This is just a mental exercise, as I have already run coax directly to the
rig
from the outside antenna on my trailer.

Hi Wayne,

Speaking of the loss of passive repeating, compare that to the loss of
the shielded inclosure you are trying to transceive through. No doubt
the latter will overwhelm the former giving you a new appreciation to
the chestnut "can you hear me now?"

The losses of passive repeating are typically compared to the coupling
from your set to the inside antenna (this is the loss to be computed
as it is by far the greatest). Losses within the coupling between
antennas (if matched) are trivial in comparison. Further, when the
topic arises, the simple observation that you are sitting next to a
window that is extremely large (in terms of wavelength) dilute the
argument that the passive re-radiator is needed at all (and serves
only as placebo).

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

Richard--
The question came up in my mind because I was not able to hit a relatively
close repeater from inside the trailer. The windows are screened, but there
are some minor leak areas around the refridgerator vent, etc.

My question was directed at a theoretically RF tight container. In such a
case, how effective would the reradiator be....20 dB down....40 dB, etc. I am
not sure how this would be calculated in the relatively near field, with
reflections.

TIA
Wayne