26 Maverick XLT - AM reception sucks

[Dave O]

I stopped listening to AM Radio in the 80’s but I do understand some can’t - I don’t miss having to constantly searching for stations when I travel outside my area I hate paying for radio but I do love my Sirius XM…

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[mauverick]

Does that thing pick up Shortwave reception, too?

Mostly aliens

 

[ZABSMAV]

This old line comes to mind.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em"
The new line could be. Listen while you can.
AM to be going the way of..

Yes, I know there are efforts to bring the dodo bird back.

Over the last decade, Tesla Inc., Mazda and Ford started to phase out AM radios in new electric vehicle models. This was mainly due to interference from equipment in electric vehicles that could create more static in AM broadcasts, rendering them hard to hear.
Mar 26, 2026

Congress is set to mandate that automakers include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles, including EV only, and to address interference issues. They have determined it is a matter of public safety as many rural areas are beyond the range of FM transmitters. That bill should pass this legislative session.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Congress is set to mandate that automakers include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles, including EV only, and to address interference issues. They have determined it is a matter of public safety as many rural areas are beyond the range of FM transmitters. That bill should pass this legislative session.

As far as I can tell this has been going on since is far back as 2023. With the automakers fighting to allow them to discontinue it. It'll be interesting to see how long this drags on.
AM radio link

If or when this mandate gets passed is anyone's guess

 

[rick52]

For what it's worth, the Dept of Transportation in my state broadcasts (at least they use to) traffic advisors on the interstate on AM.

 

[A112358]

AM broadcasts have a much longer range than FM, especially at night.

I remember driving cross country years ago and picking up stations 800-1000 miles away. 50,000 watt KOA 850 AM in Denver was the long distance leader.

 

[Dave O]

As far as I can tell this has been going on since is far back as 2023. With the automakers fighting to allow them to discontinue it. It'll be interesting to see how long this drags on.
AM radio link

View attachment 256778

For what it's worth, the Dept of Transportation in my state broadcasts (at least they use to) traffic advisors on the interstate on AM.

yes I remember those days as well if I recall that was in the 1970’s

 

[rick52]

yes I remember those days as well if I recall that was in the 1970’s

Looks like Florida still does...

 

[rmcadad]

FYI - I ordered this longer antenna and it improves my radio's reception of the AM stations that the antenna that came with the truck couldn't. It's not perfect but sufficient enough to keep using it.

Eightwood Car Antenna Replacement 16 inch
https://a.co/d/07wFE7vS

Thanks for the discussion everyone

 

[Dave O]

FYI - I ordered this longer antenna and it improves my radio's reception of the AM stations that the antenna that came with the truck couldn't. It's not perfect but sufficient enough to keep using it.

Eightwood Car Antenna Replacement 16 inch
https://a.co/d/07wFE7vS

Thanks for the discussion everyone

Just wondering if this antenna will survive a drive through car wash?

 

[rmcadad]

FYI - I ordered this longer antenna and it improves my radio's reception of the AM stations that the antenna that came with the truck couldn't. It's not perfect but sufficient enough to keep using it.

Eightwood Car Antenna Replacement 16 inch
https://a.co/d/07wFE7vS

Thanks for the discussion everyone

Was wondering the same, I'm going to see if I can check on that with my local carwash. It does fit under my garage door!

 

[ZABSMAV]

Just wondering if this antenna will survive a drive through car wash?

You need to reach up and simply unscrew the antenna before going throught the car wash.

 

[rmcadad]

You need to reach up and simply unscrew the antenna before going throught the car wash.

Update: the two of the longer antenna is between 78" and 79". My local carwash has a sign that says maximum height 7'. So I think I'm good at the carwash.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Just mount a 102" whip on your Whip. Get coast to coast AM wherever you are.

 

[A112358]

Just mount a 102" whip on your Whip. Get coast to coast AM wherever you are.

Is that the Barney Fife-mobile?

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