The F150 is a beautiful piece of machinery. It’s the most popular truck in the USA and a favorite of hard workers everywhere.
With all the good, there is one thing that may bother you a bit. The stock antenna. But, it’s an easy upgrade with plenty of affordable replacements!
There are some great choices for you to replace it with. The shortest on this list is just 4 inches.
Let’s take a look at the best short antennas for F150s:
1. Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2020 | 13 inches Flexible Rubber Antenna Replacement
Rydonair has a 13 inch antenna with very good reviews and many happy customers.
It’s one of the best selling options in this category for F150 owners.
Copper is the preferred metal for radio signals, and that’s what the core of this is made of.
They’ve wrapped the copper core in a rubber coating. This is much thicker than the stock product, so you may have to get used to it a little bit. Seeing it in your peripheral will be a thing until the power of adjustment takes hold.
For the price point and overall quality of this option, we think it has the best value overall. If you want a shorter or more decorative choice, there are plenty of those. But, for general use on your F150, this sleek option is sure to get you your moneys worth.
2. RONIN FACTORY Antenna fits Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty, Raptor & Dodge RAM Truck Short Antenna - Anti-Theft Design - 4 inch Long
You never fully realize you haven’t matured as an adult until you feel an incredible urge to make a joke about something being 4 inches.
Thankfully, being behind a keyboard allows one to compose themselves.
But really, Ronin has the “cool compact” antenna thing down to a science.
One thing about shortening your antenna to such a length is that you won’t have the same radio capabilities as you did before. A stock antenna is long for a reason.
They also have an anti-theft threading on this. A lot of users have had issues taking it off once they screw it in. That’s intentional, but be prepared for a hassle to remove it! At least you know no one else will be able to.
3. AntennaMastsRus - 13 Inch All-Terrain Flexible Rubber Antenna is Compatible with Ford F-150 (2009-2020)
AntennaMastsRus comes to the table with another 13 inch rubber antenna for your F150.
What makes them notable is that they are one of the most affordable options in this category.
They seem to have the edge on all competitors when it comes to making a decent product for as little spend as possible.
The great thing about this company though, is that they have a variety of sizes and colors for your truck. So, if you were hoping to match your color scheme it’s possible with this brand.
They don’t always have all the colors in stock, but you can always opt for black if your color isn’t available. There is a steel core in this product and it gets the job done.
4. RONIN FACTORY Bullet Antenna for Dodge RAM & Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty Ford Raptor Trucks - Anti-Theft Design - Short Replacement Antenna 1997 - Current
Ronin was featured earlier in this article, and one thing they specialize in is compact antennas.
This 50 cal bullet design is extremely popular, and maybe you’ve seen it out on the road.
This also fits the widest range of years available for a F150. All the way from 1997 on up to present day.
The “anti-theft” design is the same system they’ve used in other models. It won’t get stolen, but if you want to take this off and change it you might be in for a headache. It’s made from anodized aluminum, so you won’t have to worry about the elements causing it to deteriorate.
Overall, this is a cool design and it tends to be more expensive than other options. But, if you want something a little different it can be a good choice.
FAQS
What are some other common upgrades I can make to my Ford truck?
For Fords, some of the common things people upgrade include adding a bed mat, wheel wells, or even a spray-on bedliner.
With one of the most common models available, your options are incredibly broad. You could even put a tent on yours for a camping trip.
Why would someone want a shorter antenna?
For some, the length of their antenna is a daily obstacle. Hitting their garage or other objects that they regularly encounter throughout their day. But realistically a lot of people just like aftermarket options.
They’re cheap, they have varied designs, and the final plus is that since they’re shorter you’re never going to worry about it hitting anything. In our opinion, a shorter opinion is more aesthetically pleasing as well.
Why do we say copper is the metal of choice for antennas?
This has to do with conductivity. This article can explain it much more eloquently than we can. Just because you get an antenna with a steel core doesn’t mean it’s going to be “bad”. But, the preferred metal for a quality signal is copper.
Copper tends to be more expensive than other metals so it is less likely to be used. Most people driving around do not have copper cores and they receive a signal just fine. So, it’s a minor quip.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you make up your mind on what’s a good option for your truck. These are the most popular choices available right now, and they’re all a little different.
For a quality replacement, we think the best overall value is Rydonair’s 13 inch antenna. But, there are other options that each have their own positives to them as well.
Whatever you choose, make sure to come back and let us know how it worked out for you. We love hearing from our readers and thanks for stopping by!