CB Questions

[DanW]

I like to equip my Jeeps with both GMRS and CB. My JL has a nice Bearcat CB for highway and a 50w Midland MXT 575 for trail comms. I am getting ready to set my JT up with a CB. I have a small and nice President CB, but it lacks the new FM.

1) Does anyone even use FM? I've heard that truckers and folks on the highway have really not adopted it yet. I know truckers don't talk on CB's much anymore, but when there is a traffic event, they still do and it is easy to get responses. I'm just not sure it is worth buying a new one with FM if nobody is using it.
2) Where are you guys putting CB antennas? I'm thinking of the bed, right near the cab. Thoughts and ideas are welcome!

Thanks!

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[RdFx21]

1) I do not run FM but am considering switching to a Cobra 75.

2) I run this fender mount with a Firestik and like it really well. https://www.rightchannelradios.com/products/jeep-jl-cb-antenna-fender-mount-2018

 

[HooliganActual]

2) I run this fender mount with a Firestik and like it really well. https://www.rightchannelradios.com/products/jeep-jl-cb-antenna-fender-mount-2018

@DanW
This is my favorite mounting location as it makes the entire hood the plane that catches the signal. All three of my Jeeps are set up this way; however on my Wranglers I actually used pod light mounts on the hood rather than the fender mount. Same effect.

 

[chorky]

Your geographical location makes a big difference in who uses CB or not. For me, in my area, CB is still heavily used by loggers, and we have a lot of logger/pov conflicts every year. Granted I know where they are working with working for the FS but it's still nice to know and to be able to hear if a truck is coming down with 60,000 pounds of logs. There are also still some that use it here and there and for emergencies. So for that reason I still run CB. IMO, if you have the means, running CB and GMRS is a good way to go.

I muted mine on the front cowl and it has worked well. Yes it hits branches on tight roads, but thus far there have been no performance issue

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/products/stryker-center-load-antenna-1
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...9kMYz5T_W4SYqB3IoGfyMzSmoQgrLkTUaAjMhEALw_wcB

 

[Radio Guy]

I would not recommend the upper rear bed rail against the rear window for a CB antenna, not enough ground plane. It can work ok for UHF/GMRS. My favorite spot for most antennas is an NMO trunk lip mount on the hood near the hinges, the hood provides the best ground plane for most antennas.

I would suggest a base loaded CB type with thin whip that will not put any stress on the mount and a Larsen brand is among the best. If you want to go cheap Tram/Browning has a similar size model. Here is the Browning model that is similar to the Larsen https://www.ebay.com/itm/353440384024?epid=2254323501&itmmeta=01HYDWQ0TFKNG6SK9AGC8Q8T6E&hash=item524ab04418:g:JBQAAOSwZZ1gZpAc&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAAwAKJby8BnEl3Pf7nl8dzPAJQ8z6HbG8Q42IpaP/FZ7cicaFs1NF1JqltbX9DwS6MAXKFuV/jYQ6lw3ogevm4oMumQZGCt45HeQEcfdYNpoyAiLUe0fezrl7myeEeX+tyHI1WqvpaAFWtqXpPb6YKA4u76t7eQH9M6X273Ju5urTCWigNNwwUVNBvDC/ue9em9lJJZAh6b2m6yN0bShTdMwq8h04/eEwTJEt7LgQrScdt6hlvJcverecZDTe3pREP5w==|tkp:Bk9SR7CN3LzzYw.

You have many choices for GMRS from 6” long 1/4 wave whips to mid gain 1/2 wave or 5/8 wave like the PCTEL MUF-4502 or nearly 3ft long stacked colinear types like the PCTEL MUF-4505. Here are pics of some Laird brand trunk lip mounts I found on eBay for about $20 each and they have been working great With various antennas.

 

[hjdca]

Note: I have both GMRS and CB installed in my truck. Most people use GMRS, and so far, I have not found any groups in my area using CB.... but unfortunately, I also find too many with hand held Baofengs that are using HAM channels or channels that you are not supposed to use. I have a HAM license, so, I keep a HAM handheld radio with me on a trail ride, but, it can be frustrating when a group is using something you do not expect nor agree with....

 

[FL Robert]

Sad Ham

 

[Alpine Warthog]

I'm with you on the CB/GMRS thing. I finally added my CB and GMRS and am still fidgeting with the final details. I've got the Midland 275 and a bearcat for CB. I chose those because the controls are on the mic along with the display. I've got something cause interference that I haven't even tried to hunt down. Yet...

 

[hjdca]

I'm with you on the CB/GMRS thing. I finally added my CB and GMRS and am still fidgeting with the final details. I've got the Midland 275 and a bearcat for CB. I chose those because the controls are on the mic along with the display. I've got something cause interference that I haven't even tried to hunt down. Yet...

Note: Regarding interference, make sure to run a very short ground to a great ground connection. I had the Midland 275 that I ran to the interior 12 volt acc. connection on the passenger side and I also had interference. Later, when I upgraded to the Midland 575, I ran the 12 volt wire all the way to the battery, and ran a better, short ground. This fixed my interference issues.

 

[ShastaJT6]

Stupid question here - what is the value added in having a CB in addition to the GMRS?

Is it just easier to communicate with friends who dont have GMRS, like you can use both, or is there something I am missing?

 

[Josh00333]

I run a GMRS for most things.

I need to add a CB, Easter Jeep Safari and Red Rock 4 Wheeler still use CB for every thing.

 

[DarthAWM]

Stupid question here - what is the value added in having a CB in addition to the GMRS?

Is it just easier to communicate with friends who dont have GMRS, like you can use both, or is there something I am missing?

Mostly the ability to use phrases like "Breaker 1-9" and "we got ourselves a convoy"

 

[Radio Guy]

Sad Ham

How bout a pissed off ham? If I were to show up at an off road meet and a bunch of idiots with no amateur license fired up on amateur frequencies with Baoturd radios there would be a big problem. I’m not fond of A Holes that don’t think they need to abide by rules like FCC licenses or paying for a required USFS pass to get into some areas, etc because they think they are special. Try Taking over some amateur frequencies without a license when some of the group are licensed amateurs and you will find out just how special you are.

 

[DanW]

In my JL, I run both. I run into many Jeepers that just have CB still. I also like talking to truckers if something is going down on the highway. While they don't talk alot, they do respond almost every time if I ask a question or look for information. GMRS is my primary trail radio, and I do have a license (WRBQ485). My CB antenna on the JL is on the spare tire carrier and while not ideal, doesn't work too badly.

I like some of the CB antenna mounting options you have all shown here, so thank you very much! The GMRS antenna will probably go right where it is on my Wrangler...on the driver's front fender, once I go to a fixed radio. For now, I'm using a portable Radiodity GM-30. I will eventually get another Midland MXT575, but I've got to finish the build first....(diff covers, bed liner, winch, front bumper, etc.)

 

[FL Robert]

How bout a pissed off ham? If I were to show up at an off road meet and a bunch of idiots with no amateur license fired up on amateur frequencies with Baoturd radios there would be a big problem. I’m not fond of A Holes that don’t think they need to abide by rules like FCC licenses or paying for a required USFS pass to get into some areas, etc because they think they are special. Try Taking over some amateur frequencies without a license when some of the group are licensed amateurs and you will find out just how special you are.

Oh! a Super Sad Ham! I guess you put me in my place.

...and a retired broadcast engineer to boot. Makes you an extra special sad ham. You guys get so upset. It makes me laugh.

PS I probably know you. Yes, I have been a "ham" for a very long time. Back in the days of General. Back before I worked in radio in LA. LOL Relax Francis.

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