I want to install a simple CB. My question has to do with antenna location. I want a low profile look, and reception doesn't have to be the greatest. I just want to monitor a little cross-talk. Can I locate a short magnetic base antenna on my truck tool box, you know, directly behind the cab?

 

Why don't you go with one of those window antennas. You can get them fairly cheap and they get pretty good reception.

BIG RED 94 4X4

 

Can you elaborate? I'm not familiar with such as that.

 

If you want a decent magnet mount mobile antenna that is low profile, then go with Wilson Antenna's Little Wil. It's the perfect size antenna if you're going to stick it on your tool box, and it will perform surprisingly well for it's size. The whip on the antenna is only 3 feet, which will go a little higher than your cab and allow you to transmit better. Other good brands that I have had experience with are K40 and Firestik. Firestik is good for hood mount applications, but they're a little wider and more visible because of their coil around fiberglass design. I use a 3 foot firestik with a mount that goes into the hood channel. The only bad thing is you have to put holes into the sheet metal. If you're going to spend $15-30 go with the Lil Wil, you'll be happy with it. I've used it before on my Ford Explorer. Please, for the love of Pete, do not buy a magnet mount antenna or glass mount at Wal-mart.

Here's a link for you to check it out.
http://www.wilsonantenna.com/lilwil.htm

Glass mount antenna's are like imitation cellular antennas. Glass mount antennas are the worst option to go with in terms of both reception and transmission. In terms of transmission, there is a lot of energy loss when the RF is trying to pass through the glass. This also affects the reception. Glass mount antennas have no direct connection through the glass, it uses the glass as a conductor. Glass mount antennas can work well with other frequencies i.e. satellite or cellular frequencies, which are much much higher than CB frequencies. However, their convenience is what makes them attractive, because you don't put any holes in anything or have to run wires from outside to inside the cab. I don't know what you're using the cb for, but even a wal-mart magnet mount would be a better choice over the glass mount. I could go on and on about this stuff because it was a hobby for me. Now I pretty much use the CB to find out where the smokies are hiding at.

Take care,
Chris KE7DDL

 

I appreciate the detailed help. I wouldn't buy anything I didn't have to from Walmart, anyway. I've heard about the Lil Wil, and have heard it recommended. Any tips on running the coax? Would it be better to wire a CB in, or can I wire an auxiliary plug to it and use the auxiliary jack? I mean, have you experienced any problems with such as that? Thanks.

 

Hey, I just want you to be happy with your CB. It seems to be a dying art these days. Well I have a 2004 f-150 supercrew and there are rubber grommets in the rear of the cab facing the bed. I'm not sure if your truck has the same thing. So if you're going to put it on your toolbox, i believe that route would be easiest and cleanest. Also, to answer your other question about power, it would help me if you told me what model and brand cb you are going to run. The only problem that I have come across with using an auxiliary plug is the fact that it's not a very clean installation, and it may not have enough current to power your cb properly. Depending on your cb of course. I have a Galaxy DX-99v and it requires a bit more than what a cigarette lighter can provide. You can also run into problems with your electronic fuel injection producing interference, which you will hear through your cb's speaker.

-Chris

 

Search JC Whitney for "Hidden CB Antenna", it is a box that plugs into your stock antenna and has the CB coax and threaded coupling to attach to the back of your CB. Then tuck the box behind the dash. I have used this set up for years on all of my vehicles for highway travel. Not good for long distance talking but it gets the job done for bear checks and vehcle to vehicle travel partners. Check out my gallery pics of the box and intstall.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=6941

 

Come on man.

You need dual whips mounted right behind the cab. One on each side of the bed.

Thats the only way to do it on a pickup.

 

That's what I say... it just gives it the right look...

 

LosBanosF150, I see you have an 2004 FX4. Do you have a center console in it, and if so how or better yet, where did you mount your CB? I've been playin' with a few ideas here and there,and I've seen a few mounts on here already, but nothing seems like it would work. They either seem like they would be in the way, or too hard to operate.

Oh yeah, and if it matters or not, I have a Cobra 29wtx and I'm currently working on an antenna mount to work with my Undercover bed cover.

Thanks,
~Steve~

 

Thanks again for all the input. Lots of options.