Loose antenna on campervan

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Loose antenna on campervan

boland

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#293415 19-Jan-2022 16:07

Recently bought a Hiace campervan. The FM antenna on the driver side is very flexible. When driving it starts to sway, hitting the cabin. This is a very frustrating noise of course.
I've fixed it for now with duct tape but looking for a solid solution. I want to avoid drilling holes. Would it be possible to glue something on it?
Or should I replace the antenna?
Have been pondering about it for some time. It seems a simple problem but can't think of a solution.

RunningMan

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#2853632 19-Jan-2022 16:43

Got a photo?

boland

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#2853709 19-Jan-2022 17:49

Sure, see here

Senecio

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#2853712 19-Jan-2022 17:53

Is it fixed or dose it slide back down into the A-Pillar thru that black trim?

boland

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#2853724 19-Jan-2022 18:04

Senecio:
Is it fixed or dose it slide back down into the A-Pillar thru that black trim?

It slides into the a pillar through that black trim.

I've pushed it down once, but after doing that the connection broke. This has been fixed by a mechanic, but they had to take out the antenna again.
Asked them for a solution for the swaying, but no response. So that's why I'm going the DIY route.

Hope it makes sense. Thanks for the prompt replies.

Bung

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#2853785 19-Jan-2022 19:10

You can't stop the aerial moving without holding it. A couple of stick on cable clips would be less obvious than duct tape.

RunningMan

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#2853790 19-Jan-2022 19:44

I'd suggest either shortening the antenna (will it retract without breaking?) or replacing it with one in a different location. Shortening may reduce the effectiveness a little but depending on how often and where you use it, it may not matter. There's plenty of universal car radio antennas available - used to be able to get on glass wire ones that you couldn't see.

Here's a random one from Trademe that you could conceal in the fibreglass canopy up high - needs and extra power connection from the switch supply to the radio, but not too difficult to install. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/car-stereos/wiring-kits/listing/3431879744

Realise you didn't want to drill holes, but if you had a change of plans, there's lots of styles of new antennas to choose from https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/in-car-tech/aerials--accessories/automotive-aerials?sz=18&start=24

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Jase2985

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#2853795 19-Jan-2022 19:57

i would just push it down so its just below the fiberglass canopy. shouldn't hinder reception too much

lxsw20

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#2853796 19-Jan-2022 20:04

https://www.commandbrand.co.nz/3M/en_NZ/command-nz/products/~/Command-Wire-Back-Picture-Hanger-17041ANZ/?N=5584766+5924736+3291877219+3294529181&rt=rud

Two of those, working against each other holding it in place, if that makes sense.

boland

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#2853797 19-Jan-2022 20:08

Jase2985:
i would just push it down so its just below the fiberglass canopy. shouldn't hinder reception too much

I had pushed it down before just after I bought it, as the noise drove me mad.
Later I found out the radio wasn't working. Got it fixed, they said the cable to the antenna was loose. So I've assumed I shouldn't push it down.

boland

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#2853798 19-Jan-2022 20:09

lxsw20:
https://www.commandbrand.co.nz/3M/en_NZ/command-nz/products/~/Command-Wire-Back-Picture-Hanger-17041ANZ/?N=5584766+5924736+3291877219+3294529181&rt=rud

Two of those, working against each other holding it in place, if that makes sense.

Thanks makes sense. Think I'll go for these as I can buy them at bunnings. Similar concept: https://www.bunnings.co.nz/permastik-small-outdoor-cable-clips-12-pack_p3930452