Choosing the Best CB Radio

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Basic13, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. Basic13

    Basic13 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 21, 2009
    Surprise, AZ
    0
    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
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

    2,202
    886
    Mar 25, 2009
    United State of Texas
    0
    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.
     
  4. Basic13

    Basic13 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 21, 2009
    Surprise, AZ
    0
    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.
     
  5. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

    4,349
    2,430
    May 28, 2009
    The Who's Your State
    0
    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.
     
  6. Crotts Trucking

    Crotts Trucking Medium Load Member

    375
    115
    Dec 23, 2008
    Duncan, AZ
    0
    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.....
     
  7. K2DMG

    K2DMG Bobtail Member

    36
    9
    Jun 16, 2009
    ROCHESTER, NY
    0
    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.
     
  8. clantonman1983

    clantonman1983 Light Load Member

    228
    16
    Mar 24, 2009
    clanton, al
    0
    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...:biggrin_2553:
     
  9. K2DMG

    K2DMG Bobtail Member

    36
    9
    Jun 16, 2009
    ROCHESTER, NY
    0
    So are you going to buy the Little Wilson then?
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2009
  10. clantonman1983

    clantonman1983 Light Load Member

    228
    16
    Mar 24, 2009
    clanton, al
    0
    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?
     
  11. L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

    2,654
    1,055
    Jul 23, 2007
    Middle GA
    0
    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.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.