Community Forums

dezldog1 · 02-13-2011, 04:39 PM

Hi Everyone,
My DH an I are thinking about installing a CB radio in our TV. Was wondering how many of you may have one. What brand you have and if you think it is worth having ??
Appreciate any info on this

Thnx

Jo

bluepill · 02-13-2011, 04:50 PM

A good source for reviews is Amazon.com

Tha_Rooster · 02-13-2011, 05:05 PM

Have a cobra don't use it unless there is a traffic jam you can here all about what trucker can see sometimes x rated.

rewaters49 · 02-13-2011, 05:15 PM

We had a CB in our truck but when we sold the truck we let the radio go with it. Once in a very great while it we would turn it on to find out why we were stuck in traffic on the interstate. Mostly by the time you're stuck, though, it's too late to do anything about it. Before everybody had cellphones I think it would have been a good idea for emergency communications, but now I'd just pick up the phone. That's just me and my FREE opinion. Remember, you get what you pay for.

akadeadeye · 02-13-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Have a cobra don't use it unless there is a traffic jam you can here all about what trucker can see sometimes x rated.

We have a Cobra. Very reliable. We don't use it much but the times we have has been worth it by listening to truckers report traffic problems, some of which saved us hours.

It was also very handy one time in a weather situation by knowing what was in front of us.

We also use it when "caravaning" with friends. I use the CB and my wife uses a Motorola walkie talkie. Between the two, we have way too many bases covered.

I am glad we spent the $70. The antenna was already there.

Don

rewaters49 · 02-13-2011, 05:19 PM

I just re-read your original post for the fourth time and realized/assumed you meant you're considering installing a CB in your RV, not your TV (nudge, nudge)...

GaryKD · 02-13-2011, 05:23 PM

Hi dezldog1,
Welcome to iRV2. I installed a CB in my coach. CB radio technology is a commodity. Purchase the radio that fits your needs. All of them work. The antenna is another story. The antenna, wire and mount make or break the installation. Consider buying the antenna and wire as a kit. This way they are matched to each other. The brand I recommend is Firestik. Go to Firestik Antenna Company Home Page and see what they have to offer. Consider a no ground plane antenna system. This is because RVs do not have metal roofs to form a ground plane for the radio signal. Once installed, you will need to have a SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) check done and the antenna adjusted to maximize performance. 2/3 of the antenna should be above the top of the coach. Consider a top loaded no ground plane antenna. To see my no ground plane CB radio installation go to:
CB Antenna - 3' Firestick No Ground Plane Needed - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the 3' antenna and mount.
Cobra_75_WX_ST_CB_Radio - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the Cobra All In One Radio
CB Radio External Speaker With Ear Bud Jack - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the Cobra CB radio external speaker with headphone jack.
CB Radio Head Set - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the headset I wear when the CB is on. This allows only me to hear what is said on the CB. This is for the left ear only. The right ear must always be tuned to the navigator.

TXiceman · 02-13-2011, 05:55 PM

Get a basic radio from Midland or Cobra. Don't bother with the all in the mic units. The mics are heavy, and you wind up with a mediocre mic and a poor speaker. A base model with an external speaker is the way to go.

For an antenna, get a Firestix, NGP (no ground Plane). A 3' long one with at last 1/2 of the antenna above the roof of the motorhome.

I carry a CB in the truck, wrapped in a towel and stuffed under the back seat. I use a magnetic mount antenna and plug it into the power port. It has not been used for over 3 years and I have not missed it.

Around cities especially, the language is pretty bad. On the open road it is not quiet as bad.

Ken

dezldog1 · 02-13-2011, 06:24 PM

Oh boy
I think I may have messed up with the install in" tv " I meant this this as" tow vehicle". Want to install in 2010 Dodge Ram.
So sorry for the confusion :-(

Jo

Irover · 02-13-2011, 06:40 PM

Now you want a ground plane antenna and i would still go with Firestick. I have a Cobra 25 with the weather radio bands which I use more than the CB radio. A lot of the Truck stops put them on sale quite often. Make sure you have the antennas SWR checked. Irover

majfrizz · 02-13-2011, 06:42 PM

i have a COBRA 18 WX ST II CB. what i really like about it, it has the speaker mounted facing the front. you hear the sound pretty good. it also has weather band. it has saved me some time vs being stuck in traffic. i mounted the 4 foot firestik on the roof of the MH. works great. i did try the model with everything in the microphone, did not like it. i paid about $70 for the CB new.

Wizard · 02-13-2011, 06:48 PM

I think most of us know what you meant.

CB's are handy to have sometimes as stated, for traffic problems and when traveling with friends. Other times I never turn mine on except just to break the drive.

They are not something you would want to depend on in an emergency but could be useful sometimes.

rewaters49 · 02-13-2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezldog1

Oh boy
I think I may have messed up with the install in" tv " I meant this this as" tow vehicle". Want to install in 2010 Dodge Ram.
So sorry for the confusion :-(

Jo

Jo - my bad. I'm the one who caused the confusion, not you. Sorry about that. I assumed you had made a typo. Next time I'll try thinking before typing. Or assuming.

Papa_Jim · 02-13-2011, 08:29 PM

When we bought our coach three years ago, it came with a Cobra CB, working well. When we renovated the coach, we were going to remove it, and just didn't bother. I tested it a few months ago, and it's still working well.

Never used it, don't think we ever will use it, decided to leave it just in case it helps out in some kind of unforeseen emergency situation.

I think today's information technology has moved ahead of and in different directions from this old CB technology.