Magnetic Mobile CB Antenna on a New Aire

[Ruffer]

My thanks to this wonderful forum; I have been lurking and learning for the past 3 months. We wanted a nester coach that could be stored in a tight fit on our residential lot, so we are picking up a 2020 New Aire 3341 after Christmas. First road trip will be fly and drive; no toad. We are building multiple check lists.

I've read the pros and cons of a CB radio, and I would like to have one for the areas without cell coverage and just in case of a roadside problem.

I have not asked the dealership if they could install a CB antenna and run a cable, so I am considering getting a handheld CB. Has anyone installed a CB antenna on a New Aire?

My question: Is there enough metal around the drivers window to temporarily mount a magnetic CB antenna such as the Midland 18-2442? I don't think the radio will work without an external antenna.

My apologies if I missed this on a previous post.

Thank you in advance!

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar family .

Obviously my vintage coach will be different ; CB antenna was standard back in the day, external cell phone antenna was an option ; but I can't think of a spot where a magnetic base CB antenna would hold . I'd have to check but I'm thinking even the mirror arms although they have flat areas would be non ferrous .
Hopefully a member with a newer coach will chime in with info or ideas .

[Craig36]

A mag mount antenna has a lot of wind drag, and would likely not hold on a small door frame. Additionally, to get proper performance those need to be stuck on a large enough piece of metal to make a proper counterpoise. Unless you have a properly grounded and tuned antenna (lowest SWR) you will hear, but transmit range will be unacceptable.

One option that would not require any holes wound be a through-the-glass mount. You could mount it on the top window over the drivers seat and run the cable (which is inside the glass)down the windshield pillar to where you mount the CB. NOTE you will need to run a short wire from the inside to a ground connection to make the counterpoise. The windshield pillar might also have a place to connect to metal. Many people skip this step and never get the antenna SWR low enough to put out a good signal. If you know any ham radio operators in your area, they can help you use an SWR bridge to adjust the antenna.

[DRM901]

You might consider a handheld one. Won't have the power of a professionally installed full size unit, but the handheld ones do put out 4 watts.

[Old Scout]

….If an "additional form" of communications will give you more peace of mind--then go for it..... but most of us have moved on from CBs....cell service and Family Service Radios fill most of the void....most CBs only communicate a few miles at best and there really aren't many folks to talk to any more--at least not many with any useful information…..so "10-4 good buddy!"....

[Ruffer]

I appreciate everyone's response to my question regarding a mobile CB antenna mount.

I'm going to skip the CB for this first cruise home from the dealership; this rookie has plenty of other subsystems to learn about on a New Aire!

And don't think I want to poke at a Newmar window right now.

[Pine Stump]

I bought a good hand held and it does not get out that well plus I do not hear hardly anyone a chatting anymore....I use to use it to chat and hear about road conditions but now days a lot more different options as said...Just my 2 Jay