A number of people have asked us what we recommend for a CB radio or CB antenna. Below, we have outlined a few suggested setups for various vehicles.
1980-1997 Full Size Pickup Trucks
Because these pickups, regardless of whether they are Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, These vehicles usually have enough dash space to support almost any size radio. This is however a problem with the newer pickups 1997-2006. One of my favorite radio over the past few years has been the Uniden PC68XL. Internally it's the same as the Cobra 25LTD models but less money. It has a nice sounding 4" speaker and controls that make a radio quieter. These controls are the ANL/NB (Automatic Noise Limiter and Noise Blanker). It also has an RF Gain control which allows you to turn your receiver down when your in caravan distance. If you don't need maximum receive because you are close to the party you are talking to, it's nice to be able to turn the static down.
1998-2006 Full Size Pickup Trucks
Now the problem starts! Where do I mount the radio. With all the plastic and curved dash space and cup holders, there's just no room to mount it. Here are a couple of ideas.
I like the Uniden Pro520xl because of it's small size. It's about 4 1/2" wide to mount almost anywhere. I have even mounted them on the front of the console (if you have one).
Another idea if you have a bench seat, purchase a "Bubba" bracket. This allows you to mount the radio on the hump facing straight up.
But our most popular radio for these years of pickups is the Cobra C75wxst because it doesn't require any dash space. All the works are in the handset. You mount a small box (1.5" X 3") to the firewall or you can secure it with a couple of plastic nie-ties to an existing wiring harness under the dash. This little box is where the power is hooked up and your antenna cable and microphone screws onto it. Because the speaker in the handset is only 1 1/2" round, you might consider plugging in an external speaker. The speaker jack is located on the small box. Below find my recommendations for antenna brackets for these years:
AUDODGE For 1994 and newer Dodge
AUF1-L For 1997 and newer Ford F150's and Explorers
AUF2-L For 1999 and newer Ford F250 & 350
AUGM1-L For 2000 and newer Chevy's and GM's
For the antenna, I like the Francis CB24 4' black antenna with 18 feet of coax cable. The reason for this length is because Francis tunes the antenna at the factory with 18' of cable. So you install it and forget about having to tune the antenna. I also like the diameter of this antenna. It's about the size of a pencil. I just don't like seeing a broom stick sitting out there on the hood.
1980-2006 Smaller Pickups
For those that have the Toyota's, Nissans, Ford Ranger II and the like, either the Uniden PRO520LX or the Cobra C75WXST is a winner.
The mount has a lower profile because of the shallower fender depth. I like the AUC11 for this application.
Since the distance between the hood and the top of the pickup is shorter in the smaller pickups, you could get by with a 3' antenna. Again I like the Francis 3 Foot CB22B