Even before the 2021 Ford F-150 was officially unveiled, we wondered aloud what sort of antenna setup the all-new pickup would have. Turns out, the old fashioned whip antenna just refuses to go away, and has returned for yet another year. But in one of the 2021 F-150 teaser photos Ford put out prior to the release, we also noticed two strange “bumps” on the roof of the pickup, and the automaker didn’t say what they were for. Until now.
Andrew Surma of Ford Trucks communications confirmed to Ford Authority that the two “box like” items on the roof are in fact antennas, as we originally assumed. One of them contains the embedded modem, and the other is used for SiriusXM satellite radio. This is a big departure from the current 13th gen F-150, which uses a large “shark fin” antenna placed at the front passenger side of the roof instead.
Many owners weren’t fans of the old shark fin, as it was somewhat unsightly and protruded rather far from the roof area. Those with lifted trucks were also hampered a bit by the extra height provided by the antenna, which motivated the aftermarket to come up with lower profile replacement pieces. But Ford has addressed those issues with the 2021 F-150, which should please owners looking to make the switch to the new model.
Meanwhile, however, the old whip antenna, which has way more than nine lives at this point, returns once again to help receive AM/FM signals for the F-150’s radio. While this doesn’t bother some folks, those that hate the look do have plenty of aftermarket replacement options. Or, they could simply remove it if they don’t listen to AM/FM radio stations, which a lot of folks don’t bother with these days, anyway.
We’ll have more on the all-new F-150 soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
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Not everything is about style or looks. I personally find nothing offensive about a whip antenna. It has its function and does it well. I still listen a lot to AM/FM radio as I believe a lot of other folks still do. I do not want to see it compromised by using an antenna design that is less than optimal for it's purpose.
A lot of pickup owners live way out in the country. Think Texas, Arizona, Nevada for starters. They may have to travel long distances through very sparsely settled areas. Being able to receive stations at longer distances matters to them more than the aesthetic of hiding the antenna, and what I've seen tells me that the alternatives do not work as well.
I swapped out my antenna for the shorter stubby one. It gets better reception than the whip. It also allows the truck to go through a car wash without it getting ripped off.
Owners will soon learn the back of the cab is a stupid place as headache racks and cabover inserts block the reception. I'll take my shark fin in the front thanks!
Ok well now I'm just irritated the whip antenna won't die. 😑😑
why get rid of something that works so well. I can pick up radio stations out of Chattanooga and I'm on the far side of Manchester
Why get rid of it? IMO why not? Yes it works, but so did the other cars I've owned over the past 10 years that integrated it. Honestly, having an external whip these days is just lazy. It is an eye sore and locks it in an old school archaic aesthetic. The likes of Toyo/Nissan have admitted they only keep it because it's an expected look for a work truck. They admit it can be removed effectively, but don't due to the expectations of some customers and how they perceive a rough and rugged truck. Maybe for a commercial work force, but not on a personal vehicle that costs north of 50 freaking K. Just lazy!
I've seen a bunch of online posts where people replaced the factory whip antenna with something a few inches tall - and they they are surprised that the reception sucks. "Oh well, at least it looks good." Nowhere near good enough for me. I like my radio to work and I don't live downtown.
New locations cause very spotty or no reception for siriusxm and unreliable navigation when I load my camper which blocks both the antennas. Move them back front!
"Badmonkey" posted that this is something that could happen - and apparently it has happened to you.
Will my new 2022 F250 run if I remove the black antennas on the back of my truck ?
I want to remove the black boxes on the back of my 2022 F250. Will it affect the way my truck runs? Why can't I order a truck without a radio ?
You can probably remove the antennas - leaving you with two holes to plug that might potentially leak. And you can't order a truck without a radio because the 1970's are over.
Yes the 70s are over but when a person pays as much as these trucks cost they should get what they want.