SWR off the chart

[Alabama Buckeye]

Truckers have a habit of supplementing their mirror mounted antenna bases with auxiliary dedicated grounding straps from the bases to an under hood grounding bolts. Why? Because the weak links between the mirrors mounts and a positive ground. Movable/Swivel mirror brackets make for P1$$ poor ground contact.

Not to mention the likely reflective nature of the travel lodge you're toting. Jessie James recommended fender mounting. I'm doubtful your 3' Firestik will do much better there.

A cursory look look at the Randy FCC, reveals cute HT radio. They have their place. RF power out, Check! No mention of 4W legal power. Did your SWR check reveal any insight as to how much RF power?

You may be better off with the included Rubber Ducky antenna. Glass is not a barrier to radio signal. You'd have a 180 degree forward cast of radio signal. Of cource you want to hold it vertical.

There's no telling the mangled status of shielding as it is passed through from outside cab to inside.

#1 Number One importance is antenna. And yours is in the running...See https://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

[somis81]

JJ, Buckeye, thanks for the help, the REF is reading 7%. I have the handheld on 4 watt hi power. The president randy has great reviews with no complaints about power.
I grounded the antenna base to the engine compartment battery grounding bolt with a spare battery cable, still no luck, still way over 3 SWR. My motorhome is aluminum and the antenna may be too close to the body and mirror or maybe it's the wrong kind of antenna.
I can hear truckers talking on channel 19 with the Firestick, but the rubber ducky doesn't pick up anything.
Not sure what to try next.