Finding a good setup

I'd go with the virgin Cobra that comes from the factory working well without a golden screwdriver's molestations, and the RM Italy amp for those times when extra range is needed.

I did.

It works.

 

As far as legality goes..... I wouldn't worry about the amp, because technically 10 meter export radios are illegal on the CB band too, since they put out more than the legal 4 watts.

 

Actually the dual antennas aren't just for show on a big truck. It's been proven for over 50 years, that running dual co-phased antennas while pulling a box trailer gives the best performance. At least from front to back of the truck. The RF signal is weaker going out from the sides of the truck/trailer combo. But that hasn't been a problem since most drivers talk to trucks mainly to get a bear report, etc., from trucks going the opposite direction. Or from someone a few miles ahead of them.

 

Mr Ridgeline's advice is spot on if you plan on spending a lot of money on your radio itself. A poor antenna setup will blow up anything that's putting out any sort of power. Stock CB's are much more forgiving.
I would start with a Cobra 29/Uniden PC78 and work your way up from there. Also remember that moving up to a big radio also means you have to properly mount that BIG radio in your truck! Those radios are big and can be cumbersome in today's trucks. As far as an RM Italy amp......I preferred to run them with a 1 watt dead key which would mean turning a regular CB down a bit. Amp runs a bit cooler and your audio should stay clean unless your radio is hacked up. Variable power on a 10 meter radio makes that a little easier to deal with.

JD

 

Hands down the best radio I have ever owned was a Stryker 955. I have had Connex,Galaxy, Cobra and Unidens in the past also. The Styker has always been trouble free. For a antenna I found that a single Predator 10K comp worked the best also.

 

My question is do you need or have you ever worked SSB? Try to refrain from spending money for do dads you don't need or want. If you want to try SSB, have at it! It's especially fun when skip is rolling. However a Galaxy radio wouldn't be my first choice for SSB. Having run an old Galaxy SSB radio they tended to drift so a SIX digit frequency counter was essential. That 5 digit counter on the 959 is basically window dressing.
If SSB is not your thing a Cobra29 will do everything that Galaxy will $60 cheaper!

JD

 

I always preferred a single antenna, drivers side. Less chance of the roadside trees wrecking your antenna system!

JD