Going Down The Antenna/Coax Rabbit Hole

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by 217flatbedr, Dec 14, 2025.

  1. 217flatbedr

    217flatbedr Light Load Member

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    Jan 20, 2012
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    There's lots of posts suggesting the most important aspect of a good radio setup is in the antenna system. Makes sense to me. I'm running an aligned and converted 447hpc2 in a 2024 Peterbilt 389 w/78" standup sleeper. I will run new coax to the driver side mirror (plan on running a dummy antenna on the passenger side). Plans also include using heavy duty SS mounts and studs. Now that my focus is on the antenna system there happens to be no shortage of choices (and opinions) when it comes to coax, ends used, length etc. Just being a regular guy wanting to put together the cleanest, most efficient system I'm easily lost. Choices in antennas...well that's another animal in and of itself!! I don't plan on going cheap. Doing this the right way (to my way of thinking anyway) ultimately IS the cheapest route. Admittedly, I'm a little biased to open coil antennas. Mr. Coily and Dave Made have caught my attention. With all this said, my mind IS open. I'll ask more questions and do the research on what's suggested. This is my launch point. I'll provide all the info asked of me moving forward. I'm sure I've left out A LOT of info. Thanks for being a part of this journey......
     
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  3. BigJim63

    BigJim63 Light Load Member

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    May 1, 2014
    Evansville In.
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    Check out Predator 10k antennas. RG8x coax will work just fine.
     
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  4. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    One of the most important key to a good antenna system in todays trucks, is this thing called bonding.

    Bonding

    If done right, you will probably be happy with whatever antenna you go with.
     
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  5. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Hesperia, Ca.
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    With one antenna set up, (your choice)(Skip shooter), Make sure it’s high enough that it clear the box trailer. Mine is little over 14’, and I do flatbed. I have a Wilson 2K, had it for decades. The newer ones ain’t all that, from reading on from the pros, skipshooter is the one to go to. If I was to buy another antenna,!it would be the Sirio or Stryker . IMG_5959.jpeg
     
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  6. sbaumann14

    sbaumann14 Road Train Member

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    Rhinelander, WI
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    Yep. Bonding is ur friend!!
     
  7. sbaumann14

    sbaumann14 Road Train Member

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    Rhinelander, WI
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    Also… Bobs cb on I-80 at exit 70 is great AND has an online store. Got my general lee from him 8 years ago for $235. No problems with it since. I also run the predator 10k. Just gotta get that coil up as high as u can.
     
  8. dtbradio

    dtbradio Bobtail Member

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    I know this is an older post, but perhaps this will help someone. The 379/389 series of tractors, specifically ones made after they started mounting the mirrors to the body instead of the door, have pretty good grounding/bonding as they are. Some extra will never hurt unless you do it incorrectly. As for antennas, any good quality-built antenna will give good service if installed and tuned correctly. If you like the coil antennas (Wilson 2000 and similar are coil antennas, just inside a housing), then the Predator 10K is a good one. Personally, based on testing and experience, I would go with a Stryker SR-A10, or a Tram TBC-6 or TBC-9. The SR-A10 beat all others in the tests I know of, with the 10K and Tram models coming in a close second. K40, Hustler, Shark, Firestik, and Skip Shooter all being good brands. We stock several different antenna lines at our shop in Carlisle PA, but as I said, the Stryker SR-A10 has, so far, been the best performer.
     
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