No roof mag mount. Where is best?

Hi everyone.
I am looking for advise and direction regarding the placement of a magmount on my VW T4 campervan. There is no roof option here as it is a hightop GRP roof.
I am not looking for a mobile setup, just a static mobile setup.
I currently mount the antenna on the bonnet of the Transporter and set the antenna vertical with an angle adaptor between the magmount and the antenna.
I generally use a red devil or a 1/4 wave 9 foot tank whip.
My SWR is about 1:4.

I am wondering what the best mount location may be or have I got it right already?

I was wondering if it would be better to mount the mag on the side of the van with the antenna at 45 degree’s? or how about mounting it on the hatch back side?

I am operating well on the bonnet setup and got into France on SSB from the west coast of scotland with the red devil attached.

I’ll try to add a photo of my van for reference but I’m new to the forum.

I think the bonnet way is about the best option you have.
Wherever you put it it will be a bit directional.
If it was me i would make sure the bonnet has a good earth to the body and maybe operate it with the bonnet open .
But that is my daft way of thinking and somebody will come up with a far better idea.

If you're using static mobile what about a drive on pole and silver rod or similar aerial? It'd be better than a mag mount.

Thanks for the replies. The setup has to be portable and compact for long term touring. So nothing other than a magmount.

Hi chap, I've also got the SS9900, and I use mine with the Sirio 4000, which works a treat on the roof of the car.  However. in your situation I would recommend the T2LT antenna, which is cheap to buy (or make yourself, as it's basically a piece of coax)....it rolls up to nothing too, so is easy to store.  To mount the T2LT, you'll need a telescopic 10m fibreglass pole, which you can fix to the ground using guy-ropes from a tent, lash to an existing fence post on the edge of a field with bungee cords, or you can use it with a drive-on plate.  I've collected all of the above over the last few months ready for me to get out this summer.  It all takes up very little space to store, it's relatively cheap, and it's quick to erect.

Cheers

Simon.

hi i have used a transmit through glass when i had a robin 3 weeler as the body is fiberglass not very good but put out a signal on cb i whould go for a drive on plate i have used one with a delta loop very good reports thanks for looking paul m0kbd 73s

Yup I reckon a drive on mast base if you're portable, then a telescopic pole, and the antenna on top of that.

Hey Wayne and all.
I have found after spending a couple of hours placing the antenna in various places in the van, that indeed the bonnet is the best place. This is regarding SWR and performance. So its solved!
It is good reference for others who may own or plans to buy a van like this with a grp roof.
I did eventually find a youtube video made my a radio ham about motorhoming with a radio.
He also showed that the bonnet of a motorhome is indeed the best placement for a magmount.

Regards Rob.

T2LT on a telescopic fibre glass pole gets my vote will be better than a magmount

Could make (DIY) magmount that can take a few different antennas (not at the same time of course) if your moving about the bands.  Magmount with a swivle/ball. Hamstick antenna comes to mind, light weight, half fiberglass, half SS whip, adjustable, they make 10m, 12m,15m ect ect... I can attest the 10m Hamstick dosen't tune well around 26.900 ish ( SS whip is too short)  I use a Wilson 62 inch SS whip on the 10m bottom, tunes all through 10m 11m and then some.   For the best performance (imo)  if there is just enough room between the fender and hood (bonnet) a SS fender mount using a fender bolt,  ground bonded to the body of the unit. Universal threaded mount so you can run a short antenna while in motion, put the  long one on when parked?   Fender mount can be removed if the unit is to be traded off or sold later. Little touch up paint and the next user would never know ;-)  Just my 2cents.
Just came to mind, there is a Ebay seller that makes a replica Hamstick antenna, fairly decent quality and not too bad on the price, shipping of course might cost a bit. My 2005 BMW X5, BMW was nice enough to ground bond the hood (bonnet), doors and rear hatch (boot). Might look and see if VW did the bonnet for you?

Some great advice there , it’s a pity that you didn’t want something a bit more permanent if it was me I’d go down the duplex route and have matching antenna either side of the front bumper to the same height of the roof with possibly the top’s tied back in a semi curl , that’s if my good lady would let me of course but fantasy aside either of the two suggestions that you had previously would work a drive over static plate for a tank whip or a wire do-pole from tree to tree or post to post secured with a dog bone either end , both great space savers fairly inexpensive, ps van looks great and happy travels , all the best 73,s buddy