Jake’s review · Bought it twice
Rydonair stubby Jeep Wrangler antenna: a five-minute mod I bought twice
The tall stock antenna always looked awkward to me. This short one cleans up the profile, takes about five minutes to swap, and local stations come in fine. I liked it on my first Jeep, so I bought another one for my other JK.
Jake’s photos
Installed in summer and winter, plus the stock antenna
Jake’s note
Why I swapped it
The stock antenna is tall and sticks out on the Wrangler’s profile. The short one just looks cleaner. It’s not a big mod, but I notice it.
In the garage
How the install went
About five minutes. It unscrews counter-clockwise. I used an adjustable wrench to get the right fit. Put something around the base so the wrench doesn’t dent or scratch the Jeep if it slips.
Heads-up
Reception
I’ve used it on the stations I actually listen to, and local stations come in just fine. The stock antenna does pull in more distant stations, so if that matters to you, keep it in mind.
Which Jeep
Fitment
It’s on both of my Jeeps. Check that the adapter in the box matches your year before you order.
The good stuff
What I like
- Much cleaner look than the tall stock antenna
- About a five-minute swap
- Local stations come in fine
- Liked it enough to buy one for my other Jeep
Before you buy
What to know
- The stock antenna has better range
- A slipping wrench can dent or scratch the paint
- Check the adapter against your year
Bottom line
Would I buy it again?
I already did—the second one went on my other JK. It’s cheap, fast, and it looks better.
Questions I get
Quick questions
How long does installation take?
About five minutes on my Jeep.
Does a stubby antenna hurt radio reception?
A little. Local stations come in fine, but the stock antenna pulls in more distant stations.
Which way does the JK antenna unscrew?
Counter-clockwise. I used an adjustable wrench and protected the paint around the base.
Will a stubby antenna clear a car wash?
Yes. It’s stubby, so it clears the car wash. That goes for any stubby antenna.