Nissan Frontier Antenna Mount Options

[Mudfoot]

I just bought a 2024 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x. It's being delivered Sunday. Just wondering where ur mounting and type of mount for a ATAS-120A. There's a chance I may go with a 3/8 stud for a Tarheel. My priority for now, is a UHF mount for my ATAS.

I know they make brackets that fit under the hood on the fender. I've never used one, but I do like the concept. I'm thinking a Breedlove stake mount might be good. I have zero issues drilling holes in a new vehicle.

Anyway, I sure would appreciate any input on mounting options on the Frontier.

 

[fourstringburn]

If you plan on putting a tool box on it, that works well because the antenna can be mounted on it and centered on the truck.

Other than that, a Breedlove stakemount should be rock solid. When I get around to putting my mobile HF on my truck that's the way I plan to do mine. I don't like the Idea of drilling a hole either.

Those hood lip mounts just don't look sturdy enough especially if you hit a bird while driving where it will do some damage to the hood. I once hit a crow right near the top of my screwdriver antenna that had a rigid mast and a cap hat and it took out that antenna so bird hits can happen.

 

[Mudfoot]

Thanks for the reply. If I didn't plan on hauling a dirtbike, I'd likely go with the toolbox. I've heard good things about the Breedlove stake mount. I think I'll wait until I have the truck. It has a bedliiner. Just wonder if they sprayed down inside there.

I do like the front fender bracket. I remember watch a few different installs using them. It seemed solid. I imagine there might be some copycat brackets that lack strength.

 

[Mudfoot]

Without inspecting, I ordered a Breedlove 4-1/2" UHF ball mount. Was simply planning on mounting it on the driver's side bed, just forward of the taillight. I assumed I'd have access behind the taillight. I don't, so wasted that plan. I'll just put it on my car.

I discovered I can install a Diamond K400s mount on the underside lip of the bedrail. I might be able to use my Reese hitch, though, I'm not keen on it. I want a stake mount, but the truck doesn't have stake holes. Starting to get aggrated.

 

[Mudfoot]

Stopped to get critter food at Tractor Supply. Saw a nice toolbox on sale. It's an aluminum cross-body. I suppose I can use the Breedlove mount and put it on the box. My truck has a factory drop-in liner. The bedrails have plastic rails taped on top.

The box is being clamped down with for J hooks. If they don't give a good enough ground, I have some braided ground straps to bond it. Ti's the plan for now.

 

[Mudfoot]

 

[fourstringburn]

Nice! Tool box is a great place for your antenna.

One possible drawback with toolbox mounting is some people like to be able to see all of their antenna's coil especially when using a manual control switch so the antenna doesn't get bottom or topped out and damage the motor.

Nothing wrong with manual switches on a Tarheel antenna but with being mobile, it is so much easier and safer to use a semi automatic or full automatic antenna controller. Those all have stall current overload features which stops the motor if something went wrong and the antenna kept moving when bottomed or topped out.

Surprising to see a truck with no stake mounts. Maybe those aren't used much these days.

Good luck finishing your setup!

 

[Mudfoot]

Nice! Tool box is a great place for your antenna.

One possible drawback with toolbox mounting is some people like to be able to see all of their antenna's coil especially when using a manual control switch so the antenna doesn't get bottom or topped out and damage the motor.

Nothing wrong with manual switches on a Tarheel antenna but with being mobile, it is so much easier and safer to use a semi automatic or full automatic antenna controller. Those all have stall current overload features which stops the motor if something went wrong and the antenna kept moving when bottomed or topped out.

Surprising to see a truck with no stake mounts. Maybe those aren't used much these days.

Good luck finishing your setup!

I'll likely just stay with using the ATAS. I was surprised it didn't have stake holes. It's a drag. Lot's of great mounts out there for stake holes. I think ill try the Diamond K400s first. The lip on the bedrails are stout. I'll have to cut a small portion of the plastic rail top, though. Not keen on that.

 

[Mudfoot]

OK, I'm still OCD'ing on how to mount my ATAS on my Frontier pickup. I came across these ditch light mounts that have potential. Just by eyeballing them in the video, I'd estimate them to be 3/16" thick. Wouldn't take much to stiffen them up a little more. Looks like plenty of room to drill a bigger hole for the female UHF assembly.

I've linked a video to seek advice. I'm thinking. It'll hold an ATAS. If it isn't strong enough for an ATAS, it should hold a decent VHF antenna..

I suppose if they won't support my ATAS, I can always use them for lights.

 

[fourstringburn]

I see that as strong enough but it doesn't seem like you"ll have enough clearance under that bracket for the coax connector for either antenna.

I don't know the ATAS antenna and what type of connector feeds it.

Possibly drilling the bracket a hole a bit and using a NMO connector and a NMO to UHF adapter might work. You will need a 3/4 inch hole for the NMO so it's hard to tell in the video if there is enough room for that.

NMO to UHF adapter

 

[Mudfoot]

I'm going to use the UHF adapter from a Diamond K400s mount. I'm thinking of TIG welding a plate on top, then drill a centered hole for the UHF base. If the mount has excessive flex, I suppose I can use some more stock and weld it up. I'm thinking it'll be fine as is.

 

[fourstringburn]

That should work just fine

 

[Mudfoot]

That should work just fine

I'm hoping. I'm mounting my radios on the dash. There's a recessed cubby hole that I replaced with a Rubigrid plate. It has Molle grids. I can mount everything firmly without boogering anything up. I'm running 10 guage wire from battery right up thru to the mount. Been long time since I've had a vehicle that allows easy cable runs.

My Frontier Pro 4x doesn't have a fraction of the aftermarket mounting solutions as the Tacoma does. There's a myriad of mounts available for the Tacoma.

I'm not messing with any VHF rigs. I'll keep an HT in the glove box.

 

[fourstringburn]

Good luck with your mobile set and be sure to post some pics when you are finished.

 

[Mudfoot]

My ditch light brackets came today. I didn't notice they we're shipping from China. Took a while to come. They seem well built. They are 3/16" thick. The powder coating is good. Had to file wallow out the existing bolt hole. I think they are gonna work just fine. Going to mount the ATAS one the drivers side. Haven't decided if I'll use the other one for anything or not.