To CB or not to CB?

[ForsythTwo]

After one year of RV adventures and travels, we are thinking of adding a CB radio to our coach. Any ideas? I have looked at this model "
Cobra Compact CB Radio (19DXIV)

But do not know one way or another what I need. What about installation? Long whip, short whip, mounted to side mirrors, mounted to roof....so many questions.

[bluepill]

Check model reviews on Amazon. I forget which model mine is, but it was well-reviewed and I have been happy with it.

I bought a regular magnetic base whip. Since my RV has fiberglass walls and roof, I can keep the antenna inside and still get decent reception.

[Lt Dan]

I have used this Cobra model in two different motor homes and have the same model in my Jeep. Our traveling buddies also have the same model in both their motor home and Jeep. I like it because everything is in the handset and the under dash unit isn't much bigger than two packs of cigarettes. It works great with good transmission and reception. For installation, I used a 3' fiberglass whip mounted to the side above the drivers' window. Keep in mind you MUST use a NGP (No Ground Plane) antenna because these fiberglass boxes don't have enough metal in them to create a ground plane.

[vsheetz]

I am not a fan of NGP antennas. You can use a magnetic mount antenna. To create enough if a ground plane, affix a square of sheet metal a couple feet square to the roof with screws or VHB tape. Winegard makes nice cable entry plates. The Cobra all-in-one radio works well. I have one in the motorhome. Uniden makes nice low cost compact radios. I have, I think, a 520 XL in my Jeep. It has a noise cancelling switch / feature that works well to counter ignition or other such noise. Also an RF gain control for when the other radio is close to you.

[ForsythTwo]

The bottom line is that a CB radio is a useful and practical device to add to the motor-home experience, and that most models perform much as advertised. Thanks one and all for the guidance.

[jfran304]

I have a Midland handheld portable that you can attach to the coach antennae if you want and it plugs into a 12 volt receptacle or uses it's own batteries. Easy to switch from one vehicle to another or take on hikes and stores out of the way when not being used.

https://midlandusa.com/product/75-822cb-radio/

[TonyDi]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I have used this Cobra model in two different motor homes and have the same model in my Jeep. Our traveling buddies also have the same model in both their motor home and Jeep. I like it because everything is in the handset and the under dash unit isn't much bigger than two packs of cigarettes. It works great with good transmission and reception. For installation, I used a 3' fiberglass whip mounted to the side above the drivers' window. Keep in mind you MUST use a NGP (No Ground Plane) antenna because these fiberglass boxes don't have enough metal in them to create a ground plane.

I have the same one and it also works well, when I decide to use it.

[petrel]

Cobra is a good brand. They've been around for a long time. My motorhome happened to be equipped with a Cobra CB, but I seldom use it.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by ForsythTwo

The bottom line is that a CB radio is a useful and practical device to add to the motor-home experience, and that most models perform much as advertised. Thanks one and all for the guidance.

I have a handheld. Haven't used it in probably 8+ years.
IMO I think they are a tool of the past. Distance is just so impractical. Unless you have a high end unit with a couple of feet of ground plane antenna you are limited realistically to a mile or 2.
Curious how others use it and find it practical.

[pcurt23]

I have hand held units and try them occasionally. They are pretty much useless.

[wa8yxm]

That model would not be my first choice for the RV, but might for a towed car (And I do suggest you CB both. more later)

I have a top end Cobra in the RV.. I also have a vintage Realistic (Radio Shack house brand back in the 70s).

I do not often hear anything on either any more but from time to time I've been very glad I had 'em.. Like a few years ago as I'm approaching Exit 76 S/B I-75 and the neighborhood truck stop (Same exit turn right) is telling all the listening drivers about a pair of FATAL accidents 3 miles beyond the exit... I took the exit, Got to the top of the ramp just as police closed the entrance ramp opposite.. I enjoyed a nice peaceful evening. A good night's sleep and a freeway running clear in the AM.. The poor guy behind me an hours long traffic jam while police investigated and cleared the accidents. That alone .... Paid for the radio .


Antennas: Unlike some I have nothing against NGP antennas, I often build my own antennas for several of my radios and thus understand how NGP antennas work. They work just fine.

The longer the antenna (No matter if NGP or Ground Plane Required) the better up to about 9 Feet for GPR or 18 Feet for NGP (Not practical since you can't mount an antenna that long on a vehicle)

NGP antennas are simply electrically 1/2 wavelength (about 18 feet)

Mine is mounted as follows

ON the "A" pillar, using 1/2 of a Road Pro Mirror mount, this mount is designed to mount on a West Coast type mirror, I used only the antenna bracket side, The coax goes around into the "V" shaped channel and under that is the hole where it enters the "A" pillar down inside to under the dash and to the radio.

I filled the "V" with GOOP so it is a good, tight, weatherproof seal.

The top of the antenna, like the top of the motor home is at 12'6" with no load in the RV.. This makes it a bridge stick as well as an antenna.

In the old days (Including the story above) the antenna was 'Mounted' behind the sofa in the slide out.. Still worked well enough.


The 2nd radio has an 18" mag mount stuck to a tool box in the basement, it is on 13, if you see me I can likely hear you but I'll answer with the Cobra.