XM Radio and CB?

[Born2RV]

After driving through the night on our way to and from Myrtle Beach last week, we realized one VERY important thing - we need XM radio and a CB!

Our Fleetwood Providence apparently had a CB wired in and the hookup is still accessible, but where would we go to have the XM wired in? Camping World? I want someone who is familiar with all the delicate wiring of a motorhome to do it. Can we purchase a CB and XM radio online to save money? What should we look for? What type of antenna will we need for the XM? I currently subscribe to XM in my car and LOVE it, so addiing a second radio to our account won't cost much. Do you think we'll get good XM reception when going through the mountains of West Virginia or Tennessee?

Thank you for your input!

[Izzyblueye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Born2RV After driving through the night on our way to and from Myrtle Beach last week, we realized one VERY important thing - we need XM radio and a CB! Our Fleetwood Providence apparently had a CB wired in and the hookup is still accessible, but where would we go to have the XM wired in? Camping World? I want someone who is familiar with all the delicate wiring of a motorhome to do it. Can we purchase a CB and XM radio online to save money? What should we look for? What type of antenna will we need for the XM? I currently subscribe to XM in my car and LOVE it, so addiing a second radio to our account won't cost much. Do you think we'll get good XM reception when going through the mountains of West Virginia or Tennessee? Thank you for your input!

There are many places you can get XM installed, Best Buy is one. Will you loose a signal in the mountains of Tennessee? I have it in both my motor home and car and travel those mountains frequently, I have never had a problem for more than a second or two, and that rarely happens. There is nothing special about the wiring of a motor home that should cause any problems putting in XM. The antenna is just a little pod type thing they will mount on your roof or any where you want it.

[Born2RV]

Thank you! Is there a place online that sells the "split screen" type that has the radio, xm, back up camera and gps - all in one? You can either view just one item on the screen, or cause it to "split" and few all at once? I've seen them in newer rv's and wondered if they can be added?

[Izzyblueye]

I honestly do not know. Again any good dealer or even an e-mail to XM will probably get you the information you want. Radio Shack would be another source.

[GaryKD]

Hi Born2RV,
If you want to keep this simple and do just the CB and XM, that is a DIY job. I've put many CBs and XM radios in coaches.

For the CB:
1. Buy any radio that meets your needs for features and size. I use the All In One. You can read about it at RVUpgradeStore - All-in-Handset Mobile CB Radio The radio is a commodity.

2. Consider a no ground plane antenna system. The antenna system is what really make the CB a great thing or a frustrating thing to have. Go to CATALOG Main Page (Frame Setup) to see the no ground plane antenna kits. Remember to order a spring and mount.

When installing the antenna wire, do not coil extra wire. Lay it out flat in an area hidden from view.

Once complete, you will need to tune the antenna with an SWR meter. Firestik antennas are very easy to tune. They have a tuning screw in the top of the antenna.

For the XM radio:
1. The choice is yours as to which to buy. Some are stand alone. Some can be transfered from vehicle to vehicle. Some are integrated into a regular radio and GPS system, etc.

2. I have mounted the antenna inside the coach, in a variety of location without success. Mounting the antenna on the roof can be done two different ways.
2a. Remove a running light and run the antenna wire to the interior of the coach via the existing running light hole. I have had short term success (< 3 years). The antenna wire seems to wear at the point of entry.
2b. I have never had any complaints when I drill a hole, in the front cap, and run the wire into the coach via that hole. Fill the hole with the epoxy/glue/cement of your choice. I use GOOP. I also use GOOP to glue the antenna to the coach.
3. Once the wire is inside the coach, run the wire down the drivers front pillar. You'll need to remove the trim and run the wire behind the trim. Then it is down to inside the dash and connect to the radio.

[Born2RV]

Thank you, Gary! Again you come to our aid! I like the CB you've selected. I didn't even know that type was available!

As far as the XM goes, I think we'd like to remove the existing radio/CD/cassette model and install an in-the-dash radio/CD/XM version. Will Best Buy know what type of face plate and install kit we'll need?

Thanks again!

[TXiceman]

I don't want to go against Gary on the CB, but I have never been a fan of the all controls in the handset. It for one thing makes the handset big and bulky plus you wind up with a poorer quality speaker and microphone. Also the cord is larger and less easy to handle.

You are generally much better off getting the basic under the dash unit and adding a small external communications speaker. For a motorhome, the beast way to go is the Firestix NGP. Mounting it inside really knocks the signal down for both receive and transmit. Use a side mount, seal it well and get 1/2 of the antenna above the top of the motor home. You are only working with 5 watts of output power in the 11M band. This is basically line of site operation unless you get the right atmospheric conditions and with "skip" you can talk much farther.

So being pretty much line of sight, on the antenna, height is might.

Ken

[wa8yxm]

Can your purchase a CB and an XM online Crutchfield: LCD TV, Car Stereo, Home Theater, Speakers, Plasma TV has one of the best automotive radio catalogs out there.

Can you get one that has both in one box: Not that I know of

[GaryKD]

Hi Born2RV,
No dealer will know the face plate you'll need for your coach. Coach radio openings are quite unique. My radio, XM and GPS combo unit was smaller than the opening. I securely mounted the radio (first priority). Next I got some foam packing material. Cut it to size, painted it black and installed it in the space left by the radio. Nobody, including me ever notices it. When on, the GPS flip screen hides the painted foam material.

To add to what TXiceman posted. I did install an external speaker. The speaker has a plug for a headset. I use the headset when listening to the CB. Only I need to hear what is being said. Go to:
CB Antenna - 3' Firestick No Ground Plane Needed - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the antenna

Cobra_75_WX_ST_CB_Radio - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the All-In-One radio

CB Radio External Speaker With Ear Bud Jack - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the external speaker

CB Radio Head Set - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see the headset. Notice the headset is only for one ear. One must always be able to hear what the wife has to say.

[Born2RV]

Thank you! It looks like we have a lot to consider. I've printed up the advice from all of you to aid me in my search.