What CB radio is good...

[mercfan]

I'm still working on base lining the truck.. but was thinking about getting a CB for it eventually. There a lots of threads on how to install one but I wanted to ask what a good CB radio may be. Looking for something that has good clarity and reception. Something that I can use on the trail as well as listen to the truckers and accasionally ask about the traffic hot spots ahead and such. Budget preferrably less than $200. I know Cobra is a good brand but don't know much beyond that... Any advice would be helpful.

Thx
James

 

[jvazquez53]

I just carry a couple of Uniden walkie talkies, ($30-40), for what I use them, they work fine. These one from Ebay are a lot better than mine.



UNIDEN GMR3689-2CK TWO WAY RADIO WALKIE TALKIES 36 MILE | eBay

 

[Peluo]

I have a Midland 220 din size.

 

[BrotherRob]

I've had one of these for years. They work good and are pretty bulletproof. Uniden direct has refurbs for $30.

UnidenDirect - 40 Channel Compact Mobile CB Radio

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

I like the radio shack trc-485. It is no longer produced but you can find them occasionally at swap meets or on fleabay. It is one of the few modern style CB radios to have upper and lower sidebands. That will allow you access to what the truckers are really talking about.

I also like the cobra 75 wx because of instillation options and weather band.

 

[MSGGrunt]

I have a Galaxy DX 949 that I really liked. No need for it if you are still looking for a nice unit. $75.00 plus shipping. PM me if interested.

 

[AussieRedneck]

I think on topic??? Once you get your CB, how do you go about tuning them? Or, do you just buy an antenna/cb combo that is already tuned? You guys just taking these to the truck stop/cb shop? Last cb I had I couldn't pick anything up on.
AR

 

[JohnnyC]

Toyota CB

if you can find one ... this is landpimps cb

 

[Dan2722]

Uniden 510XL. Fits in ashtray slot, not expensive, and works great.

 

[BrotherRob]

Uniden 510XL. Fits in ashtray slot, not expensive, and works great.

They're also the perfects size to wedge between the console and ebrake boot. Mine has never really been mounted.

 

[canman]

I have the Cobra DX19 IV that also fits in the ashtray 96?-97 dash. It's OK, but what I don't like about is the lack of an auto scan feature that I have seen on other CB's. If you are driving around and want to listen any "chatter", then this is not the CB for you.

 

[Stone]

I went with the Cobra WX 18 STII that some have used here. It's a hair bigger than DIN size, but fits under the radio nicely. Just be sure you get the STII...the older ST version is much larger than DIN size...as i found out.

 

[Rallyroo]

Don't get a handheld CB. My friend has one and it has the worst range ever; as in like less than 6 car lengths.

I myself have a Uniden PRO520XL and it works great.

 

[86tuning]

IMO the best CB is the one with a tuned antenna. Without proper SWR the radios all work the same. With proper SWR some stock (unmodified) radios are slightly better than others.

 

[mercfan]

IMO the best CB is the one with a tuned antenna.

What do you mean 'tuned antenna' - like the antenna that you can adjust the tip at the end - i.e. "Firestick"?!
Need a Firestik Antenna? Low Prices, Fast Shipping!

 

[yoopercharged]

x2 on the uniden pro 510 or 520xl. Simple, small, and powerful. I also have mine between the ebrake boot and the console. A little velcro to hold it. I bought an SWR meter from radioshack. CB/High-Frequency Ham Power SWR Meter - RadioShack.com. Tuning the antenna is critical for proper CB operation and long life. Borrow someone else's meter if you can. You usually only need it once. Antennas can be lengthened or shortened to change the standing wave ratio.

CB Antenna Tuning and SWR Explained : CB Radios & CB Antennas - Cobra, Uniden, Wilson, K40 & Firestik

 

[bigredmachine]

i like my midland 1001lwx, small fits neatly under the dash and you may be able to fine a deal on them here Truckers-Store has all the good stuff: CB Radios and much more. some more reading here KØBG.COM, very useful site.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I went with the Cobra WX 18 STII that some have used here. It's a hair bigger than DIN size, but fits under the radio nicely. Just be sure you get the STII...the older ST version is much larger than DIN size...as i found out.

This is what I did too. I used my ash tray, so this was the better option IMO. I'm planning on removing the radio all together and mounting a 2m HAM radio with the CB...

 

[CREACHR]

CB/Ham

Looking for same thing, but wanted to know is there a good ham/cb combo (if there is such a thing) unit that fits well in dash?

 

[yoopercharged]

I think you can mod just about any ham radio to use CB. Just a different wavelength. (Of course it would be illegal to use the higher wattage on Citizens Band)