I know this might not bother some, but I don't feel comfortable going through a car wash without taking off the antenna first. I normally use Mr. Hotshine Car Wash locations, however, it's annoying to take off the antenna each and every time. Biggest problem is, I can't reach that high to put it back afterwords. I really don't like to step on the rear bumper (which really doesn't leave much room to put your big foot) and put the antenna back. I have to wait to get home and use a little step ladder. Does anyone here remove the antenna everytime you go through a car wash? I'm afraid it might get bent from the huge curtain-like cloths that move over the car during the wash cycle. Is there an aftermarket antenna that is shorter?

 

I like to know what people are doing that want to use the rails for carrying stuff. Antenna on top makes the rails useless. What were the engineers thinking? I'm looking for a new suv that will carry kayaks but they all have roof antennas.