking that on Monday.

[Hanadarko]

Ideal VSWR is as close to 1.1 to 1 as you can get.. Usually it's a bad ground (mount) and/or the coax..especially if there is a tear in the jacket...copper sucks up water like a sponge and the VSWR goes sky high.

[Flying Dutchman]

I would check the coax first, I dont know what model truck it's on but alot of times coax wears out when it's opened and closed in the door 15 times per day. If that's all good, then yes, maybe your antenna has had enough and it's time for an upgrade. Get your SWR checked and see where the problem lies.

[Turbo-T]

I also say check SWR. A high SWR will limit your range severely and will also burn up the finals in the radio. SWR should be as mentioned, as close to 1.1:1 as possible; 1.5:1 is acceptable, anything over 3:1 means you have problems.

[jessejamesdallas]

You didn't say what kind of antenna you have...If it's one that has a adjustable stinger, you may want to check and see if it's not full of water! Rain has a way of seeping down inside of the antenna, and can cause it to loose performance. Water-Cooled Antenna's don't work real well!

Coax (like said) also will break-down after awhile and needs to be replaced ever so often...It won't last forever.