Rookie driver installing a cb

pocket knife...cut hole...problem solved!

 

Turn your volume up about half or three quarters, then ease the squelch counter-clockwise until all of a sudden you'll hear static. Then turn the squelch clockwise until the static noise stops. That's generally where those two controls will stay most of the time. Theres other controls like RF gain et al but let's get you started first

 

That's probably about right for factory antennas. You wont find many fans of factory antennas and/or factory coax on this forum. I'll let other guys familiar with your make/model of truck advise you of affordable aftermarket options.

You'll be glad you made the purchase. It blows me away how many drivers dont have radios on these days. Today I had two loaded ambulances blow past me on I-26 in SC and I tried to warn drivers ahead of me. The drivers I saw stayed put in the hammer and middle lanes and the ambulances ended up going around in the right lane

 

You can make huge gains with not too much money, and most of it you can take with you

 

Check the antennas and make sure they are in good condition and follow instructions in cb owners manual on how to check SWR, it may not be acceptable, and a small investment in new antennas may be the answer.