CB radio

[samcrimm]

Ok it been a million years ago when I had them, so what is the best now a days? Where did you mount yours? I got Ant. on the mirrors....wonder if they are still good?

Sam

 

[porky69]

Your factory mirror antennas were pretty much crap the day they built the truck, so after a decade you can imagine how good they are.

As far as a radio to buy, get one that appeals to you...features and appearance...and then then buy a quality set of antennas and matching coax cable, have it professionally installed and tuned(or if you are technically savy you can find the instructions online and do most of it yourself). You don't have to spend a fortune...just good quality product.

A well matched set of antennas with good coax, properly tuned can make a $50 radio outperform a $500 radio with a $20 antenna setup.

As for specific models it depends on how "into" operating you want to be. Do you want Weather Channels, SSB, frequency meter, etc? Or do do you want to turn it on ch19 and forget it? If I didn't already have a few radios around I would be looking for some of the older Cobra or Unidens and have them professionally tuned and peaked, but there are some solid performers on the new market too.

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Good advice porky69. I used to be really into cb'ing. I have a Cobra radio in my coach. Still running the single mirror mount antenna that came on it. The problem we have is we can't put a good antenna on the roof, too tall. I keep thinking about putting a good pair on, one on each mirror. Just haven't gotten around to it. I worry about how easy it would be to replace the coax. I also have a 250 watt linear sitting on the shelf. Can't seem to find a good place to mount it in my cab. Of course I would never use that on the 11 meter band, hahahahahaha.

 

[samcrimm]

Thanks for the input and I start shopping around for an installer to tune things up. I use to have an swr meter.... mmm wonder what box its in or did I throw it away?
Sam

 

[bushpilot-TC]

I don't really think theres one better than the other (unless you get into some higher power/illegal stuff). cobra or uniden are pretty much the same.

i went w/ a Uniden 980 w/ weather alert (a nice feature), and single side band...and I've NEVER used the SSB - not like i really chat a lot on the thing....i usually thank the trucks for giving me a flash when its safe to move back over (after passing them), or i give them an audible, "you're clear to move back over"....

I replace my factory antennas w/ some (tunable) FireStik ones and they seem fine.


the Uniden 880 & 980 (SS has a built in SWR meter for tuning the antennas, its not perfect but it works and its no less accurate than a separate/stand alone SWR Meter.

Installation is easy, I'm not sure its worth paying anyone & i don't see what value they'd add, considering the factory wiring is fine.

I modified the overhead (cut a hole & added some matching gray carpet).

 

[samcrimm]

HEy Bushpilot, That is a nice set up, but my rear camera is there and I was thinking about mounting it below where your radio is. Maybe santa will be good to me!

Thanks
Sam

 

[bushpilot-TC]

Sam - my camera monitor was in that location too, I moved it (slightly blocking my overhead compartment storage)...the monitor is now held in place by some (dbl sided) 3M body side molding tape...i figured the tape was removable & i could move it (later) if i didn't like it.....its been there for over 3 years now

 

[samcrimm]

YOu have a net and I have doors..... So I have come up with a plan, and I don't really use that space up there either.

 

[bushpilot-TC]

I've seen some coaches w/ the monitor mounted (inside) the door - i guess they travel w/ the door open.

Conversely you could always put it on the OUTSIDE of the (overhead) door I bet the door stays closed more than it stays open.

I've recently been considering moving mine to the drivers overhead corner (just above the door) - such that my co-pilot can keep an eye on it too

Do you have available space on the face of the dash (above the am/fm radio) ?I've seen some "stick it" on the dash where they had open (no gauges or switches) area.

 

[samcrimm]

nope could work up behind the door..... not sure.

Sam

 

[bushpilot-TC]

Sam -

Its kinda hard to see your images (only getting thumbs).
I've seen some use folks use ram mounts (stuck on the dash or windscreen) via suction cups or stick on pads.

Maybe you can mount it (using a Ram Mount) UNDER the CB Radio?

 

[bushpilot-TC]

Hey Sam, maybe this will give you some ideas -