Shorter Antenna

[1Wolf]

Seems the ginormous antenna on this thing won't quite clear my garage door and thwacks it good each time. At first I figured I'd just go slow and be careful but its getting old.

For those with a similar problem, what did you do? Did you replace the factory one or cut it down?

If you replaced the factory one, what did you replace it with and how's it working for you? I prefer not to lose any reception and I really don't want it "whistling" on the highway.

After searching the forums here and some googling, it seems the CravenSpeed Stubby is popular and often recommended but I don't particularly care for a stubby.

Or, if its the later and you cut it down...any advice on how long you cut it or the process you used? I've never cut down an antenna before.

Does Ford offer a factory antenna that might be a bit shorter?

Thanks!

 

[Miker397]

I bought this for $25 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073WEZU4/?tag=fordraptorforum-20 so I didn't have to take it off each time I went in the car wash --- (verified Raptors fit ok and have used it many times without issue, otherwise I've got 6 cars right now I don't have time to hand wash...). It's about five inches tall.

As for reception, there is definitely some loss, but it's 10-20% max probably and I can't say I notice/care about the difference in the channels I care about (might be different for fringe channels). Not sure about the return policy, but for $25 there's little reason not to give it a shot and worst case return it and twist your OEM antenna back in.

And yes, IMHO an OEM antenna this large on a 2017 vehicle is straight up stupid.

 

[Ruger]

I had the same problem with my GEN1. I went to O'Reilly's and bought a universal fit 17 inch antenna that has worked great. It has more windings, so presumably it is still an optimal 5/8ths wave mast. Totally satisfied, and it wasn't expensive in the slightest.

Be advised that anything other than a 5/8ths waive antenna will cost you in signal strength and therefore reception.

 

[jeremyespinoza]

Stubby antenna

Stubby antenna best overall

 

[JetDriver480]

The Stubby antenna was literally the first modification I did to my truck.

 

[lottp]

I bought the stubby and their 50 Cal version. Both worked great, but I continue to use the 50 Cal.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J8VKHNW/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

 

[HUFN8OR]

The perfect length is 22 3/4" from base to tip when installed.

Here's how I know:

I am OCD. I do a lot of work in downtown Houston, and often need to park in parking garages. The OEM antenna was getting the ever-loving-crap beaten out of it in these garages, and I even entered one parking garage where I honestly thought I would hit and crack my sunroof.

So I went to Home Depot and purchased the workings to build the perfect "height-kit" in my own garage. It consisted of: a 5' length of galvanized pipe, foam insulation to fit around the pipe, a long length of para-cord and two screw-in eyelets.

With this I created a pulley system on my garage ceiling with the padded pipe suspended from the ceiling (eyelets) and the cord allowing me to adjust it's height in perfectly minuet increments.

I then pulled the Raptor into the garage noting exactly where the "high point" of the truck was (it's the back of the rear sunroof panel BTW) hitting the padded pipe, and set the pulleys to hold the pipe at that level.

I then backed the truck out and noted where the OEM antenna just touched the height-marker padded pipe, and marked the antenna for cutting - providing a 1.5" - 2" buffer in case of speed bumps or other parking garage irregularities.

I then removed the antenna, and mounted it in my vise (with wooden blocks so not to damage it). Using the claw end of a standard hammer, the ball pops right off the top. I then hacksawed the antenna to the proper length, filed down the top 1/4" to allow for the ball to fit back on, and then JB Welded the ball to the new top. After curing, I then simply gloss spray painted it back black to look original.

After reinstalling this new and improved 22 3/4" antenna on the Raptor, I can confirm that it now touches the suspended padded pipe with about an 1 1/4" overage.

This should be perfect for me now, as it no longer bangs on every garage I enter, and if it does hit on anything, I know to swiftly but carefully back out of that garage as the tolerance is too tight for my comfort level and could lead to a cracked sunroof.

I hope this helps!!

EDIT: Oh and the AM, FM and FM HD reception is still exactly as I noticed prior to cutting the antenna down to this length.

 

[EricM]

I did the same mod on my Mustang antenna to get it below the roof line of the car. Pry off the ball, grind the antenna, glued the ball back on and hit it with some paint. Looks great and was free.

On the Raptor, I'd keep it above the roofline as HUFN8OR did, it's a tell tale to not proceed any further if it's hitting.

 

[LSUcajun504]

I bought a 17" antenna mast from Auto Zone that's been working good for me.

Metra Electronics Stock Antenna AW-RMF2 - Read Reviews on Metra Electronics Stock #AW-RMF2

 

[Ltl6pack]

I use the stubby. Have not seen a drop off in it compared to the long stock one.