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Rvlegaleagle · 01-01-2018, 11:48 AM

A newbie question which I hope I can get some advice on from fellow RV CB users.

Here is the deal. Am ordering a new Class A Newmar Bay Star 3401. I am lucky to have been able to get them to install during the build a “CB antenna lead to the front corner of the Driver side with prep plate for access”. I presume the other end will be under the dash?

I plan on installing the CB itself under the dash under the heat-ac controls and on top of that part of the carpeted dog house. (The std two cup platform on top of the dog house will be omitted for room to install CB.)

I will ask for the exact dimensions of that space under heat/ac controls but a good guess would be approximately 4 to 6 inches. See pic of area here https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...3401-122712822 or here with the 2 cup holders which are being omitted https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/201...401-5000055105

Although quite confusing for me, I have read that you would want a side band capable unit. What other CB features are a must have or to watch out for? Does anyone have any suggestions for a particular model for this type of RV install? How about what type and brand antenna to have mounted to the Driver side corner of the RV?

Thanks in advance for any comments, experiences and thoughts.

Happy New Year

cruzbill · 01-01-2018, 11:59 AM

Call these guys about which antenna to use:

Firestik Antenna Company Home Page

Find a local CB shop would be another way, but I'm sure they are scarce as hen's teeth now.

Ask Firestick about Single Side Band, too.

Apart from Firestick, there still are some CB shops , just google.

Rvlegaleagle · 01-01-2018, 03:09 PM

WOW...thanks for that link just spent 2 1/2 hours reading all the information!

John Hilley · 01-01-2018, 04:06 PM

CB Radios are rarely used now, mostly just for caravans. You should be able to leave the cup holder and mount under the dash or even in that pocket above the cup holder. I doubt you really need a single side band radio. What are you planning on using it for?

Rvlegaleagle · 01-01-2018, 04:21 PM

Had one in college in the late 70s to drive back and forth to St. John's University from out east on Long Island.

It occupied time, was fun to use and really helped on reliable traffic information without using present day "data" or "smart" phone. It was also available for local information and emergencies but I am not sure the Police still monitor it these days. (Channel 9).

Not really sure exactly what "side band" is but had read it is a decent option to get.

Just another reliable form of communication and after you purchase and install it it is forever free to use

The caravan concept is also applicable as I do plan on a few Mexico trips. The Keep your Day Dream youtube channel went to Mexico in January 2017 for 3 months and had a blast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f6IXBqBKwM

Dav L · 01-01-2018, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley

CB Radios are rarely used now, mostly just for caravans.

I haven't used a CB in many years, but was considering putting my old K40 into the MountainAire as part of it's electronics package. I did see a CB antenna cable under the dash. Found a manual for a handheld Cobra CB that I think the RV was originally equipped with.

So...since I haven't been on-air in a long time...no one uses CB anymore? No truckers?

saddlesore · 01-01-2018, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

I haven't used a CB in many years, but was considering putting my old K40 into the MountainAire as part of it's electronics package. I did see a CB antenna cable under the dash. Found a manual for a handheld Cobra CB that I think the RV was originally equipped with.

So...since I haven't been on-air in a long time...no one uses CB anymore? No truckers?

Retired "trucker" (gawd I hate that term)
Run a Galaxy DX-959 that has been "peaked and tweeked" hooked to a single Fire Stick..(also have a 250/500/750 watt "foot warmer" if needed, all echo's/talk back and toys disconnected.
"Roger beep" on side band only

I did "super load" oversize for the Aircraft & Aerospace industries.so had to have "over the top" radio comms with private/LEO/Military escorts.
Old habits....

Hgrace56 · 01-04-2018, 04:52 PM

I'd really recommend a speaker remoted close yo your head

saddlesore · 01-04-2018, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hgrace56

I'd really recommend a speaker remoted close yo your head

Yup have a small one far left(ish) on the dash)

Airstreamer6 · 01-13-2018, 03:13 PM

Lots of truckers still have CBs in the cab. Just take a look at all the antennas attached to external mirrors out there.

However, truckers don't use them much for idle chats like they did in the 60s - 90s CB craze. There's too much other stuff in the cab that wasn't available back then, such as cell phones, satellite radios, computers, qualcomm, etc.

But, when there are accidents, construction bottlenecks or weather problems on the road, often a lot of information is traded among truckers with CBs on Channel 19. Sometimes, a CB is the best and only way to get such immediate-area information from truck-to-truck. I've been saved several times by CB early warnings on Channel 19 that allowed me to take alternate routes to keep from having to sit in long traffic lines or to know which lane to get in to get through the mess. Even stuck in a long traffic line, it's often a comfort just knowing what the hold-up is.

As far as sideband radios, those aren't useful for the local-area warnings and such. They are mostly for longer-range chats between radios so equipped. Cell phones do a much better job at long-range communications than sidebands. Usually those with sidebands use them because they like contacting and chatting with other radio-heads over a distance rather than using them for on-road problems nearby.

Rvlegaleagle · 01-14-2018, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the replies

"As far as sideband radios, those aren't useful for the local-area warnings and such. They are mostly for longer-range chats between radios so equipped. Cell phones do a much better job at long-range communications than sidebands. Usually those with sidebands use them because they like contacting and chatting with other radio-heads over a distance rather than using them for on-road problems nearby."

I read that a sideband was built into some 40 channel CB's and it just covered a longer distance, not really sure exactly what it is....lol...but I am with you for using the CB exactly as you stated