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Best Antenna for Ford F 150

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by rcaldw, Oct 25, 2018.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Oct 25, 2018 #1
    rcaldw

    rcaldw Bobtail Member

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    Have a Bearcat 980 SSB. Right now have a firestik firefly (4') mounted on the front of the bed next to the cab. SWR below 1.5 on both 1 and 40. But I hear these people crystal clear from miles away and I wonder what I'm missing? My radio is stock. Do these folks buy these super powered cb's? Is there a better antenna for me to use on my Ford?
     
    rcaldw, Oct 25, 2018
    rcaldw, Oct 25, 2018
    #1
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  3. Oct 25, 2018 #2
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    if you can hear them...CRYSTAL CLEAR, then you are all set....
     
    buddyd157, Oct 25, 2018
    buddyd157, Oct 25, 2018
    #2
    rcaldw Thanks this.
  4. Oct 25, 2018 #3
    Stinky Dairy Air

    Stinky Dairy Air Light Load Member

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    It sounds like it's as good as it gets. Let it ride & enjoy.
     
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 25, 2018
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 25, 2018
    #3
    rcaldw Thanks this.
  5. Oct 25, 2018 #4
    rcaldw

    rcaldw Bobtail Member

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    Oct 25, 2018
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    Yeah, I really can't much of the time unless they are close. That's why I was wondering about the antenna.
    a. What's the best one for a truck like mine
    b. Would moving it back toward the end of the truck help out?
     
    rcaldw, Oct 25, 2018
    rcaldw, Oct 25, 2018
    #4
  7. Oct 25, 2018 #5
    Stinky Dairy Air

    Stinky Dairy Air Light Load Member

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    I wouldn't run out and buy an antenna if the one you have is working fine but I would stick with the whip antennas.

    Up on the roof would be the best position but moving it further down the bed of the truck won't make any difference.
     
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 25, 2018
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 25, 2018
    #5
    rcaldw Thanks this.
  8. Oct 25, 2018 #6
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    you have your antenna mounted the same way i had mine, and i too had a very low SWR reading.....leave it alone. if anything at all, maybe a 5 footer, instead of the 4..???

    do not forget, cb radios have a rather short range, unless you have the right atmospheric conditions to get out further.
     
    buddyd157, Oct 25, 2018
    buddyd157, Oct 25, 2018
    #6
    rcaldw Thanks this.
  9. Oct 26, 2018 #7
    BigJim63

    BigJim63 Light Load Member

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    The receiver on the 980 is very good. You will probably hear transmissions that are farther away.
     
    BigJim63, Oct 26, 2018
    BigJim63, Oct 26, 2018
    #7
    rcaldw Thanks this.
  10. Oct 26, 2018 #8
    Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

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    1). Disconnect the antenna. Hold it high.
    2). Have friend drive Ram underneath.
    3). Re-connect.

    Now you’re good.
     
    Slowmover1, Oct 26, 2018
    Slowmover1, Oct 26, 2018
    #8
    handlebar, shogun, rcaldw and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. Oct 26, 2018 #9
    Stinky Dairy Air

    Stinky Dairy Air Light Load Member

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    So that's what I've been doing wrong the last 11 years? I need to trade this International for a Ram.
     
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 26, 2018
    Stinky Dairy Air, Oct 26, 2018
    #9
  12. Oct 26, 2018 #10
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    until about 3 to 5 years, and the RAM rots out. like they usually do. then replace with a Ford or GM....
     
    buddyd157, Oct 26, 2018
    buddyd157, Oct 26, 2018
    #10
    tucker Thanks this.
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