The Best CB and antennae combo that you can get over the counter?

Fiberglass antennas are a good bang for the buck. Look for a "5/8 wave" antenna at least 4' in length. They preform better on flatland and MS is "flat". Francis and firestick are good. Wilson claims to preform better but they have failed on me a few times. The wiring tends to break near the base, not good. I think they are just wound too tight and may fry your setup.

They do have a thinner "flexible" antenna, as does the K-40 brand. They are decent, and more robust, than the classic 1/2" thick fiberglass antenna. Probably advertised as a "flex" antenna.

Anything 5/8 wave and at least 4' in length is good.

 

Freightliner Cascadia 2016-2019. Not sure which year til I’m assigned my new truck.

 

That's especially true with the new Francis antennas since they are no longer made in this country to the same standards the original owner made them. The new ones are epoxied together as opposed to a swaged compression fit like they used to be. On a big truck rattling around and shaking around they tend to fall apart.

 

With the antenna bracket that low to the ground you want the longest antenna possible to reach your height restriction.
7 ft long is the minimum length I would use on that particular truck assuming you'll be using one of those brackets that mounts down low on the door.
81 inches total would probably be the maximum length antenna to use on that truck.

 

Yeah I'm finished with Francis

 

Cascadia is a different animal. Lots of people say you want a 6'-7' longlong antenna. They are probably right. 4'5" is a minimum in my experience.

 

The ant in the roof "MIGHT" get you 2 miles onna good day with a bone stock untouched cobra 29 ltd(which would be my choice) ....Swr was good but a cpl other #'s were off on the few i timkered with....Good enough for in and around the yard if thats all your gonna do....

 

last truck I had ,was a 2016 Cascadia, with the integral antenna.

I hooked my stock Cobra 29 to it and had An SWR of about 2. shocked me. left it alone .

 

Cobra 29ltd , there’s really no point in buying anything fancier when it’s just for the truck . You can even buy a cheaper 40 dollar one if you really want. All the new led screens radios they’re putting out break and have a bunch of extra junk you’ll never need.. they all put out 4 Watts regardless
I’d get a power mic just so you can have the best audible possible .
Cobra one is only like 25 bucks