Best Short Antenna For F150 – Buyer’s Guide
There are multiple challenges associated with long factory antennas. However, there is a perfect solution for dealing with these challenges. Wondering what this is? Here is a complete review of the best short antennas for F150.
Long factory antennas are susceptible to breakage in a windy environment. As the velocity of the wind increases, the antenna swings sideways and eventually breaks.
Also, the antenna risks breaking every time you enter or exit your garage. Furthermore, the antenna is exposed to snapping each time you take the truck for automatic car washing.
The good news is that you can customize the antenna to your satisfaction. You have two choices, shorten the long factory antenna or replace it with a customized short antenna for F150.
In this review, I have compiled a list of short antennas you can use with the latter alternative. So, let’s dive in!
Best Short Antennas For F150 in Apr, 2024
1. Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2020 (13 inches)
Design and Material of Manufacture
On the outside, a thick layer of flexible rubber material covers the antenna. The premium rubber shields the internal parts of the antenna. It is also sturdy and adjusts appropriately in all types of weather.
At the base of the antenna, lies a stud that is made of brass. This stud is helpful in signal optimization and transmission. It increases the ability of the antenna to respond to frequency signals.
Its base is made of aluminum. Compared to plastic, aluminum is stronger and offers maximum support. In turn, this enables the antenna to stay in an erect position for ultimate functionality.
For extra support of the base on the mount, the antenna has a column of carbon fiber. It adds to the visual appeal on the antenna that is already sleek and measures 13 inches with an elegant look.
Compatibility
This antenna works well on F150 and F150 Raptor series from 2009 to 2020. This makes the installation process super easy, and you can get on with it in less than a minute.
Also, the antenna is designed to respond to AM and FM bands. Thus, depending on your choice, you can go for what you prefer.
Pros
- High-performance brass signal reception material.
- Made of flexible rubber material that works well in all types of weather.
Cons
- Sometimes the signal reception is weak in rural areas.
2. AntennaMastsRus Short Antenna for Ford F-150 2009-2020 (6 3/4 inches)
Design and Material of Manufacture
The antenna is made of rubber material that is flexible, robust, and durable. It’s responsive to all types of weather and adjusts according to weather conditions. Thus, water, extreme heat, or cold environments don’t affect its functionality.
The point of connection between the antenna and truck should be strong and reliable. At the base of this antenna is a USA 304 stainless steel stud that’s resistant to rust and firmly holds the antenna onto the truck.
At 6.75 inches, the antenna is shorter than other short antennas designed for the same purpose. The good news is that this one leverages on its looks to add aesthetic value to your truck while improving radio signal reception and transmission.
Inside the antenna lies a copper metal. In science, copper is proven to be more conductive than most metals. It’s the most conductive metal after silver. Operating on this material improves its signal reception and transmission abilities.
Compatibility
The antenna is designed for the F150 series from 2009 to 2020. This makes it compatible with a wide array of trucks from 2009. Also, with its internal copper material, it’s highly receptive to AM and FM signals.
Installing the short antenna is simple and will take you less than 5 minutes. No special equipment is needed. All you have to do is to unscrew the long factory antenna and screw the short antenna into the mount.
Pros
- The antenna is made of flexible rubber material that is sturdy and keeps it in shape.
- It has an inner copper metal that makes it more receptive to signals.
- It’s easy to install and doesn’t require special equipment to fix.
Cons
- It may not work well with F150 2017 as it has a female head.
3. RONIN FACTORY Antenna fits Ford F150 (4 inch)
Design and Material of Manufacture
At 4 inches long, the antenna is short enough and gives your truck a new sleek modern appearance. On the outside is billet aluminum of military-grade that is rust and fade resistant and a good signal receptor.
The rubber material is resistant to water and adjusts appropriately when subjected to pressure. Thus, you do not need to fear for the antenna when your truck is out for car washing.
At the base of the antenna is a metallic stud that holds the antenna to the mount on your truck. The antenna has a thread locking compound on the stud that firmly attaches it to the truck.
This makes the antenna reliable and not susceptible to falling. And if thieves are trying to pull it off your truck, the locking compound will give them a hard time.
Installing the antenna is pretty simple and will only take you a maximum of 5 minutes. You don’t need special equipment to do this. Remove the factory antenna then, using your hands, screw the short antenna into the mount until it’s finger tight.
Compatibility
This antenna is made for Ford F150, F250, F350, Raptor, and Dodge Ram Trucks. Also, if you have a model dating back to 1990, then this short antenna will fit perfectly well.
The short antenna is compatible with auxiliary audio input systems, and it works well with Bluetooth for quality audio reception.
Pros
- It is easy to install, and you only need to screw it into the mount with your bare hands.
- Made of sturdy aluminum material that is rust-resistant and durable.
Cons
- Signal reception may be poor in rural areas.
4. Votex Short EPDM Rubber Antenna
Design
The 6 ¾ inches antenna is quite short but still effective at performing the intended purpose. As short as it is, the signals reception is impressive which means you have access to all radio functionality. If you’re a radio enthusiast, especially FM, you’ll love this more.
Thus, cruising your F150 can only get more exciting while listening to your favorite radio stations. This is a good way to stay informed and entertained at the same time. The black course textured antenna is stylish and adds aesthetics to your F150.
Material Composition
The Votex antenna features a highly conductive copper core. Unlike most metals, copper is 85% more conductive. This enables the antenna to pull in more stations from far away so that you never miss important radio updates.
The Votex antenna is sturdy and versatile thanks to the flexible EPDM rubber construction. Also, it is carwash proof and doesn’t snap when bent. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about taking your car to the carwash anymore for the fear of breaking the antenna.
Moreover, the base is made from sturdy 304 stainless steel threading. This safely secures the antenna onto the vehicle and won’t come out regardless of the pressure exerted on it. This helps in preventing the need for frequent replacements of broken antennas.
Pros
- Made from sturdy materials for durability.
- Features the highly conductive copper metal for excellent signals reception.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Reception may be poor in some rural setups.
5. CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna
Design
The antenna is only 3.2 inches and shorter than most F150 compatible antennas. At this size, it’s almost invisible but still effective at its purpose. Because of this, the reception is high quality and you’re assured of an enjoyable radio experience.
Compared to the stock antenna, CravenSpeed is shorter. Therefore, you’ll no longer have to worry about garage doors, roof racks, and high winds. Longer antennas break when they come into contact with other objects. On the contrary, this one is shorter and will last longer.
Material Composition
The cover material is made from a black textured powdered coat. The coat is durable and doesn’t fade out. It never breaks or chips after a long period of use. This promotes longevity and ensures you don’t get into frequent replacements.
Plus, its inner core is made from a sturdy billet aluminum metal. While this enhances better signal reception, it ensures the antenna remains sturdy at all times. And to top it up, the base features rust and corrosion-resistant hardware.
Therefore, however much you expose the antenna to water especially during washing, it’ll never come out because of rust or corrosion.
Pros
- Easy to install and takes only a few minutes.
- Made of sturdy materials for longevity.
- Ultra short for convenient entry and exit from garages.
- High-quality signals reception.
Cons
- You may experience poor reception outside the city.
6. VOFONO 7 inches Spiral Flexible Rubber Antenna
Design
The 7-inch antenna has an elegant spiral design and a perfect fit for F150 models of between 2009 and 2021. The short size takes the anxiety of snapping the antenna out of the picture. Especially when you go through garage doors or other objects that can break the antenna.
Despite being shorter than the stock antenna, it has an exceptional AM and FM signals reception ability. This gives you access to several local radio stations for an exciting and entertaining ride.
Material Composition
The black Spiral shape rubber material covering the antenna is sturdy and protects the inside elements from external damages. The inner core is made from tough copper metal and can withstand external pressure.
The flexible premium materials ensure longevity and resistance to fading, breaking, or chipping. This comes in handy when taking your F150 vehicle to the carwash. While normal antennas usually break at the car wash, the VOFONO spiral flexible antenna is sturdy and doesn’t. Plus, its high-performance copper screw ensures it firmly remains on the vehicle after installation.
Pros
- Easy to set up in under 30 seconds.
- Optimized for AM and FM signals reception.
- Made from premium materials hence durable.
Cons
- Radio reception may be poor in some places.
7. AntennaX 50 Cal Black Bullet (5.5-inch) Ammo Antenna for Ford F150
Design
The 5.5-inch antenna is short and has the perfect bullet shape for improving aesthetics. Therefore, besides acting as an AM/FM signals receptor it’ll also add a good visual impression while on your F150 vehicle.
Its signal reception is exemplary. Because of this, you’ll have access to over 90% of your local area radio station. If you love listening to the radio, you’ll never get bored while driving to whichever destination.
Material Composition
The Ammo 50 Cal antenna is made from a robust T-6061 billet aluminum material. This not only enhances durability but also good reception of AM or FM radio signals. So, as you enjoy access to clear radio channels, it’s a good thing to know the antenna won’t break recklessly.
But that’s not all: taking your F150 to the carwash ceases to be an anxious experience thanks to the shortness of the antenna. Therefore, unlike stock antennas, it won’t easily break apart during washing. Lastly, it comes with a hard black anodized finish which reinforces the sturdiness. The finish doesn’t fade, scratch, or chip even after a long period of use.
Pros
- Made of sturdy aluminum material for better reception and durability.
- Installation is a simple plug and play process.
- Stylish and enhances the visual appeal.
Cons
- Low flexibility.
Short Antennas For F150 – Buyer’s Guide
Blindly buying a short antenna for F150 can end up being costly. Here is what you need to check before settling on a short antenna.
Signal Reception
If you are a lover of music, then you understand what comfort you get when traveling in a truck with music. For the best radio music, you need a high-performance antenna for signal reception and transmission.
While most brands will assure you quality signal reception, you do not need to take their word for it. First, you need to ascertain the type of material used to make the antenna.
Technically, copper is a good conductor, therefore, antennas made of it are reliable with signal reception. Due diligence is mandatory, as a poor selection will limit how you enjoy listening to music from your radio.
This is particularly true since some of the short antennas are more effective in urban than rural areas. Thus, checking the material used to make the short antenna is the first step to ensuring you can listen to your radio anywhere.
Waterproof
Car washing is one big enemy of antennas. It’s during this time that antennas can snap and come out. And for those that don’t do it immediately, at some point, they break and come out. Replacing antennas frequently is not a good thought either.
So how should you deal with this?
While most low-quality antennas will break after continuous exposure to water, the ones made of quality sturdy and water-resistant materials remain effective for a long time. Therefore, check the materials used to make the antenna.
Only make a purchase when you see solid proof of water resistance.
Durability
A poor quality short antenna is susceptible to breaking. This is likely to happen when you’re washing your truck or when the antenna is subjected to some sort of pressure. What sets an effective short antenna apart from an ineffective one is the material.
At best, the antenna should be made of flexible and sturdy rubber material. It’s because rubber materials are robust, resistant to snapping, and will make the antenna durable. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the need for constant replacements.
Ease of Installation
Short antennas should be easy to install. Ideally, the process should take you 5 minutes or less. Moreover, you need to go for an antenna that doesn’t require special equipment to install and that you can fix with your hands.
FAQs
Can I Shorten My Truck Antenna?
While this is possible, you need to take caution lest you make a blunder that will cost you signal reception. Shortening your antenna by cutting might improve FM signal reception. However, the downside is that it can completely ruin the AM signal reception. This is true as FM, unlike AM, operates on short waves.
How Do I Take The Antenna Off My F150?
Using a wrench or a pair of pliers, loosen the antenna from its base. When it’s moderately loose, you can use your hands to loosen it further until it comes off by itself.
Is a large Car Antenna Better?
The design of an antenna is mainly influenced by the purpose it should be playing in signal reception. Ideally, FM antennas are shorter and measure approximately 2.5 feet. On the flip side, AM antennas are longer since AM works on longwave signals.
Do Stubby Car Antennas Work?
The real question should be: which do you want more? Is it AM or FM signals? Nevertheless, an antenna of moderate length should serve you well. Thus, an efficient antenna – that captures both AM and FM signals – should be neither short nor long but somewhere in between.
Final Thoughts
Using a long factory antenna comes with multiple challenges that you have to deal with daily. From snapping during car washing, getting stuck on your garage door to poor signal reception, these are just a few problems associated with a long antenna.
However, these can be avoided once and for all. The solution lies in replacing your long factory antenna with a short aftermarket antenna.
So, what are you waiting for? You can choose the best short antenna from this comprehensive review and enjoy quality radio music and a break from the constant replacement of broken long antennas.