Help before I buy a CB radio...

First, the legal limit for a CB radio is 4 watts. Just about any factory stock out of the box CB radio is going to put out between 2.5 and 3 watts of power.

Peaking and tuning refers to taking your radio to a CB shop to be worked on. Personally, I do not believe in messing with a radio that is not defective. If it ain't broke leave it alone. There is no license needed to work on a CB radio. The wrong tech [golden screw drivers] can do more damage than good and for alot of money. More than one driver has spent good money only to have to spend even more money to fix the damage a lousy tech has done.

More money buys more features. More money does not get you more power. You have to decide what features you need and can afford.

For anyone who has no clue about CB radio, I suggest you read the "Big Dummies Guide to CB Radio". This is an easy to read introduction to CB radio. For those who want a more in depth understanding, try to find "Chilton's CB Radio Handbook". Both have been out of print for years. Try doing a Google search.

The most simple CB setup is radio, one antenna and RG 58 coax that is long enough to connect the radio to the antenna. The CB radio is a 12 volt DC item. It does not need a power inverter or converter.

There are 2 general rules for antenna selection.
First rule, longer antennas work better. A 4 foot long antenna is the minimum length that I suggest. Personally, I prefer 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 foot long antennas. There is an exception to the longer antenna rule and that is for antennas that have a loading coil. Antennas with coils work great but they cost more than simple plain antennas.

Second rule, your overhead clearance is the practical limitation on antenna length. A 102" [8 1/2 ft] steel whip antenna would work great mounted atop the roof of a condo tractor right up until you hit a big tree branch or overpass. Antennas that are broken, damaged or knocked clean off the truck tend not to work very well if at all.

You are doing the smart thing by researching before you spend your money. I wish more people would do the same.

 

You can pick up a new Cobra 29 at many places for around 90 bucks.
Good solid radio and it will be all you need.
Nice to have a CB,some shippers and receivers use them to tell you when to go to your assigned dock door.Plus it is nice to know traffic conditions from other drivers.
Most of the newer rigs come with an antenna and coax already installed.
Usually not the greatest but it will work.
I would hold off on the antenna purchase until you know what truck you will be driving.

 

in all honesty I would just order a cobra 29 ltd from sparky's cb shack. $99 bucks peaked and tuned. want some thing fancier get the cobra 29 lx le for 125. then get yourself 12 ft of rg 58 coax for bout $20 bones. After that An antenna mirror mount for bout $20. Fallowed by a willson 2000 antenna for about $60.

You are going to be looking at about $100 just for the the antenna and cable and mount. You can go cheaper on the antenna and get a nice 5.5ft francis. for about $30ish.

But you cant go wrong with a cobra 29. its a great radio and most likely with be all you will ever need. But please don't waste your money buying the cb from a truck stop. Just order it from sparky's cb shack I have all ways been pleased when I have and the prices are great for what you are getting.

Also the BT model just lets you answer your phone and talk on your phone though the cb.

The WX models you can listen to the the national weather alert channels.

On a side note most truckers get the Cobra 29 NW WX. and that is all they ever could want and need. Those are about $138 from sparky.

The 29 lx le has weather but it doesn't pick it up as good and the NW WX. Only reason the LxLe is cheaper is because its on sale right now. Mine was $140 shipped to the house peaked tune and aligned. I love the thing and I have all ways been extremely happy with sparkys cb shacks work, quickness of getting my stuff out to me.

 

No doubt I can do without the bs I pick up, especially in one area I'm always in. But the main reason you might want a radio is for something like I had happen 3 or 4 days ago. That was: "Eastbound, looks like someone lost a wheel in the hammer lane." "Where abouts?" "Just after exit 8." I was just coming up on that exit.

I really thought I could live without one up until lately. Just so happens I've had a run of things like that. Now, even though I'm not one to get real chatty on it unless I'm running with someone I know, its on all the time.

I have a Cobra 29 LTD. Unless you want weather, blue tooth or NW features, you'll be ok with that. I can make a case for NW or even WX, but I really wouldn't part with my bluetooth headset.

 

You don't need any special "12v DC adapter". The radio will come with its own power cord, and you just hook that into the 12v system on your truck. Chances are you also have an antenna mount and coax in the truck, unless someone took them out, most trucks come equipped with them.

 

Is there any decent forward firing front speaker CB out there thats the same size as a 29LTD?

I mounted my Cobra in the overhead visor and it's hard to hear. Yea I do have the side speaker on my KW wired in but sometimes its dam loud and very distracting next to the side of your skull.

I found a Uniden (I think) that has a front speaker opening but the unit itself is too small for the pre-made opening that perfectly fits a 29LTD...

 

I would just replace the factory paper kw speaker with a better speaker. its a 3.5" if I remember right.

 

and OVAL....not round. I haven't looked for one but that might be a trick to find. Maybe some old clock radio might have it?

I am thinking of installing a 4" or so round speaker in the ceiling of the cab between the 2 seats, but haven't had the headliner down yet to examine this...