CB radio install

[fusseli]

There are surprisingly few threads on this. I have had a CB for 10+ years, mostly for group off-roading trips, but I would just throw it in the back seat with 12V outlet power and a Tram mag antenna out the window. I finally am getting it permanently mounted so it is much easier to use for any type of trip.

For the antenna I am thinking of drilling into the cab side of the bed and putting a bracket, running the antenna wire through one of the cab vents.

In 2019 when my Ranger was new I saw the bulletproof diesel 3rd brake light spacer and was like "oh sweet" then saw it was $250 and was like "hell no" -- 7 years later I see it's like $360 now -- double hell no


This is the smallest/thinnest CB I have seen, it's great
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFHFXYB?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

Used some 3M foam tape and drilled 2 screws for each mount so it is very solidly mounted and won't ever rip out

Power is tapped into the back of a 12V outlet, which has a 20 amp fuse upstream in the kick panel, CB has its own 5 amp fuse. This is a great spot because the 12V power stays on for 75 minutes after key off, so CB can stay on whenever you park, but also CB will never be left on and drain the battery.

Sponsored

 

[Frenchy]

These days not as many people are using CB Radios for various reasons. Whether that is a good thing or bad thing all depends on the situation I guess. Yes you can get some useful traffic information on the road when traveling and that's if individuals are communicating it. On the other side of things, you can get. Lot of unnecessary chatter from different individuals. As for the trail, I know many have been switching to GMRS or HAM Radio. I'm going out on a limb and saying that it's primarily due to clarity and more available power(even though my GME GMRS Radio only has 5 Watts vs CB at 4 Watts).

That all said if you are able to justify and enjoy the CB, then I say go for it.

 

[Grandaccess]

As a 30 year General Ham Radio Operator, W4RFD (I figured I would go Extra class before July before they add digital mode to the test) CB can be fun, I still use 11 Meter, a Lot of us do, (watch Salty Walt K4OGO on YT) I have the QT-60 Modded (because we cant leave anything stock) will do 10, 11 & 12 meter thats from 25mhz clean through 30mhz AM, FM, SSB and CW and 70Watt out of the box, on CB you should keep it below 5-8W just sayin LOL, for now on trips I just set it on the seat because I havent figured out where I want it not always in my way, I would like to mod the dash somehow, using that useless space where the Cig Lighters are or over head
I also have an Icom 706 MIIG not sure I want to subject that to the inside of my truck but thats 1mhz-60mhz 2M&70CM

https://www.radioddity.com/products..._content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic

 

[fusseli]

Yeah my friends all still have CB and the weather info can useful in the mountains. On my next truck I will probably go GMRS or something. The CB is part of the Ranger now lol

Antenna test fit, seems to be working great:

 

[pismo1]

GMRS if your in a group and CB if you are on the road by yourself.Id have both.

 

[ControlNode]

I wish I still had my old CB radios from the 90s. Had the Wilson 1000 on the trunk of the 67 Lincoln and later my 72 Caprice. I don't remember selling them. But they are nowhere to be found. I got my GMRS license and have a 50W in the Ranger, a 15W Micro mobile I move between the Focus, Jeep or the house as well a a couple of handhelds at 4 or 5W.

There are plenty of OE grommets in the lower rear of the cab that can route into the grommet in the at the lower front corner of the bed.

Sponsored