Need advise on cb

Check for continuity on hot and ground circuits:
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Testing_Continuity.htm

 

Read the threads about the "cascadia" antenna problems. Very helpful.

 

That graphic should be made a sticky in the forum..

 

Most all antennas can be tuned. If they are fiberglass as most stock antennas are you can tune most of them.
Is SWR Higher or lower on channel 1 ?
Check channel 1 and 40 and post the results....either they are electrically long or short in the eyes of the SWR meter.

Factory co=phased coax can be the issue also.

 

Look for a Freightliner Cascadia CB mount. I know WalcottCB sells one but its high and doesn't look good IMO. Check this one out, you take 2 mirror screws out, put the mount on, put screws in original spot. Looks really clean and neat! http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cascadia-semi-truck-mount.html

 

That's your prob. Those stock antennas are total junk. Invest in a Wilson antenna and that mount I posted above and call it a done deal.

 

I tried to tune the stock system on the Cascadia and couldn't make a difference. I did not try messing with the antenna trimmer behind the instrument panel.

 

Yes, the key to having a CB work good is having a quality antenna and a good ground! Those factory antennas aren't grounded. If they are, it's little to none. Don't buy a cheapo antenna! I've always seemed to get better results out of a aluminum antenna over a fiberglass antenna. Go with the Wilson 2000 Trucker. I own a Wilson 5000 Mag Mount and love it!