Ford F-350 Super Duty Antennas
Youve had some great adventures behind the wheel of your Ford F-350 Super Duty, but when the antenna on your truck bends or breaks, youll need to find a good replacement. Buying a new antenna for your Ford F-350 Super Duty doesnt have to be a tricky process. Understanding what kinds of antennas are out there and how they work with your Super Duty will help you make a good decision.
How does a radio antenna work?An antenna for your Ford F-350 Super Duty truck transmits radio waves from satellite broadcasts or AM and FM radio stations to your F-350s radio receiver. Your Ford antenna will usually stick out from the main body of your Super Duty in order to be clear of the trucks metal surface and get a better fix on the radio waves. For greater durability and better aesthetics, some antennas might come embedded in the Ford F-350 Super Duty.
What kinds of antennas are there?Its important to research what kind of antenna you are replacing on your Ford F-350 to make sure the new one is compatible.
- Whip antenna: The classic antenna shape, the whip antenna is a long rod of metal that looks like a fishing pole. It is usually fixed to your Fords roof or hood and comes with a special kind of mount.
- Telescope antenna: You can pull out or retract this kind of antenna because its made of graduated cylinders that fit inside each other like a telescope. Many telescopic antennas have an automatic switch that lets you extend or retract the antenna while youre driving, especially if you see a truck antenna hazard such as a low-hanging branch.
- Windshield antenna: These antennas are very tough to break because theyre embedded in your cars windshield. While that means its nearly impossible to scrape or bend this kind of antenna, replacing it can be complicated.
Generally, its easier to replace a Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicle antenna when youre using the same kind of mount. In some ways, half the work has already been done: If you get a compatible antenna for your vehicle, you already know it will fit onto the F-350s mounting. There are two major kinds of mounting you might find on your F-350.
- Pillar mount: A pillar mount attaches to the frame of your vehicles door and then connects to your Super Dutys receiver.
- Fixed mast mount: The fixed mast mount is the classic mounting array you see on the hood or roof of most Super Duty trucks.