2016 FreightLiner Cascadia stock CB wiring

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Arel3, Dec 23, 2018.

  1. Arel3

    Arel3 Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2018
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    I'm looking for a wiring diagram for the antenna system.
    1. I want to know where in the world the antenna actually is. I read on the Freightliner site that it's actually inside the body panels "for aerodynamic purposes". It doesn't say exactly where it is though.
    2. I know what the type and quality of the CB and AM/FM coax cables are because they're easy to get to but I'd rather have a diagram so I know how the wiring is routed instead of ripping the entire truck apart to figure it out, and I'd like to know what antenna it is exactly.

    Does anyone have this info/documents, or has anyone figured it out that will be kind enough to share the routing and location(s) and what antenna it is? I've looked on the FL site. It requires a login to access the manuals I don't have and probably can't get and I haven't found anywhere it specifically says what antenna it is exactly.

    I also don't want to go drilling holes in the truck to run my own CB system, the diagrams if I can get a hold of them, will tell me where all of the access and routing points are.
     
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  3. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

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    I have a thread on the latest model Cascadia I started early this year. “2017+ Cascadia”

    Nearly every one of your questions is answered, even though there are some model differences.

    There is also a VERY long Cascadia thread started a couple of years ago.

    Those two should cover about everything.
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2018
  4. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It seems to work better for the other radio. And I hooked up my 980ssb to the factory antenna in a 2018 condo, and it's working better than the stock antennas did short range in the 2013, midroof, with the roof mounted antennas. It's use able for what I need. I'll hook up to my mirror mount when the weather gets better.
     
  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Look my name up on youtube...I did a cpl vids of routeing coax and power wire..
     
    feldsforever Thanks this.
  6. Arel3

    Arel3 Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2018
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    What seems to work better? Installing and using your own? I was considering getting the 980ssb but saw the Cobra 29LX on sale for $80 and couldn't resist so that's what I have and it works good enough with the factory wiring and antenna. My concern is...how long will it work on the factory stuff? I'm aware of the junction box and how it's set up. I don't think that's very efficient, just cost effective for Freightliner to do it that way. Will I get more range and better reception/transmission if I install my own antenna and coax? I think it will but don't know for sure. I'm also going to be getting a new 2019 truck (from the company) within a few months so that's making me hesitate installing my own right away. I'm not sure I want to yank it all out and put it in the new truck in a short amount of time. As the title says I'm in a 2016 now.

    I'm planning on getting a 3000w antenna and the best coax cable I can find. Surely the stock antenna is not a 3000 watt...or is it? If it's really the "Film Antenna" Slowmover's post mentions I'm amazed my radio is picking up anything outside of the parking lot...and I really don't think it does have that long of a range. I have picked up conversations a mile or 2 away that were loud and clear but I think that's because I was on the peak of a hill and there were no obstructions in the way of the signal.

    Is the stock antenna really that crappy of an antenna? A yes answer wouldn't surprise me.
     
  7. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Factory sucks..If you get a mile or two your doin good..
    Unless you have your radio already installed in your 16 i would mess with it till you get the new one..
    Spend your time studying up on the new trk your getting ao that your prepared..
     
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