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AR15.COM
12/8/2010 12:47:43 PM EDT
Thinking of getting my son one for his truck for Christmas.  Anybody got suggestions on brands etc.
12/8/2010 12:51:31 PM EDT
[#1]
cobra 25 ltd classic talks barefoot 5 mile great radio
12/8/2010 2:52:11 PM EDT
[#2]
Cobra's been a major player for a long time. Good radios, there are other ones also.

The antenna makes a HUGE difference. I'm partial to the Wilson 1000, also use the Li'l Wil on my Grand Cherokee.
12/8/2010 4:46:32 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Thinking of getting my son one for his truck for Christmas.  Anybody got suggestions on brands etc.


I've had good luck with the Uniden Grant and Galaxy 949 SSB CBs.

For antennas, maybe a DAS K30 or K40.   I'm currently using a K30.  I liked the 40, but it was high enough that repeated mechanical damage took a toll.  

Maybe check out a local Pilot or FlyingJ truck stop if you want to browse and avoid shipping charges.
12/9/2010 5:21:07 AM EDT
[#4]
To me they just don't get no sexier than an old Galaxy with the chrome face and knobs. Most cb guys I know highly recommend them.
12/9/2010 5:25:19 AM EDT
[#5]
Are marine band the same frequency as the CB's?
12/9/2010 8:00:13 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Are marine band the same frequency as the CB's?


No.   And they aren't legal for overland communication.
12/10/2010 4:36:47 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Thinking of getting my son one for his truck for Christmas.  Anybody got suggestions on brands etc.


Since all CBs are legally limited to 4 watts PEP, you are going to make the most difference with the antenna. A $25 Uniden 510 with a $80 Wilson 500 whip is going to do more for you than a $150 radio with a $12 cheap mag mount antenna.

Getting the antenna tuned for correct SWR will also go a long way to improving performance. 11 meters is not very open this time of year anyway.
12/11/2010 1:42:34 PM EDT
[#8]
I run a General Lee(Connex 3300 guts)  export radio and a Wilson 1000 mag mount and can talk 15-20 miles usually.  Get the SWR tuned right and the radio iset up by a good CB shop.

Yeah, my set up is illegal by FCC standards..Sue me..
12/11/2010 2:08:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Cb is kicking right now this time of year. Skip has been rolling for 2 months now. I run a general lee into a 2 pill into a 6 pill with a immortal 55 antenna on my grand cherokee.
12/11/2010 2:20:18 PM EDT
[#10]
I would pass on the galaxy, their great for base stations but they break pretty easy. I would snag up an old conex 3300, or a cobra 29. If you get it peaked and tuned and a quality antenna you should have a talking machine. I never put a CB in a little truck, I just have them in my big rigs.
I wouldn't worry about the 4 watt nonsense, no one really runs that little of power anyhow.
12/12/2010 7:37:24 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I run a General Lee(Connex 3300 guts)  export radio and a Wilson 1000 mag mount and can talk 15-20 miles usually.  Get the SWR tuned right and the radio iset up by a good CB shop.

Yeah, my set up is illegal by FCC standards..Sue me..


...and I doubt anyone will, but I thought it worth pointing out for the sake of the thread.

12/12/2010 2:55:49 PM EDT
[#12]
running a Connex 4300 high power , 144" whip with anntena tuner.  with the right location and conditions I have reached out over 40 miles.
12/12/2010 3:35:44 PM EDT
[#13]
Have an old (bought in 1978) Johnson 4740 sideband CB. About 12 years ago I bought a Wilson 1000 magnetic mount for the F-150. Borrowed a friend's SWR meter, tuned it up, and when I got home (Maryland, just below the PA line) I keyed it up. Skip musta been runnin' hot that day, I had a conversation with a guy from upstate New York. Lost him after about a minute or two. But I was hearing guys in GA and FL, they didn't hear me.

Still have that radio, gotta get it hooked up in the Jeep one of these days!