Cell phone installations in trucks

[Gordon Maney]

I have a cell phone installation in my 2500 24V Cummins powered Ram. The phone and associated hardware is Nokia. It is all about two years old.

I remember a Dave Barry column once where he said that the cell phone was something that allowed us to spend money and then ask, "......are you there, are you there????"

I got this installation with the external antenna because I frequently drive some highway on trips out of town. The terrain for a good part of it is quite hilly and distant from cellular towers. The added antenna made a huge difference in reception.

Even with all of that, there are too many times when signals are lost, calls are dropped, and I think in an era when we have smart bombs and can put people in outer space, why don't these phones work better?

My question for you is this: Is my equipment too old now, or are there some changes I could implement that would make the performance of the phone much better?

Also, I decided I was really glad I got the handset, as the windshield pillar mounted microphone just did not cut it in that big cab. I don't think it is so much the diesel, it is just too far away from the person.

What has been your experience with any of this?

I post a photo of my current installation

[Gordon Maney]

This is the antenna....

[Terry Newton]

Finally, something I can actually help someone with!

As I have a calling plan that involves 2,000 any time minutes per month, and I go over that allocated time every month all by myself, I feel qualified to speak.

I have one of the latest Nokia phones that works really great, and is small enough to fit in my pocket. Which is a great thing about the phone you currently have. You cannot lose it unless someone steals your truck. Therefore, unless you need a phone on your person at all times, keep the one you have.

I have one service, and my wife has another service. We both have phones that use the digital and other signals. There are spots where we use her phone b/c I cannot get out, and vice versa. Therefore, if you are thinking a newer phone may get you better reception, you could be very wrong, and would be just as well off to keep the one you have.

I know a man that has an old bag phone that he has been using for years. He is still using it daily. It works fine.

My co-workers on the other hand are replacing the newer models on average every two years. Many times quicker if they are of the flip variety.

I would have to say that if you are happy with the phone, stay with it. If you are unhappy with the reception, but use the phone while driving b/c it helps you to multi-task consider a trick taught to me by the old hands.

Look at taking a different route that will have better cell coverage for a greater length of time. If your trip takes, say 30 minutes longer, but you are able to accomplish a great deal more before you next stop, it could be worth the trade-off.

Hope this helps.

BTW, how do you like the 6 speed tranny? Would you go back to a 5 if given the opportunity? I have yet to drive a 6.

[Gordon Maney]

I like the 6-speed a lot. The diesel has a narrower rpm range than the gas. Brisk acceleration with a diesel is accomplished by shifting sooner at lower rpm's, rather than later at higher rpm's, as is the case with a gasoline engine. The diesel's huge torque throws you ahead, so to speak. Shift soon and step on the go-pedal.

It has been a great transmission, I would suggest that anyone get it.

[MoparNorm]

Hi Gordon,
Pretty much what Terry said, not too many folks still have "car phones" . The newer smaller phone are "personal" phones that you carry in your pocket. (Carhartts have great pockets for those phones!) My number (and phone) goes with me everywhere I go, I can't carry my car with me everywhere and I haven't had a car installed phone since the 80's. The smaller phones also have 'hands free' features to allow safe use while traveling. Terry is correct about reception, research which service provider in your area has the most complete "grid" system of relay stations and go with them.
FYI; you are now able to keep your number, as your property, when you change service providers.
MN