Not sure what radio or antenna to buy?
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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.
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1980-1997 Full Size Pickup Trucks
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| 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.
As far as the antenna goes, I like a 4' antenna mounted on the
drivers side. In the hood groove between the fender and the hood. Below is
a list of the compatible mounting brackets for a particular year of
pickup:
AUC10
For Fords, Chevy's and pre 1994 Dodge Pickups
AUDODGE
For 1994 and newer
For the antenna, I like the Francis CB24 4' black antenna with 18'
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 pencil. I just don't like seeing a broom
stick sitting out there on the hood.
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1998-2006 Full Size Pickup Trucks
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| 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 is a couple 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'
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 pencil. I just don't like seeing a broom
stick sitting out there on the hood.
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1980-2006 Smaller Pickups
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| For those that have the Toyota's, Nissans, Ford Ranger
II and the like, either the Pro520xl 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'
CB22B |
