I need some help with my CB install. (Pictures)

Been REAL happy with the 636L in my truck. Got rid of all of the background noise, and I run 6" straights on the KW.

Loud and crystal clear.

 

What? No Lima Charlie???

 

I've been out of the radio business for a long time, but aren't pre-tuned antennas supposed to have a specific cable length from the factory and adding a jumper or shortening will affect the tune? I know I had one like this once for my ham radio, but it had a nice warning tag on the coax to remind me not to shorten it.

 

yeah, 12', 18' and some others were mandated, but I've seen variable homemades that were odd lengths and worked well. It's not an exact science they'd have you believe. I think (could be wrong?) that getting the best quality, best shielded coax is more important.
Factually, the 1/2" thick military coax I use in my pickup was cut to fit the truck and my SWR's are dead flat; always have been.

 

Yes, shortest coax possible is your best setup, with the exception of the ones that require a specific length.

 

great pics...good job on this post

 

I have a 31' motor home with a very similar ladder. The antenna sees everything so I would move yours to the top.
Your set up looks very clean.
Just that lil bit of antenna below the top could cause the high swr.
Beings that the camper has allot of non metallic surface I got a no ground plane antenna FG2-DD from Firestik.
I get 1.2 to 1 at the highest and yes you need a real swr meter because the ones on the radio are seldom accurate.

 

VERY good setup...the camper will balance out the ugly of a front stick. Now, quickly, run out and spray that spring with WD-40 or some oil equivalent. Unless you like the color of RUST! Once it starts...yeeesh!