CB install, anyone have it yet?

FL335i · July 25, 2015

Looking for ideas on radio options in the new cabs. And regarding the antenna, I'm either looking at a fender NMO mount with something that is about 2'-3' tall, a roof mount mag mount which would be the LiL Wilson which is 3'. I drive a lot for work, so having a CB in the truck on the highway driving wouldn't be a bad idea. I used to have one like 7yrs ago in my F250 and used it quite a bit.

kevin_nj · July 25, 2015

I used a mirror mount attached to my back rack for antenna. I built a rack that sits in front of center jump seat to mount aux light switch box, plow controller, cell phone, and CB.

FL335i · July 26, 2015

I have the center console with front buckets. Not a whole lot of room for a cb or radio of any kind.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · July 26, 2015

When I had my '98 I just bought a mirror mount from a truck stop and mounted it to the side of my toolbox. I basically sandwiched the side between the 2 sides of the mount. At one time I had a long 102" antenna and in case I had to tether it down I made something where I can clip onto the end of the antenna to a tether that was "mounted" to one of the hood latch bolts.

As far as the CB mount, I just mounted it to the bottom of the dash. If you're worried about room, they make small CBs so you don't need a regular size CB. Could even get a handheld and hook the external antenna to that.

FL335i · July 26, 2015

After looking around.... I think I'm going to take the OEM FM antenna and lay it down inside the RF fender like some on here have done. And then somehow mount a 3'-4' lightweight fiberglass antenna there. Firestik has a 3' lightweight. Wilson only has the 4' lightweight. I think I'm going to do a 3' blk lightweight firestik in the OEM FM location. Not planning on running a spring. Firestik does make a quick connect which might be useful. They are about 2.5" tall and it's a push and turn deal. Leave the antenna under the back seats in the storage bin, and then when I want throw it up in a seconds. Then if I need to down the road, I can easily put everything back to stock.

Radio. Ok, I see three options here. 1- Remove the front pocket inside the console and mount a full size radio there facing upward. Kind of a paint location. 2- Run a Cobra 75 all in one handheld. That way I can leave it in the console when not in use, and when needed, run the mic cord through one of the console through notches. Granted the 75x is small, maybe the speaker might not be loud enough... but I could always run a 3.5mm aux input cord from the cb radio into the trucks Aux jack which is in the console. Can't beat that speaker for a CB! 3- If I could get a small CB radio, I could fabricate a Valentine 1 windshield suction cup mount. Run it on the passenger side. Again, easily remove and store it in the console or under the back seats, or remove completely from truck. Just have the coax and power wire near the rear-view mirror.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · July 26, 2015

I've ran a spring on the antenna ever since I almost broke an antenna on a low branch. Plus the spring gives it just that much more height. I don't like quick disconnects on a CB antenna because it makes it that much easier for someone to steal it and plus I think about weathering with the antenna off.

LSR Mike · July 27, 2015

I use a cigarette lighter adapter (Power Port) to power the CB (cobra front speaker) and drop it in the well in front of the cup holder, I have a sock hat in the bottom to coushion it. I run the Mag Mount Little Will out the rear door and coil the excess under the rear seat. It's a temporry setup so I can switch it to rental cars when the boss decides I'm making too much on the personal car mileage.

FL335i · July 28, 2015

I'm looking for a cleann permanent install. Flying J has the 29 LX on sale for 109 and then a $20 mail in rebate. $89. hard to beat that deal. I'm set on the 3' firefly in the factory FM spot. Just not 100% sure where the radio will end up.

mike5511 · September 9, 2015

So how did this turn out? Any antenna under 4' is not going to perform very well.

FL335i · October 9, 2015

Well the Mount and everything is awesome. And a it's a 3' FYI. Range is pretty darn good. I still need to tinker with the SWR's. Can't even tell the truck is equipped for a CB. I need to take pics one weekend.

SILVER SLED · October 9, 2015

Subscribed. I'm heading to Canada next summer. Two vehicles going and I doubt there is much cell phone svc hundreds of miles north of Lake Superior. I'm thinking a cb is a good idea but as of this instant have no idea what's out there. I'm gonna start lookin now. Lol.

JRL1164 · October 9, 2015

I installed one a few months ago I will try and post pics tomorrow weather permitting.

mike5511 · October 11, 2015

Pics would be great.....looking forward to seeing them.

MikeNH · October 11, 2015

Subscribed. I'm heading to Canada next summer. Two vehicles going and I doubt there is much cell phone svc hundreds of miles north of Lake Superior. I'm thinking a cb is a good idea but as of this instant have no idea what's out there. I'm gonna start lookin now. Lol.

For a one time thing I'd just buy a quality pair of FRS radios.

SILVER SLED · October 11, 2015

For a one time thing I'd just buy a quality pair of FRS radios.

I've thought about that too. I've never really had good luck with those. We used to use them in the boat while at cottage. I may get a more "expensive" set, but cb's aren't too expensive either. Still deciding.