General CB Radio advice.

Hi guys. I feel like maybe I should be posting this in the lifted/offroad/4x4 section, but I'm going to be buying a Uniden PRO538W CB Radio soon, and I had some questions. I've used cb's before, but never bought or installed one.

I know that particular radio is the radio I want, but I have no idea where I should mount it on the dash. Anybody have an OBS with a CB mounted in the dash somewhere?I'd love to see some pics or get some ideas. I'm looking for a 'permanent' mount, but I don't want to lose access to any part of the dash.

Also, I *think* I'm planning on purchasing a 4.5' or 5' antenna whip, and I want to mount it on my rear bumper like WalterMitty. Any idea what kind of antenna or antenna mount I should buy? Like, which brands are good, sturdy, and reliable, etc. And what lengths of antenna would you guys suggest?

Any and all opinions appreciated, and thanks again guys!

im gonna mount my antenna the same way as you want to, i bought a cb roof mount from firestik cause i already have a 5 foot fiberglass whip from firestik, good antennas, probably the best one ive ever owned and they are pretty affordable too, i think i got mine for like 35 bucks, and the mount is 15 so pretty cheap for a really decent set up if you ask me

You can't really go wrong with antennas you buy at truck stops, they are usually the best. Best mounting place i can see would be under, or at the bottom of the dash directly below the stereo.

Keep the CB at least one foot away from stereo area. You airbag module is behind there and might cause a whoopee if transmit power is to high with an antenna very nearby too. If you wipers start by themselves then you know you need to back off a little.

---------- Post added at 07:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28813

Thanks guys, this did help. I decided on a different radio, one that's a little smaller. basically the same thing, though. The Unidem PRO520XL instead.

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-PRO520...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1314591853&sr=1-1

It literally has all the same features, except for a front mounted speaker. I figure I need to go smaller, because I picked out a spot: I'm going to attatch it to the underside of that little fold-down ashtray/cigarette lighter/aux plug console. I double checked the dimensions, it should totally fit.

NOVAhoe, if you get yours up before me, I'd like some pics of where you ran the coax wire. I figure since I already have one hole in my firewall for the wiring from my light bar switch, I can just make it a little bigger, run the coax cable out and keep it tucked up under the body all the way to the rear bumper.

Haha yeah, I'm planning on getting a Firestik. The Firestick II 5' to be specific.

http://www.amazon.com/SPRING-SHOCK-SS-HD-UP/dp/B00042LC9M/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b

http://www.amazon.com/FireStik-K-8R18-Fire-Flex-cable-Fire-Ring/dp/B000X3C8L8/ref=pd_cp_e_2

I would get into the whole radio thing just to spend a grand on this. Land or mobile mounting but no CB channels I think. Just cool to have in truck. Maybe on demand forum tech help. Kick ass for sure.

sunlit - you're a trip man...that thing is a beast of capabilities.

I was thinking the same thing regarding a small CB - what do you recommend on how far away it has to be from the radio? I have a denali center console...maybe i could mount it in there...hmmm

yeah man sure thing, im just waiting for my mount to get here cause radioshack doesnt carry the mount i needed and after 5 minutes of being in the local amateur radio shop i knew i should just order it off amazon lol, the asian guy had no idea what i was saying, but anyways when it gets here ill throw some pics up and i still have to decide where i want to mount my cb

Idea wat about a clean simple not flashy mount up front like this. would take a few minutes to fab.. but would look clean simple and un noticed by most everyone..

sparg93 said:

sunlit - you're a trip man...that thing is a beast of capabilities.

Iwas thinking the same thing regarding a small CB - what do you recommend on how far away it has to be from the radio? I have a denali center console...maybe i could mount it in there...hmmm

Click to expand...

A center console would be fine it is just a good idea to keep transmitter at least 6-12" away from safety devices. Call it a safety blanket if you will. It won't blow them but there is a possibility it could keep it from blowing when it is needed.