General CB Radio advice.

[LittlePearl13]

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!

 

[NOVAhoe]

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

 

['93Yuke]

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.

 

[SunlitComet]

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

 

[LittlePearl13]

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

 

[SunlitComet]

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.

 

[sparg93]

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

 

[NOVAhoe]

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

 

[jdpber]

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..

 

[SunlitComet]

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

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.