CB radio purchase-any suggestions?

[johnrv4]

I was thinking about purchasing a CB radio for the truck to use while traveling, and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on which one to get or stay away from... I would like to get one that has the NOAA weather stations. I see that Cobra makes one that has everything in the microphone which seems to be a nice feature(unless I'm missing something). Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[TPCDrafting]

My father-in-law just put one of them Cobra's in his motorhome and took off over three weeks ago. It seemed real neat and worked well when we were testing it. It was nice not having any box to mount on or in or under the dash. There is a small box to mount behind and out of site. The weather stations were coming in good too.

 

[wcjp]

I installed one of these in my Ram about a month ago. It works great. If I had to have long conversations I would opt for a traditional unit. The handset could become bulky for extended talk times. I bought the unit for the weather stations and communicating with others in my Jeep club while towing. I'm very happy with my purchase. I bought it from www.valcoelectronics.com . They have a great price and service. I also bought the mount and coax through them.

 

[rono]

I have an old Cobra 23 channel model 29 I bought back in the '70's and it still works great. I local CB shop guy just grinned when I told him about the 29 and said that it was really a good radio.

Ron

 

[fj40charles]

Make sure you have the CB shop turn up the output and install talk back.



CK

 

[johnrv4]

First off, thanks for the replies. Now I have another question. What kind of CB antenna do you guys recommend? I was thinking I'd just use a magnetic base, but that might not be the best idea. Does anyone make a decent combination FM/CB antenna that would mount in the existing antenna location.



Thanks again

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by rono

I have an old Cobra 23 channel model 29 I bought back in the '70's and it still works great. I local CB shop guy just grinned when I told him about the 29 and said that it was really a good radio.

Ron

I had one of those too. I had used it quite a few vehicles including ones where I had to pull it everyday. Looked like it went through a war but still worked. Finally sold it for 50 bucks at a yard sale.

 

[M Barnett]

The last three or four Cobras I bought gave pretty bad performance and conked out. {I am trucker} Then I went to Galaxy three years ago and highly recommend them. Never a problem.

Michael

 

[Got Smoke?]

I tried to keep my big mouth shut here, but it just ain't happening



I only run Cobra CB's, however I will be trying a Uniden PC 66 in my old 79 Chevy off-road truck next year.



I currently run a Cobra 25 Sound Tracker in the Dodge. Its had a lot of work done to it, and can talk really good distance's on clear days. I wouldn't advise purchasing a Sound Tracker equiped radio if you plan on having it modified though. After the first couple of mod's the system becomes worthless.





FJ40Charles was right about boosting it and adding "talk back. " Talk back gives you the ability to hear how you sound as your are transmitting. Thus, if you have a squeal because something is worng you can fix it.



As far as antenna's go... . if you want a magnent mount I would strongly suggest a Wilson 1000. I currently run a Cobra High Gear off of my toolbox, but a lot of members are running a short fiberglass stick antenna on the fender-lip mount. Personally I don't like that (just my opinion), and don't think it would be real good for trying to talk over distances. Although I could be wrong.



If you can find a really good CB shop go in and ask about Peak & Tune, Power Mod, Super Mod, Bigger Final, and Connex Board. Those are just the begining of what my radio guy can do to your CBOo.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

The Cobra handheld unit works well for me and the Firestick company in Arizona do some pretty neat mounts. I use one of their Dodge RAM dedicated lip mounts on the LHS under the edge of the hood near the windshield. A nice clean install.