CB mounting in '03?

[_Hyde]

Those of you that have installed CBs in the '03, what did you use and where did you put it? It looks like there is slightly less room than in the 2nd gen which really makes me miss my Brolin Bracket setup. Got my Cobra 29 on eBay and I'm looking for a more compact radio and thinking of mounting it in the cubby hole under the AC controls in the non-Laramie model. Any ideas? The CB forums I've been on haven't been much help. They're as fanatical about their CBs as many of us are about our trucks/engines. Pics would be nice if you have any.



Thanks,



Darren

 

[Boonieman]

There's several guys on here that have mounted their CB's in several different ways, and there was a pretty good discussion about this a couple months ago, including pictures if you search the forums. Personally, I went with the Cobra C75WXST because of it's almost unlimited mounting possibilities. All the controls are in the microphone, and the actually "box" that has to be mounted is very small.

 

[SRadke]

I run an old Cobra 25 and I mouted it low and right of the steering column next to the transfer case shifter. I put the microphne hanger on the top right corner of it and I don't have to bend over to reach the mich. It works great for me. Where to put the linear is a diffrent issue.



My best advise is sit in there with the radio and hold it in diffrent places until you find one you like. Then figure out how to mount it there. Good luck!

 

[_Hyde]

I'm contemplating the Cobra 75 for my application but it is not well received on the CB forums. My main use is for monitoring road conditions when traveling and to gather LE intel. I figure it will work fine for that purpose.



Darren

 

[Boonieman]

Hyde,



I've heard the same negative comments about the Cobra 75, but it sure is easy to mount. I had a Cobra 29 w/firestick for awhile on my 2001. 5 CTD. I'm now using the 75 with a thru-the-glass antennae. For the CB purist this combo is a sin. But for the casual user like me that monitors traffic problems or has occasional conversation it suits me fine. It doesn't have the range for sure... . but it works good for traveling in a group, etc... which is all I ever use mine for.

 

[_Hyde]

Right on Boonie. The majority of communicating I do is in a caravan anyway. May be kinda rude but we usually squelch up pretty high to keep the background noise minimized. With regards to keeping up with intel on the road the truckers keep up a 'repeater' system going that far outranges even the best setup short adding a lot of power. I think I'll go with the 75. Thanks for mentioning the thru glass antenna. I got a buddy with a, gulp, excursion and doesn't want to drill into the roof or anywhere else. That may be the solution for him.



Darren

 

[Ladders]

I went with the hand unit and the Firestick fender mount. The "Enterprize" (94 Transport) has a glass mount due to all the plastic cladding on it. Couldnt find a spot for a mag mount. It has my "gud" radio and it works ok but not OK... .



The 75 works better due to the ant and it is nice to have the weather freqs avail. It talks OK and hears pretty gud but the noise level is a little more than the other one causing more sql to be used. Still it keeps thing down to a low "roar" with the limited mounting avail. Had the figure out how to mount the XM units this past few days and set the rf unit behind (forward?) of the shifter, above the go pedal in that space. The major unit is behind the knee bolster held in with tie raps to keep it out of the adj pedal way ... . Havent found a place for the display yet. Its an Alpine unit. Using the TERK clipon as a temp ant with a spring clamp holing it to the bed rail until the new mag mount gets here (its a Pioneer ant that Crutchfield just got).





Sorri for the loonngg discussion (yea,, right---





SOTSU!!

\\BF//

 

[_Hyde]

Does the 75 have a jack for an external speaker/earphone?

 

[Boonieman]

Hyde,

Yes, the 75 does have an external speaker jack.

 

[Boonieman]

Hyde,

Also there is a picture of how I have the 75 set up in my truck. It in Readers Rigs under Boonieman's truck. I don't know how to do links to it. Sorry.

 

[bighammer]

Boonieman, is that a thru glass antenna for the CB right next to the phone ant. ? How is your range? Did you check SWR?



I have the same radio, but had a magnetic mount antenna from Radio Shack. (junk) I need a replacement, but I'm not sure what to go with. I'd like decent range, but still get into the garage, structures, etc.

 

[Boonieman]

Bighammer:



Yep, my CB antennae is very close to the external phone antennae. A friend of mine set the SWR for me. It was a little on the high side if I remember right, but within limits. As far as distance, it has somewhat further range behind me than in front. I haven't accurately measured the range, but I'd estimate easily two miles on flat road. Like I said, I normally use it when traveling in a group so I haven't really had to test it much further than that.