Just did this today. Terraflex tailgate hinge mount. Diamond NR73BNMO antenna only sticks up about 4" above the roof line.

It's a "No Ground Plane" antenna. Acceptable SWR (2/1 or less on my truck) throughout the VHF and UHF bands, including GMRS.

 

Just did this today. Terraflex tailgate hinge mount. Diamond NR73BNMO antenna only sticks up about 4" above the roof line.

Thanks. That's the kind of idea I am looking for.

 

The fiberglass roof isn't a groundplane, a ground plane needs to be some form of metal, like your hood.

I've currently running 5 antennas on my Jeep, yep I'm a Ham Radio idiot. The one that I like the best is in the URL below, I have 3 on my roof rack, and another screwed into the side of the Jeep, yep I drilled a hole in it, however, it's the one that I have mounted on the hood that seems to be the best so far.
The comet allows you to install it at just about any angle, this you to mount it in a manner prevents interference from the metal in the jeep.

https://www.amazon.com/RS-720NMO-Medium-Duty-Lip-Mount/dp/B00AR08NKM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1D5JNEM52WI3W&keywords=comet+trunk+lip+mount&qid=1637815804&qsid=137-3201145-9923947&sprefix=comet+trunk%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-2&sres=B00AR087UI%2CB00AR08NKM%2CB074MK2635%2CB00HVKN40A%2CB00OYRWP4O%2CB00AR08GY0%2CB07CQQJ7CN%2CB07PJYXS16%2CB00AR085UU%2CB0842BB2R9%2CB00NP7D1BA%2CB07RBNVVZZ%2CB088HCHT4S%2CB00FYUI1RA%2CB01AVKL5NE%2CB07CSHG5J2

 

I've currently running 5 antennas on my Jeep, yep I'm a Ham Radio idiot.

I can understand 3 ...... HF, 2m, and 70cm. But educate a newby on why you need 5 .?

I am running a VHF/UHF dual-band single at this time

 

Hood mount is the best bet. I use a Diamond Antenna K400.

Diamond® Antenna ~ K400 Trunk/Hatchback Mount

 

I used to use them, however, the Comet seems to provide me better support. They are both VERY good mounts.

 

I have been running this one for a while now. Does a great job with a 2m/70cm Icom 2730a radio. If you put a thin piece of rubber or velcro between the mount and the body it will leave no marks if you ever remove it. It is a NMO mount if that matters to you.

This mounting position definitely does better than mounting behind and against the tailgate for obvious reasons.

Wrangler Gladiator Antenna Mount

This is Cool Tech's newest CB/GMRS/HAM antenna mount for 2018+ Wranglers and 2019+ Gladiators! Supports 4 different mounting locations. IN STOCK!

www.cooltechllc.com

And you didn't ask ... but I'm using this mount. Great for the JL and gets the radio out of the way.

Quadratec Quick Disconnect Universal CB Radio Mount for 18-22 Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT

One of the most important off-road accessories is a CB radio. The Quadratec Quick Disconnect Universal CB Radio Mount allows you to easily mount a CB radio on the passenger side of your Jeep’s center console.

www.quadratec.com

 

Just about to take my Technician exam. Fairly simple as I knew most of it anyway from past electronics experience. Already have a GMRS license just for use on trails when required. Looking forward to taking a trip to Moab /Colo Sprs next Spring and thought the GMRS would be good. Have HT for both GMRS and CB, but the CB never gets any usage otherwise.

I wired mine up easily to the aux switch pigtails under the dash. Easy if you only have one radio to deal with, lol.

 

I've an Extra Class, if I could do it, anyone can, flashcards are you friend. Good luck on your test(s), you can take multiable tests on the same day, so study for your General as well.
Mainly got it so I could do HF, since there's very little VHF/UHF repeater activity here in NM. I just bought my GMRS license, never needed it in the past, however, just about every radio I own has been modded to allow it's usage.

 

Hah this thread brings back memories from 30+ years ago. I used to have an old Teaberry tube radio with a linier on it. Saved my butt one cold night when stuck.

 

Finished the installation today of my Yaesu FT-7900 dual band mobile ham radio. I ran the power cable by the book (the radio book, not the Jeep manual). Tapped at the battery terminals with fuses on both pos and neg wires right hear the battery.

Taking power directly at the battery helps eliminate issues with the vehicle electronics and provides better grounding.

The wire I used was 12/2 underground rated DC landscape lighting wire. Beefy with very sturdy insulation.

I routed it across the top of the engine bay tucking it between the painted cowl extension the plastic structure right below it.

Passing through the firewall was easy. There is an unused plastic plug on the firewall to the outside of the brake master cyl vacuum booster. I used a long knife to reach in and cut a hole in it and easily fed the wire right through. From there I tucked it behind the "scuffs" at the carpet. It is all concealed until behind the seat belt anchor. From there the wire goes to the radio in the cargo area. (2 Door, back seat removed).

The radio head is mounted on a holder that secures in the cup holder by the hand brake. Clean, convenient, easy installation.

Really happy with the result of the effort.

 

Finished the installation today of my Yaesu FT-7900 dual band mobile ham radio. I ran the power cable by the book (the radio book, not the Jeep manual). Tapped at the battery terminals with fuses on both pos and neg wires right hear the battery.

Taking power directly at the battery helps eliminate issues with the vehicle electronics and provides better grounding.

The wire I used was 12/2 underground rated DC landscape lighting wire. Beefy with very sturdy insulation.

I routed it across the top of the engine bay tucking it between the painted cowl extension the plastic structure right below it.

Passing through the firewall was easy. There is an unused plastic plug on the firewall to the outside of the brake master cyl vacuum booster. I used a long knife to reach in and cut a hole in it and easily fed the wire right through. From there I tucked it behind the "scuffs" at the carpet. It is all concealed until behind the seat belt anchor. From there the wire goes to the radio in the cargo area. (2 Door, back seat removed).

The radio head is mounted on a holder that secures in the cup holder by the hand brake. Clean, convenient, easy installation.

Really happy with the result of the effort.

There's a nice hole in the firewall if you take off the side passenger dash cover. YouTube should have a video of it

 

Thanks to RickC137 for the Terraflex hinge mount antenna bracket suggestion. I ordered one up and installed it today. Came out real nice. Great sturdy product. Out of the way. Does the job.

Comet CA 2X4 SR

 

Thanks to RickC137 for the Terraflex hinge mount antenna bracket suggestion. I ordered one up and installed it today. Came out real nice. Great sturdy product. Out of the way. Does the job.

View attachment 4528747

View attachment 4528748

Comet CA 2X4 SR

Just my opinion but I would get that wire out of the hinge. You can go behind the spare and through a hole that is already there waiting. Then you thread it through the gate and into almost the same spot on your Jeep inside.

This is the back of my 2014 JKUR but the JLs have a spot just like this. Notice where the plastic tubing is going through the gate.

Also, the AUX wire bundles have two heavy gauge wires AUX 1, AUX 2, and two thin gauge wires AUX 3, and AUX 4.

 

Wire gauge calculator:

Wire Size Calculator