Realistic TRC-484 Modulation

I have a Radioshack branded TRC-484 in my 4 wheeler. I have talked local upwards of 8 miles on it, but when talking skip, I have too little modulation. With a 7 watt deadkey, it swings to 9 watts, and showing a mod% of about 35%. Anyone know what pot is to adjust the modulation on this radio? I love talking skip barefoot, it can be a challenge, but with this performance it's not a challenge, it's next to impossible. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

I am using an old Realistic 21-576 SWR/RF/MOD meter. After calibrating the meter, turn the knob to mod test and key. The needle snaps up to about 35-40% and drops back to zero. If I talk loud into the mic it gets to about 60%, and if I scream its maybe 63-65%. When the radio gets to 9 watts, I'm speaking very loud.

 

I'll try having someone record how I sound, I hadn't thought of that. I don't have a CB shop near by that I trust, the closest one here likes to clip things after I told them specifically not to. I'm not sure if I can add an amplified mic to this radio because the mic plug is a phone line styled plug. Thanks guys!!

 

Alright, after getting my radio set back up in the truck, I had my buddy take my 4 wheeler about a quarter mile up my road and talk to me on some different channels. The radio is quiet. I could hear it, and it was clear, but it was not loud by any standard. Any suggestion on a what to do from here to get it louder?