Ok, the Ham is in...

[articulate]

. . .the Diamond SG2000, which is a HUGE 2m antenna, like 5 feet tall, so similar to a typical CB antenna. I think it makes sense to keep it lower. That said, I would have my doubts for it's trail reliability. It's both tall and really stiff, coupled with the UHF mount not being the most robust. I dunno, keep us up-to-date on how it deals with low hanging stuff (which is probably not a problem in SoCAL?). Then again, you can carry a second trail antenna, too.

Ah, good points. A flexible whip with the loading coil in the base would be better, yeah? The ever-so-popular Hustler SF-2 has its place on OHV rigs for this very reason.

[BajaTaco]

It's gonna vibrate no matter where i put it on the rig IMHO. My Wilson 1000 is up on the rack and it vibrates just as bad. We'll see how long it hangs.

I think he meant the radio, not the antenna.

[Boston Mangler]

I think he meant the radio, not the antenna.

Yes, the radio and the GPS mounted with those Ram mounts are going to be bouncing all over the place on fire roads and such.

Trust me, i learned the hard way!

[adventureduo]

I think he meant the radio, not the antenna.

Awe.. ok. Well, i'll keep an eye on it. Don't know why it would vibrate anymore than any other mount would... And this 2 meter is rugged and made for off road, at least that's what they claim in their advertising... so, im not worried about the actual unit.

Yes, the radio and the GPS mounted with those Ram mounts are going to be bouncing all over the place on fire roads and such.

Trust me, i learned the hard way!

What's your history with the RAM mounts? What model mount did you use? What did you have mounted to them? What was your solution? Doesnt make sense for people to mount laptops to them if they 'bounce' around. I will have to take the rig out on a local forest road around here this weekend and test the entire setup. Thanks for the heads up Kevin.

[ntsqd]

I use the NMO base antennas just so that I can easily swap a long whip with a short one for those trips where it seems prudent. The Sub carries one of each, but I've yet to get a shorty for Patch.
Both are in holes in the roof. With the redundant o-ring and rubber seals I'm not too worried about leaks.

When flying down a fire/washboard road I don't care what's happening on the radio. I've got my hands full and that's what co-dogs are for.

[adventureduo]

When flying down a fire/washboard road I don't care what's happening on the radio. I've got my hands full and that's what co-dogs are for.

Exactly. If anything the mic will be in my hand or in my lap. That's it. Im not going to be looking down at the radio or at the GPS. I generally stop when i need to adjust something or configure something on the GPS. But like i said, i'll try the mounts out this weekend on a fire road with street pressure and report back. I'd be suprised if they bounced around, they seem too beefy to do that.

[kcowyo]

I've only had my RAM laptop mount for a couple of months, but I've already found that the mounting bolts, where the RAM attaches to the vehicle, need to be re-torqued after running over washboards. Like everything else, they'll vibrate loose in those conditions.

I also don't leave my laptop screen up when driving in the dirt, but rather I wait until I come to a stop when the dust has settled. The mount vibrates, but I believe that has more to do with the road and suspension than a weak mount.

Nice 2M set up Dave!

[adventureduo]

I've only had my RAM laptop mount for a couple of months, but I've already found that the mounting bolts, where the RAM attaches to the vehicle, need to be re-torqued after running over washboards. Like everything else, they'll vibrate loose in those conditions.

Nice 2M set up Dave!

How does it do as far as bouncing around or wiggling?

Thanks!

[Andrew Walcker]

Pretty sure that SoCalFJ is running the 2" Ram Mount balls. I have my Toughbook on a 2" ball with no problems, unlike the regular 1" to 1.5" balls that could barely support the weight.

[kcowyo]

The mount is solid but it does experience vibrations, not what I would call bouncing and wiggling.

On pavement it's fine, on washboards it vibrates, leaving me to believe that as strong and solid as it is, anything is going to vibrate. On flat graded dirt trails there is minimal if any vibration but it's impossible for a mount, or anything else in a vehicle, to not shake on washboards. Re-torquing the mounting bolts occasionally is key.

Keep in mind this is with a 36" telescoping pole, the shorter mounts you are using may not be subject to similar vibrations. And when I say shake and vibrate, it shakes like my Buddha belly does on the washboards.