Community Forums

qac13 · 04-12-2013, 09:55 AM

Can anyone tell me how to get cb reception in a Itasca Cambria? The dealer says they can't find one that will work.

RVThere · 04-12-2013, 11:07 AM

What kind of antenna do you have? The 'through the glass' antenna's don't seem to work.

Also antenna should extend higher that the roof.

I get reception with a little handheld CB when I'm driving so that is also an option.

Roadtrip MO · 04-17-2013, 03:19 PM

I use a Cobra handheld connected to a Little Will magnetic antennae. I put the antennae on the hood.

I get pretty good reception, but I'm sure it'd be better if i could mount the antennae somewhere higher and/or away from engine.

I've been looking into a firestick antennae, and I've seen a couple sticking out the top of some Class C's - but we're still rather new on the ownership so I dont know how i feel about drilling holes to run CB antennae wiring yet.

TXiceman · 04-17-2013, 04:23 PM

If you are connected to a factory installed antenna, don't expect much. A good way to go is a 3 to 4' Firestix, NGP mounted so that 1/3 to 1/2 of the antenna is above the roof.

Ken

KD4UPL · 04-19-2013, 05:56 PM

You will probably get the best results with a No Ground Plane antenna. Most of an RV isn't metal so they don't have much of a ground plane like an automobile. The longer the antenna the better and the higher up you mount it the better.
Wilson and K40 both make excellent antennas.
Really, CB just doesn't "work" that well compared to other means of 2 way radio. It's only 4 watts of AM so it's prone to static and interference. It's also usually very crowded because there are literally thousands of people transmitting at the same time.
It is really handy for finding out about road conditions, police speed traps, and such.

BA-in-Mich · 05-01-2013, 06:33 PM

I tried the no-plane antenna, didn't work. High SWR. I installed a standard fiberglass antenna ( Radio shack ) and clamped it to the mirror. It was far superior to the no-plane antenna. I ran the wire in through the side. It's been there for years. If you click on my MH picture you can see a hint of it

cb1000rider · 05-11-2013, 10:02 PM

Hmmf.. I used a Firestick no-ground-plane antenna and it worked great, 1.25 SWR.

To anyone else reading: To get the best reception, you need a good antenna and you "tune" it with a little tool called an SWR meter.

GaryKD · 05-13-2013, 01:24 PM

Hi qac13,
The antenna and wire are almost always the problem, not the radio. The previous posts provide good information. Go to CB Antenna - 3' Firestick No Ground Plane Needed - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery to see my no ground plane antenna. Go to Firestik Antenna Company Home Page to read about Firestik antenna kits. The antenna and wire need to be matched. Consider buying them as a kit.