Which CB Radio/Antenna Setup?

[Craig P.]

I'd like to install a CB radio in my coach. I prefer something that's out of sight, like the Cobra currently being sold at CW, where all of the controls are integrated into the mike. I won't be doing much talking on the radio, but I'd like to be able to monitor channel 19.

I prefer to do the install myself. Any suggestions/recommendations on CB & antenna brands and models? Remember, I'd like to do it myself, so the easier the installation, the better...

Craig

[billyb]

that radio that cw sells works good. don't buy one of those glass mount antennas, they don't work very good. i have one and its lousy. cw has a fiberglass antenna for motor homes and that one seems to be the best one out there for the money.

[TXiceman]

I have had and used a couple of the all-in-the-mic radios and I was not impressed with them. They are pretty, but poor performers. The mic is not of a good quality and equally poor as a speaker.

You are much better off, getting a conventional radio (with weather statiosn), an external speaker and a good no-ground-plane antenna (for use on boats).

When I had a motorhome, and a CB, I mounted the radio on a bracket off the side of the seat and it was out of the way most of the time.

If you stay with Cobra and Midland radios, you will get a reasonable quality radio.

If you do the install yourself, have someone check the SWR (standing wave ratio) on the antenna before you transmit. A properly tuned antenna also helps the receive function.

Ken

[John-D]

Brands.. Well Cobra makes the very best (I do not know of Johnson is still out there but they were the only competitor at the top of the list) but that model is not the best Cobra makes and save for the best of the line competitor's products were often just as good at a lower price

As for antenna.. On most motor homes I suggest a no-ground-plane type antenna, such as a Marine antenna.. DO be aware that these may give reduced performance when compared to a properly mounted quarter wave on a metal vehicle

The "Twin Trucker" mirror mount is a good system too.

[Craig P.]

Thanks for the replies fellas. Where's the best place to purchase a radio & antenna online?

Also, how does one route the antenna coax cable to the outside of the coach without it looking like an amateur did it? If there were any CB installers around, I'd have them do it, but unfortunately there aren't.

Craig

[ctcamper]

Cobra and galaxy are two top names in CB. Ranger are also very good and may be better than cobra. Cobra 29 is an extremely popular model. That said I have a cheap small uniden in my van and it's ok for listening only. I run my old Pearce Simpson cb from the 80's (tweaked) when in the rv as I chat sometimes and it has more power and sounds better.
IMO a bare minimum is a radio with NB and anl function. They help with the static and you will be thankful for them after a short while.
I purchased my scanner last year from here: http://www.theradiocompany.com/
The owner Mike is good guy to work with.


Another choice that I have heard good things but have never dealt with is: http://www.rrcom.com/sales/cb1.html



Thru the window antennas are junk. Personally I like francis antennas and firestiks the best. Wilson is also a good company. If possible mount using the frame of the vehicle but a no ground is your next best. The the twin or dual as John-D mentioned is an extremely good setup for cb use. It uses twin antennas, one on either side of the vehicle and gives the best reception forward and behind the vehicle. Sort of an oval shaped reception pattern. One is sufficient though for most applications.

http://www.francisantennaonline.com/
http://www.firestik.com/

Ebay maybe a good place to buy an antenna. When buying things like radios I tend to go with places like I mentioned above just in case there is a problem.


Routing cables depends on where you are mounting the antenna. - under dash through firewall, behind mouldings , along frame rails, etc...