Mast recommendations for exterior 4G antenna

[joshjack]

I saw someone on here mention attaching a mast to a board that they put the front trailer jack on, and then routing the cables through the front where the battery cables go.

I'd like to do something similar but I'm having trouble finding a suitable mast. I was trying to find something that collapsed short enough to fit in the rear AS compartment, or the bed of my truck (short bed). I've seen a nice looking fiberglass mast that starts at 3'3" and goes up to 33'; but it got pretty bad reviews about it's ability to stay erect - it either collapses with temperature change, or breaks in half with a heavy gust.

I probably only need to get up to about 15', but the channel master metal telescoping mast is 9' long when collapsed.

[Mollysdad]

Try a "hot stick". It's made for the power lines to trip breakers on transformers. Fiberglass, extendable, button lock.
Pricey, but just up your alley.
I used them in all kinds of weather, and they get bendy, but never broke.
I recommend the Telepole II. It's slightly triangular and therefore doesn't twist.

Hastings Tel-O-Pole II series of triangular shaped hotsticks with a 'no-twist' feature that enables each section to 'lock in automatically' with no need to search for the button.

Caution, use the flat of your thumb to push the button or it bites your finger!

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Try a "hot stick". It's made for the power lines to trip breakers on transformers. Fiberglass, extendable, button lock.
Pricey, but just up your alley.
I used them in all kinds of weather, and they get bendy, but never broke.
I recommend the Telepole II. It's slightly triangular and therefore doesn't twist.


Caution, use the flat of your thumb to push the button or it bites your finger!

Thanks for the recommendation - and YIKES! those are expensive!

[Beerboy]

You might find something that fits your needs here https://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-push-up-mast.htm

I've been considering a similar set-up.

[mojo]

I have been using a collapsible aluminum pole used for paint rollers, etc. available at HD/Lowes. Affordable and lightweight.

[BoscoMN]

Take a look at www.flagpolebuddy.com. I've use one for a year and find it easy to use and sturdy. When I get to a PC I will find some photos of it deployed and some plates that allow you to hold it down by a tire, jack or mount. Search on my past posts if you need the info before I can repost.

[GammaDog]

What about an extendable flag pole and a mount that goes under a tire on the trailer or truck? Here's a page with examples in different lengths:

https://www.baseballflagsandpennants...9159_prd1.html

[BoscoMN]

I went with the 16 foot (2" diameter) aluminum pole. It matches the Airstream, comes with a mount to our bike rack and is sturdy:

http://www.shop.flagpolebuddy.com/16...6016AL-Kit.htm

Here are some photos:

[RivaHaven]

Built a bracket on the A frame to take a 1" square tube mast in two five foot sections.
See https://www.facebook.com/AirstreamTw...83436485072198

[rjbrown99]

On another thread someone suggested a Tarheel Lift-and-Lay.

It's expensive but I'm considering it. Not terribly interested in climbing a ladder all the time to manually raise the antenna.

[waninae39]

where do you pull the coax cable it?

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by waninae39

where do you pull the coax cable it?

I've heard through the battery compartment. The you keep the extra spooled up on top of the batteries when not in use.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by joshjack

I saw someone on here mention attaching a mast to a board that they put the front trailer jack on, and then routing the cables through the front where the battery cables go.

I'd like to do something similar but I'm having trouble finding a suitable mast. I was trying to find something that collapsed short enough to fit in the rear AS compartment, or the bed of my truck (short bed). I've seen a nice looking fiberglass mast that starts at 3'3" and goes up to 33'; but it got pretty bad reviews about it's ability to stay erect - it either collapses with temperature change, or breaks in half with a heavy gust.

I probably only need to get up to about 15', but the channel master metal telescoping mast is 9' long when collapsed.

Josh,

Lots of choices depending on your budget, how much wind you expect it to tolerate, whether you will guy it, and how small is "collapsed," and how light is light.

Poles for tree pruners are very sturdy and will fit your truck bed. I have this one. I don't use it as a mast, I use it to prune trees, though:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jameson-H...4H4RoCD7fw_wcB

You can also use galvanized steel pipe, with couplings, in sizes that work for you.

Antenna places sell stuff that is supposed to be designed for the purpose:

https://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-push-up-mast.htm

[The Colonel]

I mounted my trucker type external antenna to brackets I attached to the AC frame with a standoff and ran cable down through refrigerator vent. Probably not as good as what you are contemplating but no mast to deal with and on the road it has really helped.