Community Forums

tmar10 · 02-10-2008, 04:59 AM

We are looking at the Cobra 75 WX ST Compact/Remote Mount CB Radio for our 07 Bounder. The antenna and prewiring were installed at the Fleetwood factory. Any comments or issues I must be aware of prior to purchase and installation of this unit?
Thanks,
Thomas

tmar10 · 02-10-2008, 04:59 AM

We are looking at the Cobra 75 WX ST Compact/Remote Mount CB Radio for our 07 Bounder. The antenna and prewiring were installed at the Fleetwood factory. Any comments or issues I must be aware of prior to purchase and installation of this unit?
Thanks,
Thomas

Route 66 · 02-10-2008, 05:49 AM

I'm quite satisfied with mine, but opinions seem to be split 50/50 on this unit.

Perhaps it's not the "best" performing unit out there, but it does everything I want it to do at a reasonable price.

Transmission and receive range is more than adequate for my needs, and the weather radio function works well.

Tom N · 02-10-2008, 05:59 AM

I have a Cobra 75 and it works well.

I use and recommend an external speaker rather than the small internal speaker in the mike.

-Tom

Vette Racer · 02-10-2008, 06:46 AM

Even though Fleetwood installed the antenna I'd at least find someone with an SWR meter and check it before trying to transmit, just to play safe.

Route 66 · 02-10-2008, 07:12 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Even though Fleetwood installed the antenna I'd at least find someone with an SWR meter and check it before trying to transmit, just to play safe. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good point.

My Newmar installed antenna needed tuning after I installed the CB.

Frankie · 02-10-2008, 07:50 AM

I have one and it does what I need it to.It has enough range for me to talk to other rv's traveling with me and for weather reports.I like the small size,main box hides under dash.

tmar10 · 02-10-2008, 10:20 AM

We are leaning heavily toward the Cobra and will have someone check out the antenna before we hit the road. I thought I saw a Midland unit on ebay with similar features...any need for comparison?

I am clueless about the reliability of current offerings in the CB market. The last time I had a CB was in the 70's next to my 8-track player.

TXiceman · 02-10-2008, 01:01 PM

I have never been a big fan of the CB's with the controls and speaker all mounted in the mic. I had found that the mic cord tended to be a problem, the mic was heavy and cumbersome and they are harder to get worked on than the standard units.

For the money go with a standard under dash unit. The ones with the weather channels are nice.

Ken

John66 · 02-10-2008, 06:26 PM

I've got one and it works fine. I particularly like the scanner built in; not much on CB these days except in the big cities, so scanning finds things going on on any channel.

For sure, get yourself an external antenna. The built in one is ok for the person using it, as long as they are holding it up near their ear, but not very good for anyone else, or if the mike unit is set down.

If you really want the best CB, starting with a fiberglass RV is not your best choice (metal vehicles work with the antenna better). In most RV's the Cobra should be adequate for casual use.

GaryKD · 02-11-2008, 04:14 AM

I purchased the Cobra as an aftermarket purchase. It works as well or better than any other CB. The radio is a commodity. It is the antenna system (antenna, spring, mount and wire) that makes all the difference. Like posted earlier, have the completed installation checked (SWR) before using.

John66 · 02-13-2008, 06:48 PM

Sorry, get an external *speaker* for the cobra.

Route 66 · 02-14-2008, 03:28 AM

It's my understanding that tuning the antenna only affects transmission, and just about any antenna will receive fairly well.

John66 · 02-15-2008, 02:29 PM

Tuning the antenna for transmission will not only provide the best transmission, but more importantly will prevent damage to the transmitter from a serious mismatch.

There is no chance for damage from an untuned antenna during reception, but the 'better' the antenna, the better the reception.

So, sure, 'any' antenna will work for reception, but some won't work very well.