Thanks DarthJ!

 

And that mount is just about what i imagined on making myself.

 

Sounds like you are on the right track but remember, You will need a good ground for your antenna mount at the mount itself, Then for best results pick up a few 4"-5" bonding straps at your local parts store, Place them at or near all four corners of your box going from your box to your frame.(Don't rely on any factory strap to provide a good RF ground. They're meant solely for DC grounding tail lights etc. and are just inadequate for RF grounding) The antenna is 90% of your installation and like you they will see better the taller they are. For your radio I would run 10G wire to the battery, 8G if you plan on adding a kicker in the future. If you don't have one already here is the best place I have found to buy a meter http://customcbradios.com/Meters-C156195.aspx?sid=2348 The Vanco is a very good unit and reasonably priced. One word of caution on the firesticks, If you do alot of offroading and tree trimming with them the copper coils will break under the plastic and while undectable will drive you crazy while diagnosing your radio problem. Enjoy.

 

ok, so what you are saying is to buy bonding straps and attach them under the bed to the frame correct?

 

Yes Sir. There is no reason with a proper antenna system that little radio can't talk 10-12 miles, Even twenty with a proper tune and alighnment. Everyone thinks 5-6 miles is good enough and the norm when it is certaintly not.

 

Wow, that good to know that I can be capable of such range. I do have a couple questions though. Can you explain to me how to attach the bonding straps? And when you say proper tune, is there more to tuning it besides using a SWR meter?

 

Buy some self tapping screws and star washers, Attach a strap to a convienient spot of the support structure under the box to the frame on all four corners. If you really NEED a compact radio buy this one http://www.sparkyscbshack.com/catalo...95/8248470.htm Sparky is IMHO the second best radio man in the United States and will have you talking proud. If you really want to talk go here http://customcbradios.com/Cobra-Blac...n-P643685.aspx Doug IS the best. This is the radio in my truck and I have talked with other GOOD radios and base stations to 45 miles away. There is much more to grounding,Bonding and proper antenna matching/Location but this is plenty to get you started. If you have any questions PM me your # and a good time to call, I'll be happy to help you out.

Tim

 

i have a 102 in whip i put on my back bumper...talk about who cares about trees..that thing bends over like my x they are the best tuned antenna 2

 

my old realistic is mounted on my center console on my passenger side. i dont have an ant yet, schools so $$ but now that schools over with ill get it soon. but i have a pa horn on it so its well worth it. haha but mine has a cigarette lighter adapter. and i keep it plugged in at all times. it works great. looped around the back and in the rear port.

 

where did u put your PA speaker>? only place i could find to put mine was the grill... and it looks stupit there