Standard CB or SSB radio? What do you recommend for a newbie?

Yes, it is.
One antenna only is the best solution.
On the driver side to avoid hitting low branches on trees on the passenger side.
Don't forget that the coax cable needs to be a 50 Ohms to match a one antenna setup.
Buy a new steel stud, a new 50 Ohms good quality coax cable,
a new antenna that can be adjusted (if you plan to replace the multiband factory antenna)
and a good RF ground strap (if needed).
Replace all original hardware on the driver side with the new quality stuff.
Tune-up the antenna with a good antenna analyzer, at the antenna stud.
Connect the coax cable and enjoy your new radio.
There are many YouTube videos and valuable posts on this Forum.
Just do a Forum search for info related to your specific truck.

 

He can use one or two antennae.
But only if he is a grasshopper.
Here is a grasshopper that uses 2 antennae.

 

Hee, tnx for making my point.

 

One antenna...
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One antenna

 

1 antenna

 

1 antenna

He didnt have enough $ for 75 ohm coax to run two antenna..

 

Which point am I making?

 

Unless I mis-understood your post, I was trying to make a point that CB radio isn't simple anymore, especially with these newer trucks. You said "yes it is" then you went on about spending lots of money replacing antenna mounts, coax, and buying straps for bonding etc. Then it seems like today a guy needs to spend lots of $$$$'s on a big radio. To me you were proving my previous post about nothing is simple anymore.
Many years ago someone new to cb radio, just bought a CB radio (a real cb), and antenna. They would drill a 3/8 hole in the top of their car (I did), or drill a hole in the trunk lid (my dad did), and just enjoyed the hobby. Truckers installed dual antennas on there big trucks that were made out of metal, set the SWR to 1:5 or so and was happy. No need to send their new cb radio to a tech for a peak & tune. No bonding or expensive coax or antenna mounts, or beefed up power cables needed like today. Maybe a nice power Mic. All I was trying to say was it can be expensive and overwhelming to someone new to the hobby today, when they have all this advice given to them.

 

You said it perfectly.
And your point is great.
Change is everywhere.
Were we like it or not.
So, to get some performance out of a CB Radio,
some money has to be spent.
The OEM spend the minimum on Comm hardware,
and it shows immediately.
If the new operators want improvements,
they should start with the antenna system.
And no more coat hangers recommendations, please. /s
Cheers.