Quick question for the CB/ham gurus

I've never set up a truck for multiple bands. The purpose for that chosen mounting location and mounting method is to allow sufficient spacing between the elements for a little bit of forward gain as well as a more symmetrical radiation pattern. Only using a single element for 11 meters probably wouldn't radiate or receive in a desirable fashion for my liking anyway. That's how I always set up Volvo 770 and Volvo 880 trucks and the Freightliner Cascadia has the unique distinction of also having a steel body and using a bracket like that would probably come close to or surpass the results I achieved with all my Volvo trucks, but only if two elements are used for 11 meters.

 

I think that's probably a good idea.

 

6 meters can be sporatic activity wise. You may want ask some of your local hams on activity before committing yourself to that one band. Nothing more discouraging than working a band when no ones there. Good luck on getting your license

 

80 meters seems good in the evenings, 40 meters mornings thru midday. All depends on propagation. I didn't use hf as much as I thought I would but it was nice to check in with friends at home from most any where I went. Didn't want to subject high dollar radio to the constant pounding of the north east where I run mostly now so just run 2 meters. Not as much activity there as there used to be. Have seen people using screwdriver antennas on trucks so they can work multiple bands.

 

I ran my 2 meter mobile in this Pete that I drive, for a couple of years. It was nice to have when someone put out their call. My 11 meter antenna was mounted on the passenger mirror, and the vhf antenna was mounted on the drivers side. It worked fine. After a couple of years I removed the vhf antenna, because as a local company driver, it got old taking the vhf radio out of the truck at night. I made a special wooden mount that held the radio in place on the passenger seat, secured by the seatbelt.

Unfortunately the cell phones hurt the repeater usage out here in the Midwest. If I was OTR driver, it would still be in my truck today. I still enjoy the vhf mode.