Would the ladder make an OK temp mount - Open Roads Radio forum for Ham, Amateur Radio and RV camping

W7PSK · 01-23-2009, 10:14 AM

If I was to use the ladder on my 5th wheel as a mount just for when I was parked. Would it be ok.

I purchased a Cushcraft HF4B (4 band) and would just mount it each time.

Scotty W7PSK

Radio · 01-23-2009, 11:42 AM

Mine does. Tomorrow when there is daylight (and I'm home to see it!) I'll get a picture to post. Basicly a PVC pip is held in place nest to the ladder, the bottom of the TW-2010 poratable antenna goes in there, or a mast to hold up a dipole.

Most verticals have grounding or radial problems. But they can be overcome.

w3zi · 01-23-2009, 03:17 PM

I have found the ladder on my RV is not grounded to the coach frame at all and makes for lousy antenna performance. I am going to try to put some ground braid on the bolts on the inside and run a braid to ground when I get real motivated.

I have my Tarheel attached to my hitch when I am parked -- and I ran a ground braid to the hitch frame which seems to have a reasonable connection to the chassis ground. I would say the performance ok but I still need to explore other grounding solutions to see if it can work better.

73
Mark

TXiceman · 01-23-2009, 03:42 PM

Make sure the ladder is grounded. Friend with a Class C, uses a pair of jumper cables to ground his ladder when he is parked an operating.

Ken

KC1BUD · 01-24-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Make sure the ladder is grounded. Friend with a Class C, uses a pair of jumper cables to ground his ladder when he is parked an operating.

Ken,

That is what ham radio is about, improvising.

One Country Boy · 01-24-2009, 10:48 AM

Scotty, I mount my Ham Sticks and Hustler ants on top of my ladder. I have a quick disconnect that stays on the ladder. When stopped just stick the ant on the quick disconnect stub, push it down with a quarter turn to lock it in place.

Like others have said, make sure your ladder is grounded to your chasis frame. Most ladders, I have found are poorly grounded.

Radio · 01-24-2009, 06:10 PM

Here's the mount that I made for about $10. Makes no holes, come off and re-arranges easy. Has NO ground. I used pressure treated wood.

WOW! The camera really shows off the dirt! If it ever warms up around here I'll have to wash the trailer!

One Country Boy · 01-24-2009, 08:33 PM

Great idea "Radio" !! I wanted to be able to put a second ant on the ladder and that gave me some ideas. Thanks.

jagco · 01-25-2009, 01:15 PM

I like it too, radio. that would definitely work for my old camper.

Radio · 01-25-2009, 01:47 PM

You can't tell in the picture but the big u-bolts are held on with wing-nuts, not standard nuts. This makes it easy to tinker with if I have a mind to.

w6pea · 02-02-2009, 01:57 AM

That would be a lot cheaper than buying another tripop for my High Sierra

I thank you much

W6CD · 07-08-2011, 01:24 AM

I have one of these - works great - no climbing.

http://www.polesandholders.com/produ...1&cat=2&page=1

· Fiberglass Filled Nylon Construction
· Adjustable to fits most RV Ladders
· Mounts to Any Flat Surface
· Easy One Time Installation of Holders
· Mounts at any Height on the Ladder
· Eliminates Need to Climb up Ladder

wa8yxm · 07-08-2011, 11:05 AM

I see no problems with a ladder mount provided you are somewhat lighter than I am (That is you, not your antenna or rig) as someone said "It is not grounded to the frame" however that's very easily fixed Very very easily fixed, plus not all antennas require a ground plane (DIpoles for example do not, nor does a NGP VHF antenna)

In fact one end of my current long wire is anchored to a pole attached to my ladder.

Oh, the thing about you being lighter then me.

After a few trips up to the roof for assorted routine maintenance things like moping.. My ladder was pulling right off the rig.. So I completed the removal and hung a convertable lader (Step/Extension) I got when my dad died, It is a Sears product and holds my 300+ pounds like nobody's business.. In extension mode it's long enough to do roof work, in step mode great for was & wax.

however it is not well suited to standard ladder mount hardware, I custom attached my painter's pole support.

W5DOK · 07-08-2011, 03:33 PM

My Tarheel 200 is attached to my rear ladder. I have a braided ground strap attached to one of the antenna clamps and run to the MH frame. The whip is above roof line. No probs with rf in the house and it works fine. I only run 100 watts in the MH, so there's never been a problem with my neighbors.

Doc

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