I am going to purchase an '06 F-150. I would like to get the Sirius satellite option. I live in an area where a lot of the roads have heavy tree coverage. Does anyone have any experience with satellite radio and traveling on roads with heavy tree coverage? Thanks.

 

I use XM and do not have any signal issues, the satillite is backed up by regular terestrial (land based) transmitters so the trees are not an issue. I had to find the right location for my antenna, I tried the dash and got a marginal signal and finally moved the antenna to the roof above the rear slider.

 

I have had some issues with Sirius with trees overhanging the road. Ususally it does not cut out for long. If the trees don't overhang it should not be much of a problem.

Kevin

 

Trees can cause some drop-outs. What you will want to do is make sure you install the antenna somewhere where it gets the best signal (like on the roof) and does not have to go through additional plastic, glass, etc. You also may want an antenna with a little higher gain. Try the stock one first though before you spend the extra money.

I have XM and personally prefer it to Serius. Not that we want to start that battle.

 

I have XM and I have had it since it's debut. I have Sirius at home (Dish Network) and don't like it as well, probably due to what I am used to. But, to answer your question, I have the XM Commander (see pics for install place....awesome!!) and it is a great unit BUT I would recommend going with a stronger antenna. I currently have the stock (I believe it is a Terk) antenna that came with it and my reception is worse with this vs. the original one. I believe the smaller the antenna the lower the gain??? Go with the best antenna possible. as for the location of the antenna, definately put it on the roof. my installer ran it out my third break light, only about 2" of wire is visible.
Good Luck
TC

 

I live about 30 miles outside Toledo, OH, a 100k+ population city that I know has terrestial XM signal. 30 miles out in the country I get ZERO terrestial signal, so I would NOT count on that. I have my signal drop off in the little town I live in when I am on "main" street between a row of 2 story buildings. It works perfectly everywhere else I have been. Hope this can help, but i do not have specific experience on how much trees effect the signal. Standard Antenna mounted on the middle of the roof of a F150 SuperCab.

Chris

 

So far with my Sirius I haven't been anywhere that I didn't receive service. I have a boombox that came with my X-act stream jockey. I have taken it camping twice, and we rocked the whole time. I kind of think it was the only reason I was invited the second time

I am in Northern California.

Regards!

 

I have Sirius for over two years. I live in the norteast and there are lots of high tree lined streets. It is a problem when it raining. I would assume that the antenna will be mounted on the exterior and you'll get max signal that is available. I travel all over the northeast and I would not consider tree dropout an issue.

Jack

 

Thanks for all of the feedback. I plan to go ahead and get the Sirius option.

 

I have experienced some cutting out, only going under bridges.....usually railroads; perhaps its the quanity of metal?
Anyway, I took a piece of aluminum pipe, about an inch long, a dime in diameter, and used it to elevate the antenna off the roof of my f150. It rarley cuts out ever.