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To stubby antenna or not to stubby antenna?

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by pacman_gptx, Apr 25, 2015.

  1. May 3, 2015 at 6:31 AM
    #31
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I think most of these aftermarket antennas will work fine for most folks. I tested these antennas in a tough area to get any decent reception on a good day. Sometimes GPS reception drops completely out in several places along Clear Creek. I keep my OEM antenna in my cargo storage for backup anyways.
     
  2. May 3, 2015 at 5:21 PM
    #32
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    2015 TRD 4x4 DC Tundra 5.7 Blue Ribbon
    Bakflip Revolver X2 ,Nestahedition Firestalk antenna, TRD dual exhaust, WeatherTech liners, in channel deflectors, 20% tint front, Tundra bed mat.AFE pro dry s filter,SA XDM 3.8 compact 9mm., Wheel to wheel N-Fab 3 steps.Lamin-X yellow on fogs, Bilstein 6112's top setting, BFG KO2's 275/70-18.Pioneer HU, JL RD amp, Focal speakers everywhere.
    Installed my 13" AntennaX . Looks good and can not tell any difference from stock 30" reception wise.
     
  3. May 3, 2015 at 5:22 PM
    #33
    pacman_gptx

    pacman_gptx [OP] New Member

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    2012 5.7L Magnetic Grey Metallic Crewmax SR5 Texas Edition
    Interior LEDs, Cargo/Reverse LEDs, Foot Well LEDs, McGard Tailgate Anti-Theft, Pilot Stubby Antenna
    I keep mine under the back seat in case of an impromptu fencing match.
     
  4. May 3, 2015 at 5:57 PM
    #34
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Got to be prepared for anything. You never know.
     
  5. May 4, 2015 at 3:28 AM
    #35
    pmedic048

    pmedic048 Pull away from the herd, drive a Tundra!

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    I had gotten a stubby for both my wife's 2013 SR 5 4runner and my 2015 SR5 Tundra and the reception sucked. I'm sure there are ones out there that are good, but the ones I bought off eBay were not. A guy at the dealer told me to find one that has the wire wrapped around it like the stock one does. Good luck and let us know if and which one you got.
     
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    #35
  6. May 4, 2015 at 6:02 AM
    #36
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    What makes it hard choosing after market knock off stubbies is that they may or may not have the inductive coil (wire) wrapped around the mast. The inductive coil is not always visible as it is on the OEM antenna and the coil can be of different gauge wire. (A smaller gauge wire inductive coil wrapped around the mast will allow more flexibility for instance) It is hard to determine manufacturing quality from a picture online although Amazon seems to be a good source for antennas such as AntennaX. Pretty much trial by error.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2015
    pmedic048 likes this.
  7. May 4, 2015 at 6:34 AM
    #37
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    You could always sharpen the tip and use it for survival spear fishing. Possible thread "Pointless uses for your no longer needed stock antenna" Ha-Ha
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2015
    bandit likes this.
  8. May 4, 2015 at 5:59 PM
    #38
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    I first purchased a billet solid aluminum stubby antenna that was around 4" tall for my Tacoma. It was total junk. Reception was bad and it ended up breaking off in the car wash.
     
  9. May 4, 2015 at 6:12 PM
    #39
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    2015 TRD 4x4 DC Tundra 5.7 Blue Ribbon
    Bakflip Revolver X2 ,Nestahedition Firestalk antenna, TRD dual exhaust, WeatherTech liners, in channel deflectors, 20% tint front, Tundra bed mat.AFE pro dry s filter,SA XDM 3.8 compact 9mm., Wheel to wheel N-Fab 3 steps.Lamin-X yellow on fogs, Bilstein 6112's top setting, BFG KO2's 275/70-18.Pioneer HU, JL RD amp, Focal speakers everywhere.
    You do know you are supposed to remove the antenna before the car wash?
     
  10. May 4, 2015 at 6:25 PM
    #40
    Mike

    Mike Tread lightly.

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    south carolina
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    yep bank account is running low from it..
    Why I like power antennas the best. I did it to my tacoma conversion. Im up in the air on my tundra still.
     
  11. May 4, 2015 at 6:54 PM
    #41
    rr3311

    rr3311 Tundra Magic

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    Great 'non-scientific' write up. That helps a lot. The Raptor is certainly a good price considering your results. It is really flexible, so would stand up to off road as well as the car wash demons. I am not too sure I like the wind bending, but for that price.....
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. May 4, 2015 at 7:10 PM
    #42
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Never had a problem except for that one.
     
  13. May 5, 2015 at 7:25 AM
    #43
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    The wind bending is kind of weird. Hell the antenna is weird. I am tempted to buy another Raptor and dissect it to what gives. You can do what I did. Just hit up whatever auto part stores are in your area. Pick out some different antennas and test them out for yourself. Return the the ones that don't cut it. Report.
     
    UPSed likes this.
  14. Jan 9, 2016 at 2:31 PM
    #44
    Captainvfr

    Captainvfr New Member

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    I have a 13" Antennax I bought on eBay and I live 30 miles south of Boston. No HD channels come in until I am closer to the city...
     
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  15. Feb 21, 2016 at 11:27 AM
    #45
    camu77

    camu77 New Member

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    I put a 5 Inch TRD on mine no issues at all it was 6 bucks on eBay.IMG_20160221_142133768_HDR.jpg
     
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  16. Feb 21, 2016 at 11:39 AM
    #46
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Moderator Staff Member

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    My adapter seal broke off and water got to the bolt. It rusted so bad the ar wash broke it off and I couldn't get it out with an extractor. I had to replace the entire assembly. I replaced it with a smaller stubby with what appears to be a slightly better rubber seal. I'll keep an eye on it.
     
    Trust86 likes this.
  17. Feb 27, 2016 at 11:03 AM
    #47
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    2015 TRD 4x4 DC Tundra 5.7 Blue Ribbon
    Bakflip Revolver X2 ,Nestahedition Firestalk antenna, TRD dual exhaust, WeatherTech liners, in channel deflectors, 20% tint front, Tundra bed mat.AFE pro dry s filter,SA XDM 3.8 compact 9mm., Wheel to wheel N-Fab 3 steps.Lamin-X yellow on fogs, Bilstein 6112's top setting, BFG KO2's 275/70-18.Pioneer HU, JL RD amp, Focal speakers everywhere.
    Reception with the 13" AntennaX sucked so went to this.. much better.
    20150617_174810.jpg
     
  18. Feb 27, 2016 at 2:33 PM
    #48
    JB445

    JB445 New Member

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    I like the long attena for clearance purposes but dont like it when off roading and it finds every tree.
     
  19. Jun 7, 2016 at 9:53 AM
    #49
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    just installed the antennaX 13" last night. Love the look however it seems the threads are a bit long ( maybe 1/8") so it's not fully sealed. Granted I live in Southern California where it never rains, I'd like it to be flushed. any tips ?
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2016
  20. Jun 7, 2016 at 9:58 AM
    #50
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    here is a great picture I found on Amazon reviews.

    [​IMG]
     
  21. Jun 7, 2016 at 1:24 PM
    #51
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

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    Ran into this same problem. A black rubber grommet should do the trick, or a washer (if you don't want to cut it).
     
  22. Jun 7, 2016 at 1:30 PM
    #52
    Asw278

    Asw278 Magnetic Money Pit

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    I also had the same problem. Emailed them and they sent spacers. Sealed up nice now. No issues with reception but I've only been city driving since installing.
     
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  23. Jun 7, 2016 at 2:27 PM
    #53
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    good to know. I'll email them.
     
  24. Jun 7, 2016 at 5:46 PM
    #54
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    For what it's worth, I now keep 3 spare antenna's of different wave lengths in my under seat storage. I seem to find myself at different altitudes, etc. There is no perfect antenna. Only takes a couple of minutes to swap out. Just sayin. Haven't tried this setup yet. Looks promising though:

    [​IMG]
     

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    Last edited: Jun 7, 2016
    khunk, Inferno16 and ToyotaTundraMike like this.
  25. Jun 7, 2016 at 5:52 PM
    #55
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Know doubt need "Erector Set" experience as a child to build something like this.^^^^ ( I had the Erector set along with my Lincoln Logs and a kids chemistry set that would be banned now for sure with our safe zone kids parents.) I fear for our future. :rasta:= safe zone/ then there is reality. What a concept.
     
  26. Jun 7, 2016 at 7:54 PM
    #56
    Tracker

    Tracker New Member

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    I think if the Toyota's all came with stubbys everyone would want the longer ones for certain better performance lol
     
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  27. Jun 7, 2016 at 8:47 PM
    #57
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Moderator Staff Member

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    Word of advice:
    Get the shortest stubby u can. That 13" ended up having rubber rot out, which exposed the bolt which then rusted- which caused me to have to tare the truck apart to replace the entire antenna assembly.
     
  28. Jun 7, 2016 at 9:56 PM
    #58
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    Had the same problem wuth the antennaX I had. Hack saw works great.
     
  29. Jun 7, 2016 at 10:34 PM
    #59
    bj46-taco-tundra

    bj46-taco-tundra New Member

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    Put my 13" antenna-x on and once I hit the hiway the thing whistled. I'm 1.5 hrs away from a main center and I was surprised that I was able to pick up some of the stations that I once did. As a result of the whistle..., while its still on for now.
     
  30. Jun 8, 2016 at 5:43 AM
    #60
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    That had to suck.
     

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