What is a good Starter cb for a new trucker?

I would tend to agree with you that your antenna and a low SWR is always my first priority. No sense in having the power if your losing it thru your antenna system. I had compliments on my little Uniden Pro 520 XL putting out 3 watts. I was only bringing out the point that all radios don't come thru putting out the legal limit. I definitely won't get in my car and drive over 4 hrs. to Bob's CB shop to gain a watt.

 

Never ran wit a CB.

A couple recent incidents changed my mind.

Just got me a Cobra 29LX that works fine right outta the box, hooked up to the stock Volvo antenna setup in my company truck.

I'm pleasantly surprised!

 

Was southbound on 85 a couple of days ago into Atlanta. 52” backup ahead.

Heard, Exit at mm 137, cut over to 985. (Made a fast map check, and went).

Worked.

 

At my DC, boss said we were not allowed antennas on the driver door mirror (Cascadia). I went over his head and talked to his boss, citing examples like this where if I could hear farther than the stock setup allowed, I could conceivably keep rolling instead of sitting in traffic....and getting paid for nothing (delay pay kicks in after 45 minutes).

Got my antenna mounted the next day.

 

Wouldnt you have to allow someone inside of it to lower the dk for that RM italy?

 

Nope.

I read the arguments in favor of it and understand what’s supposed to be at stake.

Hasn’t mattered on mine. Whether it puts out 3W or 4W it’s been fine for 50K miles.

I asked Ray Brashear and his opinion was that it wouldn’t matter.

A man on another radio forum who did the factory-authorized repairs is in favor of turning it down. 1.5-2W DK as I recall.

The diffetence in “power” (how well one is heard) won’t really change.

To finish, I’ve recommended leaving things alone so drivers keep unqualified fingers (theirs or others) out of a great little radio.

This isn’t 1989 anymore.

.

 

How much do places charge to peak and tune ?

 

IMO any cb that you don't blast millennial music over and use it to be helpful will work perfectly.

Cobra 29/roadking mic gets my vote and add an external speaker...made a world of difference for me

 

Can I apply?

 

Your complicating the issue let the guy get familiar with radios before stepping up to Amps