2010 Freightliner Cascadia antenna solutions

My am radio.gets no reception at all. It.is frustrating...

 

I don't listen to AM since I got XM radio (don't know how I ever trucked without one!) But every time I have checked the AM dial on the many different trucks (Cascadia) I drive, I don't remember AM working on any of them!!! Makes you wonder where they hire their engineers from!!!!

 

I had the same problem with AM reception in my Volvo, could only hear the big stations while right in close to town. One day I found things were much improved, and noticed it was because I had my Sirius radio unplugged. Something about having it plugged in, but not turned on, creates a ton of interference on AM. And I do NOT have it set to connect via FM either.

 

Haven't thought to check that. I know it raises your noise level on the CB when you just plug in the XM, doesn't even have to be on!!!! Ground problems I've always figured.

 

My truck.was at freightliner. They installed new.coax. now cb.works fine.and.I can.listen.to my.guys on.am.again.

 

I had the same CB antenna problem with the 2012 cascadia I just got assigned. I bought a antenna mount that screws into the mirror mount bolt hole. It is a stainless steel rod that is knurled on one end ( 3") and is threaded on the opposite end, overall length is 8.5". I removed the upper front OEM mirror mounting bolt and attached the rod there. I used a standard clamp-on antenna mount with a 18" tunable fiberglass antenna. 1.2 SWR at channels 1, 20, and 40. I mounted it on the driver's side because the threads are right hand and I was concerened that the rod would loosen from wind drag. I ran a 9' shielded coax cable attached to the upper door hinge arm with wire ties and then followed the edge of the dash up to the radio. It's only been a day with this set up so I can't give you much in the way of performance, but so far so good. The radio I have is a Cobra 29 with weather band. Many CB shops sell this mounting rod for around $20.00.

 

I wonder if using a top loaded Firestick, the 7ft one, would work on the Walcott mount. The base of the antenna is below the window so you are starting out real low. With just a little tilt forward it might not be too long. At least the load would be above everything.......Maybe I can find one to borrow and test it. If anybody and try this out, please do so and post the results.

 

Using the Walcott mount should put your feedpoint 81 inches from the ground. 13'6" is 162 inches. Subtract 81, and your antenna should be 81" long to come even with the top of the trailer. 81 inches is 6.75 feet.

 

Hey thanks! I can make that work. I may give it a try.

 

I was at freightliner two weeks ago and they replaced my coax. Now my cb and my am radio work great!