New guy here...about to pull the trigger on a purchase. need input

[Basic13]

I may not be a trucker but I am looking for input from the professionals.

In exactly 2 weeks I will be taking a cross-country trip from Arizona to Ohio. I wanted to purchase and install and CB radio before I leave.

I've been looking at a lot of forums and I've done a lot of research. Here is what my needs are:

-no permanent modifications
-good distance but nothing really needed past 3-5 miles.
-compact

I've come up with the Midland 75-822 and a wilson lil' wil magnetic mount.

To me it would appear this is the best combination for portability and power. I can also use the CB as a handheld outside of my vehicle which is a big +.

I know the Wilson 1000 is superior to the lil-will but I am on a fixed budget of $100. I found the radio for $65 on amazon and most websites offer the lil-wil for $35 or so. I will most likely have it tuned professionally for the $20 but had a couple more questions:

-should i get the wilson lil-wil antenna for just the vw and get a second antenna down the road for the jeep? I dont mind hard-mounting a permanent antenna on the jeep spare tire carrier and logic would tell me that I would be able to tune the antenna to one vehicle but not both.

I am looking for input from the professionals. If you think there is a better setup for around the same money please speak up

[FriedTater]

Do you have a radio shop in your area ?
Most have decent deals on ready to roll units,most will barter on prices.
As for your Jeep,a 102" whip is near bullet proof and well suited for that vehicle.

[Basic13]

Yes. In AZ there are a lot of Jeep owners who tell me to check out Apollo communications. There is a lot of high-end stuff rolling out of there according to those who I have spoken with.

I will see if I can make a quick stop over there while on my lunch break tomorrow.

[outerspacehillbilly]

Since you are on a fixed budget I would suggest trying the local cb sho for a nice used radio like a cobra 25 and spend a little more on the antenna. The lil wil is not a good antenna. If no inexpensive used radio's maybe a new cobra 19 , which can be bought at walmart for i think 29.99 and then have it peaked and tuned with a better antenna. On that midland radio you'll be lucky to get 1 1/2 mile range with a lil wil. The midland radio is ok but a better antenna is needed IMO. You can hold a conversation 6-10 miles on a cheap radio with a good antenna or maybe 2 miles on a great radio and a cheap antenna. Antenna is most important part of your setup.

[Crotts Trucking]

You can stop at Dannys, 67th ave, and I-10, they have a radio shop there, cant comment on how good he is because he pissed me off, and I never used him, but he may have a radio for you. He can tune your antenna if he is there. If.....

[K2DMG]

The Little Wilson is a very good antenna for what you want to use it for. If you were looking to talk to radio more than 5 miles I wouldn't suggest it but if you are only looking to hear traffic updates and talked to the local drivers on the road you can't go wrong. Very nice antenna for the personal car or truck.

Just yesterday I talked with a guy on 10 Meters (Ham Radio Band) and he was using a Little Wilson. I am in Rochester NY and he was in Myrtle Beach SC. 10 Meters had a great opening and like I said that guy was using a Little Wilson 500.

So buy it, its a great antenna for local comms.

[clantonman1983]

Originally Posted by K2DMG

The Little Wilson is a very good antenna for what you want to use it for. If you were looking to talk to radio more than 5 miles I wouldn't suggest it but if you are only looking to hear traffic updates and talked to the local drivers on the road you can't go wrong. Very nice antenna for the personal car or truck.

Just yesterday I talked with a guy on 10 Meters (Ham Radio Band) and he was using a Little Wilson. I am in Rochester NY and he was in Myrtle Beach SC. 10 Meters had a great opening and like I said that guy was using a Little Wilson 500.

So buy it, its a great antenna for local comms.

Then it's settled then, you are a ham operator which explains why you are knockin linears in another thread. You guys kill me, seriously...

[K2DMG]

So are you going to buy the Little Wilson then?

[clantonman1983]

Um, no. And what in the previous post gave you the idea that I would? Nothing against them, I just already have an antenna that I use. Why? is there something illegal about that too? or does it hurt your hammie feelings?

[L.B.]

I have one of those Midland 75-822 and it is a decent radio when hooked up to an external antenna like you want to do. It's great for being able to hide it and switching between vehicles. I've never used the battery pack with it, just always used it plugged into the cig lighter.