RFI FBBM-P Folding Bull Bar Bracket - Premium 304 Stainless Steel Antenna Mount with 4-Position Folding Mechanism, Bright Polished Finish, Spring-Loaded Pin, and Universal 16mm Bull Bar Compatibility

RFI FBBM-P Folding Bull Bar Bracket - Premium 304 Stainless Steel Antenna Mount with 4-Position Folding Mechanism, Bright Polished Finish, Spring-Loaded Pin, and Universal 16mm Bull Bar Compatibility

Enhance antenna mounting versatility with RFI FBBM-P Folding Bull Bar Bracket—featuring innovative 4-position folding mechanism enabling antenna adjustment from vertical (0°) to horizontal (90°) positions accommodating vehicle clearance restrictions, premium 304 grade stainless steel construction providing superior corrosion resistance for Australian coastal and outback environments, bright polished finish delivering attractive chrome-like appearance complementing vehicle exterior aesthetics, simple spring-loaded pin operation allowing quick tool-free position changes between 0° vertical, 33° angle, 67° angle, and 90° horizontal orientations, universal 16mm mounting hole compatibility fitting standard bull bar antenna tabs and aftermarket antenna brackets, included 6mm spacer enabling proper mounting on angled bull bars compensating for non-vertical mounting surfaces, compact 86mm height (excluding threaded stud) maintaining low-profile appearance while providing secure antenna support, designed specifically for standard UHF CB antennas and mobile phone antennas up to approximately 6-7 feet length, robust construction withstanding vibration and road shock during off-road driving and highway travel, heavy-duty hang-sell poly bag packaging protecting finish during storage and transportation, and professional-grade component suitable for 4WD vehicles, utes, trucks, and commercial vehicles requiring flexible antenna mounting solutions.

Product Overview

The Folding Bull Bar Mounts (FBBM) provides the ability to easily fold down long UHF CB or Mobile Phone antennas when needed. These can be mounted on a standard bull bar tab which has a 16mm hole or a number of bull bar antenna brackets.

The FBBM is made from 304 grade stainless steel which is available in either a bright polished finish or black chrome. The mount can be folded in one of 4 positions; 0° (vertical), 33°, 67° & 90° (horizontal), via a simple spring loaded pin. Includes a 6mm spacer to aid mounting on angled bull bars.

Also available in Black chrome finish, FBBM-B-V2.

Key Features

Premium 304 Grade Stainless Steel Construction - Professional-grade 304 stainless steel material provides superior corrosion resistance ensuring long-term reliability in demanding Australian environments. 304 stainless steel advantages: excellent resistance to rust and corrosion in coastal salt spray environments, superior durability in outback dust and high-temperature conditions, maintains structural integrity through temperature extremes from desert heat to alpine cold, resists degradation from vehicle washing chemicals and road salt exposure, non-magnetic properties preventing interference with antenna performance or compass navigation. Premium material choice ensures FBBM-P withstands years of outdoor exposure without rust staining, pitting, or structural weakening typical of inferior materials. Bright polished finish enhances corrosion resistance through smooth surface minimizing contamination accumulation—polished stainless steel develops protective chromium oxide layer naturally providing additional corrosion protection. Stainless steel construction also provides robust mechanical strength supporting antenna weight and wind loading during highway travel—FBBM-P securely holds standard UHF CB antennas (typically 3-7 feet length) and mobile phone antennas without bending or loosening. Professional-grade construction suitable for commercial vehicle fleets, emergency services, mining operations, agricultural applications, and recreational 4WD use requiring reliable antenna mounting in harsh conditions.

Innovative 4-Position Folding Mechanism - Versatile folding system enables antenna positioning in four distinct angles accommodating various operational scenarios and clearance restrictions. Position options: 0° vertical position for normal driving operation providing maximum antenna height and optimal radio performance, 33° angle for moderate clearance reduction when approaching low-height obstacles (carpark entries, drive-through restaurants, residential garages), 67° angle for significant height reduction navigating restricted-clearance areas, 90° horizontal position for complete antenna fold-down when maximum clearance required (underground parking, car wash facilities, storage garages with low ceilings). Spring-loaded pin mechanism provides simple operation: pull spring-loaded pin outward against spring tension, rotate antenna bracket to desired position aligning holes, release pin allowing spring to engage selected position, verify pin fully seated in position hole ensuring secure lock. Tool-free operation enables quick position changes without requiring wrenches, screwdrivers, or other tools—driver can fold antenna in seconds when approaching height-restricted area then return to vertical position for continued radio operation. Folding capability particularly valuable for: daily drivers using UHF radio requiring occasional clearance reduction for carparks or garages, touring vehicles navigating diverse environments with varying height restrictions, commercial vehicles accessing customer sites with low-clearance entrances, recreational 4WD vehicles requiring antenna protection during off-road travel through dense vegetation. Four position options provide flexibility matching specific clearance requirements—intermediate angles (33°, 67°) useful for partial clearance reduction without complete horizontal fold.

Bright Polished Chrome-Like Finish - Attractive bright polished finish delivers premium chrome-like appearance enhancing vehicle exterior aesthetics while providing functional surface benefits. Polished stainless steel appearance: mirror-like reflective surface resembling chrome plating, bright attractive finish complementing polished bull bars, chrome bumpers, stainless accessories, professional appearance suitable for show vehicles, commercial fleets, personal trucks prioritizing aesthetics, finish maintains appearance over time without chrome plating degradation (peeling, bubbling, rust bleeding). Bright polished finish advantages beyond aesthetics: smooth polished surface minimizes dirt and grime accumulation simplifying cleaning maintenance, non-porous surface resists moisture retention reducing corrosion potential, reflective finish remains visible in low-light conditions improving antenna awareness preventing accidental contact. Finish maintenance simple: periodic wipe with damp cloth removes surface contamination, occasional application of stainless steel polish restores maximum shine, resistant to cleaning chemicals and pressure washing maintaining appearance through regular vehicle maintenance. Alternative black chrome finish available (FBBM-B-V2) for customers preferring subtle appearance or matching black bull bars, black accessories, or tactical/stealth vehicle aesthetics. Bright polished version (FBBM-P) popular for traditional chrome bull bars, polished stainless accessories, vehicles where bright trim preferred matching existing chrome elements.

Universal 16mm Bull Bar Mounting Compatibility - Standard 16mm mounting hole configuration ensures compatibility with most bull bars, antenna brackets, and mounting tabs simplifying installation across diverse vehicle types. 16mm hole standard: most Australian-market bull bars include pre-drilled 16mm antenna mounting holes on bull bar wings or top loops, aftermarket antenna brackets typically feature 16mm mounting holes, universal size enabling FBBM-P installation on various bull bar brands and styles. Installation procedure: verify bull bar has 16mm antenna mounting hole (typically located on bull bar wing tips, center top loop, or dedicated antenna mounting tabs), remove any existing antenna mount or blank plug from hole, insert FBBM-P mounting stud through bull bar hole from exterior side, install included 6mm spacer if bull bar surface angled (spacer compensates for non-perpendicular mounting surface ensuring vertical bracket orientation), thread mounting nut onto stud from interior side tightening securely, verify bracket vertical orientation and secure mounting, install antenna on FBBM-P threaded stud. Included 6mm spacer critical for angled bull bar installations: many bull bars feature angled or curved mounting surfaces where antenna holes not perpendicular to ground, spacer placed between bracket and bull bar compensates for angle ensuring bracket remains vertical when mounted on angled surface, proper vertical orientation essential for folding mechanism operation and antenna performance. Universal compatibility eliminates custom drilling or fabrication—FBBM-P installs directly on existing bull bar antenna holes without modification. Suitable for: steel bull bars with standard antenna holes, aluminum bull bars with antenna mounting provisions, aftermarket antenna mounting brackets designed for 16mm studs, custom fabricated mounts with 16mm holes.

Designed for Standard UHF CB and Mobile Phone Antennas - FBBM-P engineered specifically supporting standard UHF CB antennas (27MHz) and mobile phone antennas commonly used in Australian vehicles. Compatible antenna types: UHF CB antennas 3-7 feet length (Uniden, GME, Oricom, RFI brands), mobile phone signal boosting antennas, standard 27MHz CB antennas with spring bases, whip antennas with standard UHF mounting threads. Threaded stud accepts standard antenna bases: UHF antennas typically use 3/8" × 24 thread (standard CB antenna thread), mobile phone antennas use compatible mounting threads, spring-base antennas mount directly on stud providing vibration isolation. Folding mechanism handles antenna weight and wind loading: standard UHF antennas weigh 200-500 grams, FBBM-P spring-loaded pin mechanism securely locks positions supporting antenna weight during travel, 304 stainless steel construction provides structural strength preventing deflection under wind loading at highway speeds. Antenna length considerations: 3-4 foot antennas fold completely horizontal without ground contact in 90° position, 5-7 foot antennas may require antenna spring compression or ground clearance verification when folded horizontal, very long antennas (8+ feet) may contact ground when folded requiring alternative mounting or shorter antenna selection. Folding bracket particularly beneficial for taller antennas requiring occasional clearance reduction—shorter antennas rarely need folding, longer antennas benefit from height adjustment capability. Antenna performance maintained in vertical position: FBBM-P stainless construction does not interfere with antenna radiation pattern, proper vertical mounting ensures optimal radio transmission and reception, folding capability provides operational flexibility without compromising communication performance during normal vertical operation.

Compact Design with Included Installation Hardware - Streamlined 86mm height (excluding threaded stud) maintains low-profile appearance while providing secure antenna support and folding functionality. Compact dimensions minimize visual impact on bull bar appearance—bracket does not dominate bull bar aesthetics, maintains clean professional look, less conspicuous than bulky antenna mounts. Low-profile design also reduces antenna installation height: compared to taller mounting brackets, FBBM-P adds minimal height to overall antenna installation, beneficial for vehicles with marginal garage clearance or height restrictions, every millimeter saved in bracket height translates to increased clearance margin. Spring-loaded pin mechanism engineered for reliability: stainless steel pin resists corrosion ensuring smooth operation over time, spring maintains positive tension preventing accidental position changes during vibration or impacts, pin holes precisely machined ensuring accurate position alignment and secure engagement. Heavy-duty hang-sell poly bag packaging protects bright polished finish during storage and transportation: prevents scratching or scuffing during handling, maintains showroom appearance until installation, enables retail display if purchased through store, professional packaging suitable for commercial sales or gift presentation. Included 6mm spacer accommodates various bull bar designs: addresses angled mounting surfaces common on bull bars, ensures proper vertical bracket orientation regardless of bull bar geometry, single spacer thickness suitable for most standard bull bar angles. Installation hardware requirements: mounting nut included for securing to bull bar (typically M10 or similar thread matching mounting stud), standard tools required for installation (wrench or socket for tightening mounting nut, no specialized tools needed), installation time typically 5-10 minutes for mechanically inclined owners.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my bull bar has a 16mm antenna mounting hole?

A: Most Australian-market bull bars manufactured in last 20+ years include standard 16mm antenna mounting holes—verify compatibility by locating antenna mounting position on your bull bar and measuring hole diameter. Common antenna hole locations: bull bar wing tips (left or right side upper corners), center top loop (above vehicle grille), dedicated antenna mounting tabs (small rectangular plates welded to bull bar with pre-drilled hole). Measurement procedure: if existing antenna or blank plug installed, remove temporarily to access hole, use digital calipers or ruler measuring hole inside diameter (should measure 16mm or approximately 5/8"), if no measuring tools available, verify FBBM-P mounting stud passes through hole with slight clearance. 16mm standard adopted widely across Australian aftermarket: ARB, TJM, Ironman, IPF, and most major bull bar manufacturers use 16mm holes, aftermarket antenna brackets also typically feature 16mm holes, older bull bars or custom fabrications may use different sizes requiring verification. Alternative mounting if bull bar lacks 16mm hole: drill 16mm hole in appropriate bull bar location (requires metalworking tools and bull bar modification), use aftermarket antenna mounting bracket with 16mm hole attaching to bull bar via clamps or bolts, contact bull bar manufacturer confirming antenna mounting provisions and hole size. Professional 4WD accessory installer can verify bull bar compatibility and perform any necessary modifications for FBBM-P installation. If bull bar completely lacks antenna mounting provisions, consider alternative antenna mounting locations (roof mount, rear bar mount, tow bar mount) where FBBM-P may be installed with appropriate adapter plates or brackets.

Q: Will the folding mechanism stay locked in position during off-road driving?

A: Yes—FBBM-P spring-loaded pin mechanism designed maintaining secure position lock during vehicle operation including off-road conditions, rough roads, and high-speed highway travel. Locking mechanism: spring-loaded pin engages precisely machined position holes, spring maintains constant tension preventing pin disengagement, pin must be manually pulled against spring force to disengage enabling position change, vibration and impacts during driving insufficient to overcome spring tension, pin remains fully seated in position hole ensuring bracket does not accidentally fold during operation. Mechanism reliability factors: 304 stainless steel pin resists wear and corrosion maintaining smooth operation, precise hole alignment ensures complete pin engagement in locked positions, spring tension calibrated providing secure lock while allowing manual position changes. Off-road operation considerations: test folding mechanism after initial installation verifying secure lock in all positions, periodic inspection ensures pin and spring functioning correctly (check every few months or after severe off-road use), verify antenna tightened securely on mounting stud preventing antenna looseness that could be mistaken for bracket movement. Extreme scenarios: if vehicle experiences severe impacts potentially dislodging pin (major collision, significant rollover, extreme off-road incident), inspect folding mechanism for damage before continued use. Normal off-road driving including corrugations, whoops, rock crawling, sand driving, and highway speeds does not cause position changes—mechanism engineered for reliability in demanding Australian 4WD conditions. Thousands of FBBM units in service across commercial fleets, recreational 4WD, emergency services demonstrating proven reliability in real-world applications. If concern about position security in extreme applications, verify pin fully seated after folding and periodically check during extended off-road trips ensuring continued proper engagement.

Q: What's the advantage of folding antenna mount versus fixed mount?

A: Folding antenna mount provides critical height clearance flexibility unavailable with fixed vertical mounts—enables antenna height reduction when encountering clearance restrictions while maintaining optimal vertical position for normal radio operation. Folding mount advantages: avoid antenna damage from low-clearance obstacles (carpark boom gates, drive-through canopies, residential garage doors), protect antenna investment by preventing accidental impacts during low-clearance maneuvers, enable vehicle access to areas otherwise restricted by antenna height (underground parking, car wash facilities, storage units with low ceilings), reduce antenna wind noise and drag when folded during non-radio operation (long highway trips where radio not needed), facilitate antenna inspection and maintenance by folding horizontal for easy access to antenna base connections. Practical scenarios: daily driver using UHF radio folds antenna when parking in underground carpark at work then returns vertical for commute home, touring vehicle folds antenna navigating tight vegetation on 4WD tracks protecting antenna from branch damage, commercial delivery vehicle folds antenna accessing customer facilities with low-clearance restrictions. Fixed mount limitations: antenna height cannot be adjusted requiring complete antenna removal for clearance restrictions (time-consuming, requires tools, risks losing mounting hardware), tall antennas on fixed mounts susceptible to damage from unexpected low obstacles, vehicles with fixed mounts may be unable to access certain facilities requiring antenna removal. Folding mechanism small investment (FBBM-P cost) protecting much larger antenna investment (quality UHF antenna costs $100-300+) from damage—single prevented antenna replacement pays for folding mount many times over. FBBM-P folding capability provides operational flexibility without compromising radio performance—vertical position maintains optimal antenna performance, folded positions available when needed for clearance or protection.

Q: Can I install multiple antennas on a single FBBM-P bracket?

A: No—FBBM-P designed supporting single antenna on mounting stud—mounting multiple antennas on one bracket not recommended for mechanical and electrical reasons. Single antenna limitation: mounting stud designed for single antenna base providing secure connection, attempting to stack multiple antennas creates excessive height and weight stressing bracket beyond design limits, multiple antennas on single stud causes electrical grounding issues interfering with antenna performance. Multiple antenna requirements: install separate FBBM-P bracket for each antenna (common configuration using two brackets, one on each bull bar wing for dual UHF radio setup or UHF plus mobile phone antenna), use dual antenna mounting bracket if truly requiring two antennas in very close proximity (specialized brackets available from antenna manufacturers), space antennas adequately apart avoiding interference (minimum 1 meter separation between UHF antennas recommended for optimal performance). Common dual antenna installations: UHF CB antenna on driver side bull bar wing, mobile phone signal booster antenna on passenger side wing, each antenna on separate FBBM-P bracket enabling independent folding operation. Dual UHF antenna setup popular for convoy operations: radio 1 for convoy communications on shared channel, radio 2 for scanning other channels or alternate communications, each antenna on separate bracket with separate radio connection. Installation considerations for multiple antennas: verify bull bar has adequate antenna mounting holes (typically one each side, sometimes center location available), avoid mounting antennas too close together (reduces performance through mutual coupling), consider radio equipment mounting locations planning cable routing from each antenna to respective radio. If bull bar lacks multiple antenna holes, aftermarket antenna mounting brackets or professional fabrication can add mounting points for second FBBM-P bracket installation.

Q: How does the bright polished finish compare to black chrome version?

A: FBBM-P bright polished and FBBM-B-V2 black chrome versions identical mechanically—same 304 stainless steel construction, same folding mechanism, same mounting compatibility, same performance—differing only in surface finish aesthetics. Bright polished (FBBM-P) characteristics: mirror-like reflective surface resembling chrome plating, bright silver appearance matching chrome or polished stainless accessories, traditional attractive finish complementing most vehicle exterior colors, highly visible in low light improving antenna awareness, shows dirt and fingerprints more readily requiring periodic cleaning for maximum shine, popular for conventional vehicles, show trucks, commercial fleets prioritizing professional appearance. Black chrome (FBBM-B-V2) characteristics: dark metallic finish providing subtle appearance, matte to semi-gloss black surface reducing light reflection, tactical or stealth aesthetics popular for modified 4WDs, blends with black bull bars, black accessories, darker vehicle colors, less visible dirt and contamination maintaining appearance between cleanings, increasingly popular for modern aggressive 4WD styling. Finish selection considerations: match existing bull bar finish (polished bull bars pair with bright FBBM-P, black-coated bull bars pair with black FBBM-B-V2), coordinate with other accessories (antenna, CB radio, lights, recovery equipment), personal aesthetic preference (traditional bright trim vs modern tactical styling), vehicle color (bright finish visible on all colors, black finish complements darker vehicles particularly well). Both finishes provide excellent corrosion resistance: 304 stainless steel base material offers inherent corrosion protection, bright polished develops natural protective oxide layer, black chrome coating adds additional protection layer while providing desired appearance. Performance and durability equivalent between finishes—selection purely aesthetic preference matching vehicle styling and personal taste. Retailers often stock both versions enabling customers choice based on visual preference and vehicle aesthetics.