CB Radio Install - Yes some still find them useful

[jfoj]

While this is not a DIY or video, I will share a simple and fairly covert CB radio set up for under $200. While some may things CB radio is dead, it is not. Even with Maps, Waze, Radar Detectors, I have had a lot of good luck running a CB radio for many reasons over the years. I do a LOT of highway runs and CB's have saved me in a lot of traffic situations that Maps or Waze did not have accurate and updated information. While I may not use the radio on every highway run, I do have it and use it often. Hopefully this may be of interest to some on the forum.

Cobra recently updated one of their compact CB radios which makes for a simple and quick installation. This radio also supports Bluetooth headsets as well if desired. Be careful as you search for the Cobra All Road radio because this name is a carry over and the prior generation radio did not have this 2 part Bluetooth configuration which makes the installation easy and keeps the cabin clean. The microphone/controller can easily be stored in the center console when not being used.

This specific unit is a 2 part system with a Bluetooth handheld All In One microphone/controller and remote chassis module. Whe way these trucks are set up you can easily mount the remote chassis with industrial Velco inside the drivers rear fuse block/jack access area, power it directly from the fuse block and plug the microphone/controller into the USB port in the console. The antenna can be connected to the radio module and easily be routed out the rear hatch and the antenna can be magnetic mounted on the roof right in front of the window spoiler.

For what this system is, the performance is really good and there are a lot of nice features built into this radio.

This is the link for the radio - Cobra All Road Wireless CB Radio

This is the link for the recommended magnetic mount antenna - Tram 703-HC Antenna

 

[Airman68]

I've been wanting to add a CB but couldn't figure out where to put that big thing. This looks like a good idea. What's the plan to route the antenna wire? Would you just have it in the jam of the door? Just thinking about this, I have a 12v outlet by the rear door. I could put the main unit right back there and save a bunch of antenna wire running through the cab.

 

[jfoj]

At this point I just pass the coax cable in the jam of the rear hatch and make sure the wire is not pinched, it is just clamped by the hatch gasket.

So for earlier models, I have a 2005 Yukon and I think you could still put the radio module in the jack storage area, but I have no idea if there is power easily available in this area. I think your model may have a power outlet on the passenger side, you could tie into this and run power under the hatch trim to the jack storage area??

I recall the Cobra package comes with a cigarette lighter to USB adapter so you can just power the microphone/controller head from the adapter if the vehicle does not already have a USB port near the console.

This split head configuration has been used by Ham equipement for years, but just seems to be showing up in the CB platform. I have not been disappointed about the performance of the radio or antenna. I used the same antenna on my 2005 and had reasonable results for a smaller magentic mount antenna that I could easily remove when not in use.

You could also easily move this system from vehicle to vehicle with some cigaretter lighter plugs and not even fully install the remote box for quick set up. The microphone/controller head handles all the features for the radio.

 

[genestoy]

Several of us travel together when towing our travel trailers and we use the Midland handheld all-in-one unit CLICK HERE
Real simple to use with a magnetic antenna placed in the center of our Yukon roof and the cable runs over to the rear driver door and thru the seal at the top, down the pillar under the mat and between the driver seat and the console to connect to the handheld unit. You do not use the short antenna that comes with the Midland nor do you use the battery box that it also comes with. When not in use I just leave it in the center console and pop off the magnetic antenna until next trip. Granted it does not have Bluetooth but it also does not need any extra box or connections.