I want to install a CB radio in a '99 250LD supercab with a cab over the bed. Has anyone had trouble with the truck electronics after adding a CB. I have CD changer mounted in the console. I haven't got the CB yet and am open for idea's as the brand, model, ant, where to mount etc. I'm not drilling holes in the roof. I was thinking a "tuned" CB, Wilson 500 magnetic mount. Thanks...

 

Hi Raisin Welcome!

Did you try "seach"? Dont know if still there but lots of tips.

Meantime...my old ride same as yours. Had snugtop on bed but some clearance between it and back of cab. Used mag. mount on top of cab.

Ran coax down between that opening, under bed, up thru rubber plug in frame. Coax came out close to pass. rear door..i just ran across floor under front seat to radio.

I mounted radio on the vertial part of dash..below cup holders.
Thats worked ok for me. My new truck has center console, so i mounted radio to front of it, coax similiar install as old.

Used spiral wrap on coax etc. In my case i wired straight to battery w/in line fuse.

Have you used or familiar w/cb's.? Lots of combos. etc. Just depends on how fussy you are. The cobra 148 gtl was a great radio but its replacement is not the same, less quality etc.

I did use that old one for years. Replaced w/Galaxy DX 959..has all the bells whistles etc. Works just fine. But again...so do most.

You'll find about the same with antennas. I found that the K40 w/mag. mount made less static w/my radio. Again...it may take alittle experimenting on your part. Anyhow Wilson...K40...Firestik..Francis hot rod..are good antennas + lots others. Some have length choice...if going on mag.mount on cab... fiberglas 5 footers will be ok..any longer..maybe to much wt. for mag. mount?

Sometimes you get lucky..and get a really good match between the radio/antenna. If radio has "swr" meter..thats a big plus, if not, maybe you can borrow or buy one. Not expensive for simple swr checks. If not matched correctly and swr to high, you could puk the radio. Quality radios are rated to handle "very high swr" for so long before they die. Just be aware.

Some antennas are adjustable. Francis is not, but probably want need it.

Good luck...OT

btw...interference maybe/maybe not on cd? when i use cb, its the only radio etc on. Have heard of them causing cruise control to work irratic. Again, you'll find out soon enough. There are filters etc. to elimate that problem.

 

I've just installed amateur HF radio which is much more complex. In general the vehicle causes more problems with the radio (electronic noise) than the radio causes with the vehicle. Weird things can happen like the engine shutting off when you transmit. If you have and illegal amp , they are so poorly made , it's more likely to have problems. A proper installation will minimize the problems--good quality components, properly grounded, powered direct to battery ( not to cigarette lighter) etc.

 

thanks to both of you.. I'll upgrade to K40 or wilson 1000 ant. Run hot wire direct to battery thru choke. I wanted CB or 2-meter ham in case of emer while traveling thru the west in case of emer. I have a cell phone but can't use it in all places even here in Michigan. I had a cb years ago but never talked much and I could get a ham license (I have an FCC 1st class comm from years pass). Just don't have the experience you guys have. I looked up Galaxy DX959 looks like a good radio, price ok, how do you like SSB? A 4X4 website was bad mouthing it and said no one else would have it. I could get CB with SSB thats tuned and peaked with good ant and have it covered...thanks

 

Hi Raisin

Seems you got a handle on it. I dont use cb like i use to. Mostly now on road trips. Get alot of laughs from truckers using them.

Yes, SSB will give you another 80 channels. Also will help to get out alittle better. Unless you use kicker, that's another story

My DX has been ok. Got it from my friend who is a HAM. He fools around with alot of different radios..11 meter (cb) and various 2-10 meter etc. radios. Said for the $, was a descent radio. Get a ham radio w/11 m. Quality radios, best of both worlds + talk around the world But legally need lic/test.

Funny how radios and like our trucks...all mass produced, but not created equal. Same price, just some better than others. Same here w/cell phone & dead spots. Seems thats fairly common.

Good luck...OT

 

I put a Cobra CB in my F-150. Now, for me, it was important to get one with a PA feature. I mounted an external speaker up under the hood and ran the wire along the coax through a plug in the firewall.

I love having the PA. Great fun.

Oh, and never had any problems with the system, just make sure that if you wire it straight to the battery you remember to turn it off... duh.