Mr. Luvzlivin.
Sorry for derailing your thread with the posts on the Evil Drink, sometimes things get a little out of hand here. Now back to your issue.
If you have not already, your next best move is to beg, borrow or buy a reasonably priced SWR/wattmeter so you can tune the antenna you have already purchased. As you have learned some built-in SWR meters can be inaccurate and even the good ones are not the best choice for tuning an antenna, an external meter is a better choice.
Tilting your shorter antenna slightly forward will help to move the antenna's loading coil away from the sheet metal of the door and A pillar, reducing signal reflection that may prevent successful tuning / low SWR.
IMO do not count on your antenna mount alone to supply a good RF ground / RF return path, no matter how many attachment bolts it uses. A separate grounding strap, preferably Tinned Braided Strap, should be used to electrically bond either the truck door or the antenna mount itself to sheet metal or frame of the truck. Keep any grounding straps as short as possible. The strap is usually available at CB shops or online. This step can sometimes be a pain in the arse but your antenna system will work much better with it. This should allow you to tune your antenna to a reasonably low SWR.
Slowmover is absolutely right about a longer antenna being better, but you can get your mount and grounding issues solved first with what you have and then upgrade when you are ready.
Best of luck and 73
Sorry for derailing your thread with the posts on the Evil Drink, sometimes things get a little out of hand here. Now back to your issue.
If you have not already, your next best move is to beg, borrow or buy a reasonably priced SWR/wattmeter so you can tune the antenna you have already purchased. As you have learned some built-in SWR meters can be inaccurate and even the good ones are not the best choice for tuning an antenna, an external meter is a better choice.
Tilting your shorter antenna slightly forward will help to move the antenna's loading coil away from the sheet metal of the door and A pillar, reducing signal reflection that may prevent successful tuning / low SWR.
IMO do not count on your antenna mount alone to supply a good RF ground / RF return path, no matter how many attachment bolts it uses. A separate grounding strap, preferably Tinned Braided Strap, should be used to electrically bond either the truck door or the antenna mount itself to sheet metal or frame of the truck. Keep any grounding straps as short as possible. The strap is usually available at CB shops or online. This step can sometimes be a pain in the arse but your antenna system will work much better with it. This should allow you to tune your antenna to a reasonably low SWR.
Slowmover is absolutely right about a longer antenna being better, but you can get your mount and grounding issues solved first with what you have and then upgrade when you are ready.
Best of luck and 73
