Loose A-Frame AM-FM external aerial antenna fix

Yoods

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Hi All,

This post is to share what I learned about repairing a loose external AM- FM aerial antenna where it attaches to the mounting base and how to fix it if this happens to you. I could not find any information on how to repair this after searching the FR forums.

My antenna has been getting looser and looser over time where it would not stand up vertical anymore (see images, before repair and after). I tried tightening the screws, no difference.

Today, why taking pictures of it to post to you all to ask how I could fix this and make the connection tighter so it did not flop around, or if broken where I could find a replacement antenna, I discovered a fix that had not been obvious before.

While rotating the antenna to get pictures I noticed this time it is even looser than when we last used the trailer a few weeks ago. Grabbing the antenna at its base you could pull it in and out about a ¼ to 3/8”of where it connects. It wasn’t that bad before our trip and I could now see space between the antenna and the mounting base.

So, I had the idea to see if it is a screw on connection, and after five (5 !) clockwise rotations it was tight again.

I don’t understand how it became that loose. You all who have A-Frame know the step handle by the door obstructs the antenna from being rotated counterclockwise unless you pull out the end of the antenna to pass the obstruction. How the antenna rotated countered clockwise on its own over time while we were diving is beyond me, but it happened.

I hope this simple fix will help you if you have a loose antenna.
 

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I believe is a standard antenna mount. If you remove the mast (screw on the side that allows you to swivel the antenna 180 degrees), it will reveal a screw that you can tighten.
 
I believe is a standard antenna mount. If you remove the mast (screw on the side that allows you to swivel the antenna 180 degrees), it will reveal a screw that you can tighten.

Yes, that is what I discovered. Tighten or remove by rotating it.
 
Yes, that is what I discovered. Tighten or remove by rotating it.

You don’t rotate the entire antenna, I was pointing out there is a screw you can access behind the part that swivels.
 
You don’t rotate the entire antenna, I was pointing out there is a screw you can access behind the part that swivels.

Yes, I understand. Good to know for the future. Thanks!

FWIW, I was able to tighten it the way I said earlier.
 
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