Radio range

[pinenut]

The factory radio in my '98 Ram Roadtrek has three or four times the range of the actory radio inn my '10 1500 Laramie. Anything I can do about it? Like a different antenna? I'm usually on FM catching the news, not much into music since my hearing went to hell.
Thanks

 

[GTyankee]

How can I boost my FM radio signal in my car?


How to improve radio reception in Cars/Home?

1. Use a quarter-length antenna (32 inches) for your car. ...
2. Change the position of the antenna. ...
3. Use a signal booster or a pre-amplifier.
4. Use diversity tuning.
5. Ensure that the antenna mast is extended.
6. Check antenna connections.

 

[GTyankee]

I have not looked at a Radio for 40 years

On radios back in that time, had a hole on the side of the case, the hole was usually on the same side as antenna cable plugged into.

Inside of that hole was a small Phillip's screw
That screw could be adjusted to bring in the local FM stations.
I never turned the screw far & I counted the distance the screw was turned
If it did not increase the clarity going clock wise, then i returned go back to the factory setting & turned it clockwise.
If that did not improve the reception, it had to be returned to the factory setting.

Today, our radios are half Radio & half laptop computer

 

[SitKneelBend]

The factory radio in my '98 Ram Roadtrek has three or four times the range of the actory radio inn my '10 1500 Laramie. Anything I can do about it? Like a different antenna? I'm usually on FM catching the news, not much into music since my hearing went to hell.
Thanks

Personally, I feel this is intentional to push SXM subscriptions. I have anecdotal proof, but the 2013-2017 8.4 has better reception/HD radio quality in the same truck as the 2018+ radios. At the very least, it's not at the top of their priority list.

The best way to improve radio reception if all connections are solid is a longer antenna.