best low-profile antenna for 2014 Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by kemmis, Apr 3, 2016.

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  1. kemmis

    kemmis Junior Member

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    So I have a 2014 Prius (package 4 I think), which has "hd radio", satellite radio setup, and all that jazz. The factory antenna is noticeably beefier than on my 2005 Prius and has an additional black square module behind the part that sticks up. I'm guessing that the additional block is either the satellite radio receiver or an antenna for cell phone reception.

    In any case I'm looking to replace the factory antenna with something low-profile like a shark fin so it stays out of the way when I have my kayak / rack on top of the car. What's the best low-profile antenna for a 2014 that will work for me? If I get a shark fin will it replace the square module part of my current antenna in addition to the part that sticks up? And is there an antenna that has good FM reception?

    What do you guys have on your car and/or recommend?

    Thanks!!
     
    #1 kemmis, Apr 3, 2016
  2. andino

    andino Senior Member

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    The sharkfin just replaces the antenna part of the assembly. The base doesn't need an antenna to work so the sharkfin just attaches to where the antenna screws in and covers the base.
     
    #2 andino, Apr 3, 2016
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  3. Starbrand

    Starbrand Senior Member

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    One of my first mods and happy to have joined the shark tank club. I was going to get the TRD 4.7 inch one because it was significantly cheaper and was hard to justify the shark fin price. but went with it anyways.

    I went outside a few minutes ago to take these picks for you. I have the Thule Traverse 480 feet with 50inch bars. I believe an image is more than words and I hope it helps in your decision.

    due to the slope of the roof, fin clears rack by 2 inches easily.
    [​IMG]

    does not interfere with perpendicular rack rails at all either.
    [​IMG]

    and just another pic to show my Thule 517 bike carriers dont hit hatch when fully opened.
    (back tire is further forward as well, so no issues there)
    [​IMG]​
    No clue unless I saw a picture of the module you are referring to. And reception is normal for the shark fin, no difference at all...

    HOWEVER, when researching about your specific reason, aka kayaks and racks, I came across few pictures from this thread which I strongly suggest you at least take a peak:
    Show Us Your Rack! | Page 11 | PriusChat

    Looks like few people didn't even bother changing antenna and were fine without going low profile. Just something else to consider. Happy modding! (y)
     
    #3 Starbrand, Apr 3, 2016
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  4. Zipsta

    Zipsta Member

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    Star,

    Your Prius appears to have a solar panel, no? If so, how did you attach the shark fin antenna? I have a solar panel and can't seem to find a shark fin antenna that will fit. Can you take som close up of the antenna? Thanks!

    Z.
     
    #4 Zipsta, Apr 5, 2016
  5. Starbrand

    Starbrand Senior Member

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    I dont have a solar panel and I could not find the visage one in the Priuschat store for you :(. However, I did find two links with visuals of people with the solar roof and shark fins:
    SR with shark fin? | PriusChat
    Shark Fin Antenna ...Solar Roof ...oops | PriusChat
     
    #5 Starbrand, Apr 5, 2016
  6. PriiPrii

    PriiPrii Member

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    I have a solar panel on mine I got the visual garage antenna from Prius chat shop it gives u an option for solar panel


    Edit : this might be it
    Shark Fin Antenna for 2010-2015 Toyota Prius - PriusChat Shop
     
    #6 PriiPrii, Apr 5, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2016
  7. Zipsta

    Zipsta Member

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    Thanks, guys. I'm ordering it.

    Z.
     
    #7 Zipsta, Apr 6, 2016
  8. kemmis

    kemmis Junior Member

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    Thanks for all the info! Not sure what I was thinking about the "square module" thing... in my mind there was one (I think I saw it on a different car recently), but when I went out and looked at my prius, there was no such thing!! :D

    One last question - I have a sea glass pearl color prius - what color antenna do you think looks better on it, a mat black or the matching sea glass pearl? I have black Yakima landing pads and rack installed, so black would match that gear on the roof.
     
    #8 kemmis, Apr 6, 2016
  9. Zipsta

    Zipsta Member

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    Kemmis,

    Don't know if this is possible, but if you can't get the antenna to match your body color, then how about a carbon fiber look?

    Z.
     
    #9 Zipsta, Apr 6, 2016
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