The radio meter is probably ok if no one has been in it yet. Only run the amount of coax needed to reach the antenna, you don't need 18 feet of cable. You also may not get it to much lower because of the proxiamity of metal to the antenna. There's nothing to worry about below 2 as long as your not running power. I have been running in a Cascadia fore the last couple of months, I use a post mount near the right mirror about 6 feet of RG214 coax, and have about a 1.75 swr. No going to mess with it gets out fine, hears good. I running a Galaxy 95t but keep it down around 10 watts.
With two separate people saying they have SWR problems with the 980 - the OP and in this thread - New to cb world help I would say the radio itself would be an issue unless it is confirmed to be accurate. running 214 in a truck? Just wonder why.
Did your truck have stock antennas on it? The stock antenna on the older Cascadias that was mounted behind the door on the side of the sleeper would effect your SWR reading quite a bit if not removed. I haven't had any experience with newer trucks and the hidden antenna.
I have a bigger radio I want to install. (955hpc) Just trying to get the antenna set up as best I can prior to that. Still searching for the right ant setup. I know the skipshooter is highly recommended. I'm in a 14 midroof cascadia.
Longer is always better. But they flop around a lot unless you brace it like I did. I would not go less than 5ft. I had a 5 and a 7 foot SkipShooter. I could get by with the 5fter, but the 7fter was a lot better. All our trucks were the Condo type. I don't have any experience with the mid-roof models. Take the time and get some braid strap and bond the mirror to the door and the door to the body across the hinge, then check it. It may be advantageous to go ahead and bond the body to the frame. More bonding = more better!
Those are good SWR readings. The hams would focus on using an antenna analyzer at that point. SWR is only part of the picture. You mention you’re using the radio’s built-in meter. What radio? On my Cobra 29, it’s seems to only approximate. More of a pass fail despite having a calibrated meter. +1 for the external meter.
980ssb. I have not hooked up my Stryker yet. I have to buy another plastic piece since my company wont allow me to cut the one in here
THAT is the right approach. Another panel. But you can save on dealer markup by waiting to see who is using the fuel island for their 30-minute break. Same truck as you? It’s a sign from the Universe. Your door key WILL fit. .
