CB radio for truck?

[CamoDup]

so i just got a new rig (06 chevy 2500 duramax) and i have been looking to put in a CB radio.  i dont need anything special just something that will work in the backwoods incase an emergency. i have been looking at the cobras and midlands.  im sure the jeepers will have something to say about this.   any suggestions?   

[Boss .300 winmag]

From what little I know about them it's the antenna and tunning of it that matters the most. I had a Wilson 1000 early 90's, worked really good.

[uplandhunter870]

ive heard good things about the cobras few of my buds have cobras and have only said good things.  sorry i cant help more as when i bought my truck it already had a radio in it ( bought it when the winton mill closed up and had a surplus auction)

[fair-chase]

Boss is right the antenna and tuning are the most critical parts. If you are going to only be using it for emergencies in the back country you should look into getting an amplifier for the antenna and getting the frequencies professionally tuned.

[CamoDup]

ya i have heard good things about the wilson antennas.   

[raekmike]

got me a cheap radio shack 40 channel with a nice firestik antanae...

It works really good within a mile or so.....and yes tuning is a must...

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a Cobra 29 LTD I don't need. I got it last year and took it out of my wrecked truck. $80 and you pay shipping.

[280ackley]

Uniden CB with a MaxRad antenna.

[dscubame]

You may want to PM Whacker1 if he does not respond to this.  He has extensive knowledge and has done much research.  I took his advice and could not be happier.  Extremely inexpensive as well.  You may find the darn antennae is way more than the unit.

[dscubame]

Uniden CB with a MaxRad antenna.

I think this is what Whacker1 set me up with. 

[elkslayer069]

Uniden 520 and a firestick antena. The maxrad antenas sometimes can be a pain because they are harder to tune and sometimes need shorten. With the firesticks you can look on the package and it tells you lenth of coax that that you need, longer the antena the longer the coax.

[huntandjeep]

I got a uniden radio and firestick on my jeep. Im pretty happy with em

[norsepeak]

any radio will work for you, but I'd recommend having it "tuned up"  all of my radios swing at least 12 watts, then tune the antenna perfect and you'll be in good shape.  But if you want to make sure you can get out in an emergency, I'd recommend an amplifier (linear) in the 3-500 watt range.  I have a 380 watt booster in my work truck and I can talk from the top of the hill above my house clear over to I-5 pretty easily. (over 125 miles)  If ya need help getting dialed in call AJ's radio in Yakima, Wa.  He is the man when it comes to radios that get out a long ways.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I had a Midland in my '84 Ranger.  Worked good.  Let it go with the truck.  With cell phones now, it's kinda old school.  Got a pair of FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies for my buddy and I to carry hunting.  I guess CB radios still have a place.  I just never used mine that much.

[Wazukie]

any radio will work for you, but I'd recommend having it "tuned up"  all of my radios swing at least 12 watts, then tune the antenna perfect and you'll be in good shape.  But if you want to make sure you can get out in an emergency, I'd recommend an amplifier (linear) in the 3-500 watt range.  I have a 380 watt booster in my work truck and I can talk from the top of the hill above my house clear over to I-5 pretty easily. (over 125 miles)  If ya need help getting dialed in call AJ's radio in Yakima, Wa.  He is the man when it comes to radios that get out a long ways.

One thing to keep in mind is that any CB that putts out more than 5 watts is not legal to operate in the USA.  Linear amplifiers are also illegal on 11 meters(CB).  If you want something with that kind of power and range I would recommend getting  a HAM license and stay within the law.  ITs easy to get these day's.  Just my 

[norsepeak]

that's true 5 watts is the "legal" limit, but luckily it's not like shooting someone and nobody monitors it or cares.  Just listen to the skip that comes in from Louisiana sometime....guaruntee those guys are not running 5 watts.  Personally I like having the ability to "get out" when I need to, saved me having to walk out 13 miles last season when I had an accident.

[CamoDup]

any radio will work for you, but I'd recommend having it "tuned up"  all of my radios swing at least 12 watts, then tune the antenna perfect and you'll be in good shape.  But if you want to make sure you can get out in an emergency, I'd recommend an amplifier (linear) in the 3-500 watt range.  I have a 380 watt booster in my work truck and I can talk from the top of the hill above my house clear over to I-5 pretty easily. (over 125 miles)  If ya need help getting dialed in call AJ's radio in Yakima, Wa.  He is the man when it comes to radios that get out a long ways.

ya I work with a guy that has told me about AJ's also which is perfect due to the fact that I am from yakima.

[Wazukie]

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

[Boss .300 winmag]

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

Are you refering to the International Space Station (ISS). 

[jeepasaurusrex]

102" Stainless whip and a Uniden 520 Pro. 

[Wazukie]

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

Are you refering to the International Space Station (ISS). 

YUP

[Dirty Mike]

uniden tuned to 15watts no squelch has a dial a watt added, with 140watt amp

[Wazukie]

Amazing how many admit that they break the law willingly 

[280ackley]

Ok a little OT, who do people use around Lewis County.  The two I used to stop by every now and then aren't open anymore.

[alecvg]

I have a question.  I am looking at installing one, with a 4 foot firestick 2.  I want it mounted in my bed by the tool box, but the four foot antenna will be too long in my garage.  I have seen pictures in the past of a antenna mount that folds down, so the guy had it folded down running along the inside of the bed, then when he used it, he just folded it up.  That way I could park in my garage with it.  I have searched the web, and can't find a mount like this for sale, anyone have any suggestions?

[fair-chase]

First, I know that firesticks are flexible but I would not arc one for a prolonged period of time. If you need to do that I would go with a standard antenna without the coating or windings. As far as the mounts go you should be able to find something at your local hardware store. It's just a simple loop with a mounting tab. Just make sure that it has a good rubber coating on it so that it does not interfere with the signal.  

[Lunchbox1981]

I have a question.  I am looking at installing one, with a 4 foot firestick 2.  I want it mounted in my bed by the tool box, but the four foot antenna will be too long in my garage.  I have seen pictures in the past of a antenna mount that folds down, so the guy had it folded down running along the inside of the bed, then when he used it, he just folded it up.  That way I could park in my garage with it.  I have searched the web, and can't find a mount like this for sale, anyone have any suggestions?

I used to have one in one of my old Pickups that was magnetic.  If I remember right it was a 5' whip antennae.  Anytime I needed the extra clearance I would move it so it laid length wise in the bed.  There are several different options you'll just have to look around.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Don't skimp on the cable either. Don't use the cheap Radio shack cable with the molded ends. Also, if mounting to an aluminum tool box in the back of a truck, run a good ground wire from the mount to the frame of the vehicle. 

I want it mounted in my bed by the tool box, but the four foot antenna will be too long in my garage.

Whoa, people actually park in their garage? 


 

[alecvg]

Well, I got a pretty sweet deal today.  Midland CB, 3 foot firestick, and all the wiring for 30 bucks!  So I just put the antenna up front, and ran outta time to finish up the rest, hopefully next week.

[timberghost72]

I have a Uniden Pro 538w with a 5' firestick in the Jeep and a Cobra 25 LTD Classic sitting on my workbench waiting to get installed on the F350.  Had the Cobra installed in another vehicle and it works great.

[timberghost72]

Don't skimp on the cable either. Don't use the cheap Radio shack cable with the molded ends. Also, if mounting to an aluminum tool box in the back of a truck, run a good ground wire from the mount to the frame of the vehicle. 

I want it mounted in my bed by the tool box, but the four foot antenna will be too long in my garage.

Whoa, people actually park in their garage? 


 

Thats good advice. That is probably the biggest issues people have is a bad ground. I've also seen powdercoated or painted antenna mounts. The ground needs to be bare metal.

[alecvg]

Don't skimp on the cable either. Don't use the cheap Radio shack cable with the molded ends. Also, if mounting to an aluminum tool box in the back of a truck, run a good ground wire from the mount to the frame of the vehicle.  

I want it mounted in my bed by the tool box, but the four foot antenna will be too long in my garage.

Whoa, people actually park in their garage?  


 

Thats good advice. That is probably the biggest issues people have is a bad ground. I've also seen powdercoated or painted antenna mounts. The ground needs to be bare metal.

So if I just have it mounted to a bar running on the inside of my engine compartment, where the mount sticks around my hood, is that good enough of a ground? 

[timberghost72]

It's hard to say without seeing it but if the mount is just screwed down to a piece of metal make sure there is no paint between the antenna and where your bar bolts to and all pieces in between. Also if sheet metal screws are used to mount it to the inner fender (happens alot) use a separate ground wire to the block, frame or even to the battery negative side. The screws themselves are not good enough because of rust and corrosion can compromise the connection. If your not sure just add a ground wire. It wont hurt anything.

[Stomper]

I run cobra's in the jeep and the logtruck.Tuning is key.I can get out about 15 miles.Also where you mount the antenna is crucial,high above the cab.The radio waves will bounce off the cab and disrupt your signal.Running logging roads with a loaded truck can be dangerous with out a good working radio.Same with running a pickup on the logging roads.

[L8NITE]

Not sure how much room the Chevy's have but I installed a Cobra 75 WX ST handset Mobile CB Radio in my dodge due to lack of mounting room. The base mounts under dash and is tucked out of the way, and added a Maxrad antennae. Good combo with great range IMO!

[Boss .300 winmag]

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

Are you refering to the International Space Station (ISS). 

YUP

Is that something that alot of people do? And do they welcome your transmissions? Seems like they would have a secure radio/telecomunications network. Wow thats is very interesting.

[Wazukie]

T

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

Are you refering to the International Space Station (ISS). 

YUP

Is that something that alot of people do? And do they welcome your transmissions? Seems like they would have a secure radio/telecomunications network. Wow thats is very interesting.

The ISS has a HAM (Amateur) radio set-up on board.  When the conditions are right, an Amateur Radio operator can make contact with the ISS.  I encountered such conditions early last September while taking a break from the heat during early Muzzy deer.  The contact was very brief, about 30 seconds or so.  Just enough time to exchange call signs.

[C-Money]

Back in high school, I used a Cobra and a pre tuned magnetic antenna. It worked fine, I could talk from Warden to Moses lake.

[Boss .300 winmag]

T

you can talk around the world on less then 5 watts.  I talked to the ISS with 1/4 watt FM this last summer.

Are you refering to the International Space Station (ISS). 

YUP

Is that something that alot of people do? And do they welcome your transmissions? Seems like they would have a secure radio/telecomunications network. Wow thats is very interesting.

The ISS has a HAM (Amateur) radio set-up on board.  When the conditions are right, an Amateur Radio operator can make contact with the ISS.  I encountered such conditions early last September while taking a break from the heat during early Muzzy deer.  The contact was very brief, about 30 seconds or so.  Just enough time to exchange call signs.

Learn something way cool every day we do. Way cool.