Power to CB

Jack R · 02-06-2010, 01:06 PM

Just bought a 2006 phaeton. Pick it up 2-12-10 It has a CB antenna and coax. Have two questions.

1) Does the stock antenna work good or should I put another one on?

2) What/Where can you connect the CB power wire to?

GaryKD · 02-06-2010, 01:24 PM

Hi Jack R,
Call Tiffin and determine what kind of antenna they put on the coach. It will be either a ground plane or no ground plane antenna and wire (they must be matched to each other). If it is a ground plane antenna and wire, go ahead an try it, it may work well and it may not. I all depends on the ground plane used by the manufacturer.

I install top loaded no ground plane antenna and wire for myself and others who need assistance. The kit can be purchased from Firestik at Firestik Antenna Company Home Page . You will need to determine how long of an antenna you want. I recommend a side mounted (over the driver's window and a 3' or 4' top loaded antenna. You will need a mount and spring. The heavy duty spring for the 4' antenna works well. A minimum of 2/3 of the antenna needs to be above the roof line.

No matter if you use the stock or your own installation, you'll need to tune the radio to the antenna. One does this with an SWR meter.

As to where does the power come from, first decide if you want the coach or chassis batteries to power the radio. Then tun off the coach or chassis power (depending on which will not be used). Somewhere under the dash will be a 12 VDC wire with power you can tap into. Don't forget, you'll need a good ground.

Go to CB Antenna - 3' Firestick No Ground Plane Needed - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see my antenna and side mount. The picture is with a 3' antenna. I have since gone to a 4' antenna.

CB radios are a commodity. It's the antenna, wire and where you put them that decides how well the CB will work with your coach.

BRay · 02-06-2010, 07:05 PM

I have an 06 Allegro Open Road that I ordered with Tiffin's CB Antenna. It works as good as any I used on long haul trucks.

BobGed · 02-06-2010, 11:01 PM

I replaced my stock antenna with this one
Astatic AST-24 24-Inch Tuneable CB Antenna
I then purchased a SWR meter on eBay like this one http://tinyurl.com/SWR-cb-meter

You should have a fused connection marked CB on the 12V panel in the bay in front of the DS wheel.
I used a length of vinyl coated wire with the end crimped that I fished from the DS compartment up to the driver's side console. Took a couple of tries, but wasn't difficult.

Once installed and tuned, I noticed a big improvement in reception.