Discovery: CB antenna mounting

[Craig N Deb]

Hello all, It has been a while but, I am still here and certainly still loving my Discovery 40X!
I am trying to upgrade my CB setup to get a few miles out to my friends that travel with us and of course other Rv'rs and Truckers. I really don't want to fire up the CB discussion just want to do a better antenna. My understanding is that Fleetwood does just a cheap install and mount that will never work well. My understanding is that I need some sort of ground plane to make it work. Did you know the average truck driver expects 4 to 5 miles for conversation. Mine won't transmit or receive more than 400 or 500 feet. It is awful! Please help me if you can.

[ColoradoRFL]

Typically, line-of-site is the best determinate of range besides power so my first question is how high up is your antenna?

When we had a Class A, I drilled a hole in the fiberglass near the roof on driver’s side and mounted the following;

https://www.walcottradio.com/firesti...EaAoyYEALw_wcB

Access was there via the inside of the cabinet. Rarely would the antenna strike something but getting it higher than my roof air conditioners was key to best distance. In other words, what percentage of the antenna is higher than your roof?

Now, to answer your question. The lack of metal on your coach body limits the value of a grounded antenna. One option is to fabricate a square piece of metal on the roof you can place a magnet mount Wilson 5000. That will give you the best range for talking but depending your type of roof may not be a practical solution especially since rubber roofs are vulnerable to anything that can rip them.

[J Wiles]

Stop at a Truck stop that has a old fashion CB shop and have them install it and have them tune it for you. They will be able to get you the best that they can on your unit. Lack of metal is a down fall so they will get you all they can. Ours works great after they tuned it.

[Old Mud]

Here is one if you have a metal exterior or if you want to co phase two. They also make a 4' that uses no ground plane. Both are tuneable , work great and are affordable.

Hope this works.

. https://www.walcottradio.com/firestik-m-24.html

or here.


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Home Firestik 4ft Firestik Heavy Duty Antenna 5/8 Wave - KW4
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Firestik 4ft Firestik Heavy Duty Antenna 5/8 Wave - KW4
SKU ZFR-KW-KW4-4FT
$21.98

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Firestik 4ft Firestik Heavy Duty Antenna 5/8 Wave - KW4
Firestik KW4 4ft Firestik Heavy Duty Antenna 5/8 wave

The most popular wire-wound CB antenna in the world. This is the original Firestik design, and a proven performer since 1975. The "KW" antennas are compatible with autos, trucks, vans, motorcycles and ATV's in a single antenna configuration when metallic ground plane is available. Or, they may be used in dual (co-phased) configuration on any vehicle made from any type of material. Like all CB antennas, the "KW" antennas require fine-tuning (SWR) in their final mounting location. The loading coil on all "KW" antennas is easily accessable for precise SWR adjustments. All "KW" antennas exceed the requirements of any CB radio, new or old. Aside from the hi-performance loading coil that maximizes the transmit/receive functions of your CB, these top-loaded antennas will also receive the NOAA emergency weather alert and national weather broadcasts for radios with those features.

The "KW" antennas are 100% American made with 100% American materials. To maintain a balance between flexibility and ruggedness, we use a custom blended, glass fiber reinforced shaft. Each is wound with heavy insulated copper wire to prevent the oxidation and shorted windings often found on non-Firestik antennas. The 3/8"-24 threaded base has a tapered contact point that works especially well with Firestik mounts and accessories. The tapered "lug-nut" effect transfers stress away from the threads and reduces the possibility of vibration induced loosening of the antenna in its mount. Each antenna is covered with a static reducing, water-tight sleeve containing UV and pigment stabilizers. For peak performance we recommend that you use one of our 18-foot Fire-Flex coaxial cables with these antennas.

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