Gen 3 --- CB Radio setup

[All-Terrain]

Buying a CB radio to put in my Gen 3. Will start with a simple unit, probably the Uniden 520XL since it is robust.

I have the entertainment setup with overhead DVD player, which I'd like to keep for the kids, so no extra DIN slot to play with...

... any suggestions on a stealthy installation for the CB itself?

And, what's a good way to mount the antenna?

I was considering putting an antenna bracket on the spare tire holder, so that the antenna would basically sit between the spare tire and the back door. Not sure if that's a great spot for reception, though. Otherwise, maybe there's a simple way to mount it on one of the roof rails..? I will be removing the antenna when it's not in use, only installing it when we are going places and expect to use the CB for trail comms, etc.

Open to suggestions for sure.

 

[Marutuk]

My '03 came with a CB installed, the unit was installed in the bottom part of the console (drawback: the mic cable hits the shifter, but since it's an automatic it isn't a big deal). But I may be looking to move it around, especially if I get a HAM radio installed as well.

The antenna is mounted behind the rear wheel on the steel bit that holds it. It is pretty easy to add/remove the firestick when needed, it just needs the tire to come off briefly. I do need to get something to prevent it from smacking against the car though, better than the bit of cloth I use now.

I'll take some pics of this if you'd like.

 

[All-Terrain]

My '03 came with a CB installed, the unit was installed in the bottom part of the console (drawback: the mic cable hits the shifter, but since it's an automatic it isn't a big deal). But I may be looking to move it around, especially if I get a HAM radio installed as well.

The antenna is mounted behind the rear wheel on the steel bit that holds it. It is pretty easy to add/remove the firestick when needed, it just needs the tire to come off briefly. I do need to get something to prevent it from smacking against the car though, better than the bit of cloth I use now.

I'll take some pics of this if you'd like.

Thanks. Definitely would love some photos of the setup, please!

 

[JBThompson]

Having the antenna mounted on the roof is going to provide better signal, and the closer to the center the better as it helps create a more uniform ground plane. Mounted on the back you'll have great signal ahead of you but range will suffer going the other way. It's really a matter of what your needs are versus convenience and aesthetics.

As for the radio itself, have you considered an all-in-one unit? Midland makes one with the controls on the mic and the box just mounts somewhere discrete like under a seat or behind the dash.

 

[Marutuk]

Unfortunately I didn't get home until it was dark, but I'll make some pics tomorrow when I head to work.

As for the antenna location, it does indeed matter, and the middle of the roof is the best spot (which is where I put my magnetic one for my ham )

 

[Mrknowitall]

I'm guessing that when you say "overhead DVD setup, you mean in the top of the dash- otherwise, how would it interfere... Ashtray might work for you. That CB is much less than DIN size. Remember though, if you do mount inside the dash, you might want an external speaker plugged in.
As for the antenna, The tire carrier is a good spot for function- optimal transmission and reception would certainly be from the roof, but a nice flexible fiberglass whip on the tire mount will flex out of the way so you can get under stuff like garage doors, drive throughs, car washes, or a tree branch. Reception will be PLENTY fro what most people ask of their CB- chatting with people on the trail.

 

[All-Terrain]

I'm guessing that when you say "overhead DVD setup, you mean in the top of the dash- otherwise, how would it interfere... Ashtray might work for you. That CB is much less than DIN size. Remember though, if you do mount inside the dash, you might want an external speaker plugged in.
As for the antenna, The tire carrier is a good spot for function- optimal transmission and reception would certainly be from the roof, but a nice flexible fiberglass whip on the tire mount will flex out of the way so you can get under stuff like garage doors, drive throughs, car washes, or a tree branch. Reception will be PLENTY fro what most people ask of their CB- chatting with people on the trail.

I have the factory entertainment option with DVD screen where the sunroof would be. The DVD player itself takes up a DIN slot in the center console. So I don't have that spare spot, that's what I meant. I'll check out the ashtray, that's a good idea if it fits.

About how badly will the reception be reduced with the antenna on the spare tire carrier? The CB will be 99.5% intended for trail comms, yes. Obviously would try to use it if there was an emergency that required it. Might get a weather-capable one so I can listen to any alerts.

 

[Marutuk]

So I took some pics:

This is my CB installed. As you can see the microphone connector isn't located ideally but it can be accessed easily.


My firestick


It is attached behind my spare on the metal spare holder.


The wire runs inside the car at the bottom.

Inside the wire is hidden in the lining so it doesn't show.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[All-Terrain]

Thanks!!

Great info and photos, I appreciate it.

I don't have that spare cubby area about the ashtray, like in your truck, Marutuk. I'll have to find another place for the CB.

Any idea what kind of usable reception range you have with your antenna mounted back there? I understand the range can vary as conditions and terrain change. Just trying to get a ballpark understanding of what I'm doing before I do it.

 

[Marutuk]

My car is quite dusty I noticed

As for the range, I haven't tested it a lot as the group I generally go off roading with uses HAM radio instead. The few times I tried, it wasn't bad however but that was all from relatively close by. I do have to say that for the type of antenna, the location isn't too bad as they aren't very flexible.

 

[Marutuk]

To bump, I actually moved my CB to the ashtray location in the end (and put my HAM Radio where the CB was). It isn't ideal but it works.

 

[plh]

To bump, I actually moved my CB to the ashtray location in the end (and put my HAM Radio where the CB was). It isn't ideal but it works.

Curious why you didn't mount your Firestick to your front ARB bumper. I have mine up there on my Gen 2.

 

[Marutuk]

Curious why you didn't mount your Firestick to your front ARB bumper. I have mine up there on my Gen 2.

It was installed behind the spare tire by the previous owner, I just didn't bother changing it's location following me installing the bumper. I am not 100% certain if I'll be keeping a CB in my car either as I haven't made use of it at all, I am predominantly on HAM.

Saying that, I am considering putting my 2m/70cm antenna on my front bumper or on a rear mount, just much higher up so it isn't impacted by the car's structure (currently it is on a magnetic mount on the roof)