CB Radio Suggestions?

Chris S

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 20, 2017
Messages
174
Location
Hanover, VA, United States
This has probably been posted/asked before but I couldnt seem to find it.

What is the best/a good option for a cb radio?

Do i need to tune it or are most ready to go out of the box?

I currently have a 4ft firestik cb antenna

Any other tips?
 
I use a Uniden Pro520XL CB, an overhead radio mount from http://arizonarockyroad.com., tail light antenna bracket from Teraflex, 3/8-20 stud mount and brass disconnect from breedlovemounts.com, with 2' Firestik II antenna in town and 4' Firestik Firefly on trips.

And yes, your antenna does need to be tuned using a SWR meter.
 
I use the same one that Alex and Mr. Bills use. Also agree that you need to adjust the antenna length with an SWR meter.
 
Ever considered a hand held?
A good unit will still cover a big distance, one less thing in the car to attract thieves, and you can use it anywhere (getting out to guide someone, walking, etc etc.)
 
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I have a very similar set-up, a Uniden 510xl, teraflex mount, and 4" firestick. Agree with the others to tune it, swr meters are fairly cheap on Amazon or if your lucky someone in a local Jeep group can usually help you out! Make sure you grind some of the powder coating off the external mount to ensure you have a good ground for your antenna.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
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I use the Cobra 75 WXST with a 3’ Firestik and Teraflex Mount. Works great on the trail.
 
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Ever considered a hand held?
A good unit will still cover a big distance, one less thing in the car to attract thieves, and you can use it anywhere (getting out to guide someone, walking, etc etc.)
Remember when a CB Radio was a factory option on a Lincoln Continental...
s-l1600 (2).jpg
 
Ever considered a hand held?
A good unit will still cover a big distance, one less thing in the car to attract thieves, and you can use it anywhere (getting out to guide someone, walking, etc etc.)

I have a buddy who insists on a handheld unit on trips. Whenever he goes around a bend, over a hill, or a little too far, the reception drops like a rock (much more so than a mounted antenna).

Having a hand held unit can be nice for spotting though.
 
The antenna is now mounted using the teraflex taillight mount. I ordered a Uniden pro 520XL and a swr meter. Im thinking about mounting the cb to the back of the center console. Has anyone else on here done this? if so do you have pictures?
 
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I have a buddy who insists on a handheld unit on trips. Whenever he goes around a bend, over a hill, or a little too far, the reception drops like a rock (much more so than a mounted antenna).

Having a hand held unit can be nice for spotting though.

That might be more the quality of the unit.
My first handheld was a tiny uniden, I think it was about $50 for a pair . Great for walkie talkies, but nothing more
I then invested in a good unit that I’ve never had an issue with.
 
The antenna is now mounted using the teraflex taillight mount. I ordered a Uniden pro 520XL and a swr meter. Im thinking about mounting the cb to the back of the center console. Has anyone else on here done this? if so do you have pictures?

Mine is not mounted behind the center console, although I may like that idea better I am going to look into it, but instead it is hanging under the dash.

BTW I have the same setup as you, but I bought mine as a set from Clear Channel CB's, and it came with SWR meter. I didn't see what your antenna was, but mine is a 4 foot firefly on a spring, so I can tuck it away in the parking garage.

20171112_225934.jpg
IMG-0221.JPG
 
Mine is not mounted behind the center console, although I may like that idea better I am going to look into it, but instead it is hanging under the dash.

BTW I have the same setup as you, but I bought mine as a set from Clear Channel CB's, and it came with SWR meter. I didn't see what your antenna was, but mine is a 4 foot firefly on a spring, so I can tuck it away in the parking garage.

View attachment 45722 View attachment 45723
Like flame red, and like the roll cage minus the padding.