CB Question

[GreyWolf]

I hear it is recommended to have a CB before heading out on the trails. No problem there, I think its a great idea. My question is what kind of CB? Will a $40.00 CB work as well as $200.00 CB? My other delema is mounting inside the jeep. My 2011 Rubicon does not have much room for a CB except on top of the dash. The CB will need to be less than 9" long. Then comes the question of where to mount the antenna? Any recommendations?

 

[cj777]

Just about any CB will do on the trail, as most often you will not be very far from the people you are talking to. As for fitting a CB in a Wrangler, I use a Cobra 75 WX ST in my TJ. The great thing about it is all of the controls are contained in the handset so it has a tiny footprint and can be easily removed when not in use. http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cobra-cb-radios-66/cobra-75-wx-st-compact-cb-radio-204.html

 

[burrellsjeep]

Here is the CB I use

http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/1001LWX

I have had a few different ones and this one seems to do the best and its a nice compact unit, plus it has a weather band for checking on incoming storms when camping. You can pick one up online pretty cheap, i got mine at the local truck stop for $30.

Here is how I mounted the antenna



You can pick up the cable, mount and I would get a spring for the mount since its going to rock back and forth allot, at your local truck stop, most carry a good bit of cb stock.

Or This mount is nice if you don't wanna drill a hole in the tube.

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/jeep-offroad-cb-radio-106/teraflex-cb-antenna-mount-506.html

Nice Antenna, I run a 5 foot one

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/firestik-cb-antenna-110/firestik-fs-cb-antenna-214.html

Just get the installation tuned it will make it much clearer on the trail, it pretty simple to do with a meter.

This is a nice way to mount the CB in the cab as well

http://orc.off-road.com/jeep/news/tj-wrangler-dash-mount-cb-bracket-33667.html

Good luck with it.

 

[J.C.]

I like something like this for trail use, solves a lot of mounting issues. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317525_200317525 They work good for my application of talking to those in my group while trail riding. You can use batteries or plug it into your cig lighter. Also available at Flying J/Pilot truck stops.

 

[WeRideNTruX]

cobra 19. small all you need for the trail and usually cost $30 at wal-mart

 

[Tech11]

http://www.jeepoutfitter.com/cb-radio-c-228/complete-cb-kit-for-jeep-jk-2007-present-p-1165

There's a kit with everything you need for a JK. I bought a similar mount for my LJ.

 

[Yellow]

I like something like this for trail use, solves a lot of mounting issues. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317525_200317525 They work good for my application of talking to those in my group while trail riding. You can use batteries or plug it into your cig lighter. Also available at Flying J/Pilot truck stops.

What type of range have you seen on with this? I am wondering for my tow rig, but not wanting to go through the hassle of a permanent installation. I am not expecting to talk with truckers in the next county for traffic updates. My buddies I wheel with generally drive their rigs to the trial so they have their cbs handy.
It would be nice to know who needs to stop, being able to notify others that I got lost and we need to turn around, etc.
Thanks in advance.

 

[J.C.]

Can't really say on range. I ride with a group of 8-18 rigs and it's worked fine for that and general highway information. I've had two and am getting ready to buy another.

 

[Granny]

Over the years I have come to one conclusion on this subject:

> a $400 CB hooked to a cheap antenna is usually about worthless

> but... a cheap CB hooked to a good antenna will let you talk

> ...and you do need to tune the antenna to the radio (SWR)

 

[rodney eppes]

I would agree with Granny, & a 5', makes a big difference over a 4'. Bigger is better, untill it slaps you in the face. As for handheld, guess JCs had good luck. Its the "antena" thing. I'v seen several that would talk past 50', in a straight line.

 

[GreyWolf]

Thanks for all the input

I ordered the Cobra 75 WX ST. Should arrive tomorrow. Will pick up a wilson antenna and coaxal from my local truck stop. Hopefully get everything installed after work on Saturday then see how it works on Sunday at the Flats.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[discjoki]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but your antenna MUST be GROUNDED. Keep the antenna mounting point clean and rust free, and you'll be putting out a good quality signal that sounds good (when you have to yell "help! I'm stuck!) LOL. I recommend a cobra 19 and double sided velcro for mounting the radio. Or just slip it between the seat and console next to your seatbelt buckle. Use an 18 foot long co-axial cable to go from the radio to the antenna. CB's are all designed with that length co-ax in mind. I recommend a Wilson antenna (preferably not magnet mount as it is hard to get a good ground) Any questions just ask. I have cb's in everything I drive, and one in the house too. On a clear night, I can talk from SC to Chicago.