2022 Volvo VNL760 Issue/Recommendations

Well, on the third 'identical' truck at this company. On the previous two, using the built in meter, which I know isn't super accurate, I was getting 1.2-1.4 on 1, 19, and 40 on my Bearcat 980 SSB. This was factory coax, antennas, etc.

On this new to me truck, I'm getting 7+, which is obviously something major wrong. Definitely won't be keying up with it like that. Also noticed it powered on with only the red wire hooked up. I don't know if that's normal, but I don't think I've ever had that happen before lol. Maybe I just never noticed.

Is there something obvious to check that could be the culprit? I know coax, antenna, etc., but I don't even know where to begin. If it's easy to avoid troubleshooting, I'd be interested in just running my own new setup as well. It would just have to be as minimal permanent modification to the truck as possible and fairly inconspicuous. In other words, no drilling holes, risking breaking plastic tabs, etc.

I've never ran anything other than factory and have had pretty good luck, but I'm not going to hassle the busy maintenance department about a CB.

Sorry if this is dumb -- I've just always have had good luck with factory, and being a 'new breed' driver, I was never around any big radio people to learn. I've just always used mine for barebones traffic and bear reports