I've been trying to come up with a better way to install a cb antenna. Originally had used a fender mount with a 2 ft. Firestik, which gave me about an 11-12 mile range, but looked out of place and bulky up front.


So, how to mount behind the cab. Since I have a tonneau, I couldn't go inside the bed, and the composite bed of the flareside means no ground plane if mounted to the plastic. So, in an effort to get creative, I used a 2 foot Firestik "no ground plane" antenna like the ones used for boats, connected to a Radio Smak multi position ball mount on the top of the flareside rail right beind the cab. The plastic trim piece pops up, and the wire runs nice and hidden under the cab to the front of the bed.


Just mounted it yesterday, and seem to be getting a little less range, but still able to get out 8-9 miles, which is enough for me.

 

another shot:

 

Of course you are getting shorter range. Your antenna is closer to the cab which means you are getting a higher SWR causing a loss of transmission power. I kept mine mounted at the fender because anytime I put on the gooseneck trailer I get extremely high SWRs which reduces power and, over time, will burn out the radio.

11-12 mile, 8-9 mile ranges?? Is your radio modded, or are you running a linear, or talking to a base station to get those ranges? Typically the range on a mobile CB radio is about 4-5 miles (average is a mile/watt), with a legal 4 watt maximum. The only other way to get more range than that is a much bigger ground plane (such as putting your rear wheels in a lake), using a base station, or elevation. I've only experienced longer ranges with some exceptional weather conditions and catching an atmospheric "skip".

 

Looks like you had to drill holes in your bed for that one! I used to have a stake hole mounting kit in my truck, it worked great.

 

Calm yourself, citizen. Hole is only in the plastic piece, the fender below has some "vaired" cutouts and proper fitment lets the bracket bottom/wiring come through. Plastic piece is available for replacement at a total cost of $11 and just clips in place.

One problem with using a stake pocket...Flaresides ain't got 'em. They give us t he goofy tie downs on the side, instead.

TX Drifter: I run all over Nebraska and SD, and the wide open spaces easily give the range I quoted...

 

Thats not so bad then, but from the pic it looks as if there is the cover on the stake pocket.

 

Nah, it's a cheesy ribbed section...no pockets.

 

I knew there had to be an explanation for that kind of range. Basically flat ground without obstacles and favorable atmosphere. That is still really good for the short antenna so close to the cab wall. I imagine your SWRs are very close to the 2 mark because of that.

We have a lot of trees here. I used to run in Colorado Springs at times. The "kids" out there are running 250+ watt linears and cojones the size of grapefruits and step on everyone they can. I always found that very annoying. Have fun and catch ya' on the flip-side.

Handle here is the handle on the radio.