CB radio choice feedback, another CB question

[diddy2003]

So my mom was asking what I wanted for Christmas for the Jeep, and I decided on this:
Uniden 510 Jeep & Off-Road CB Kit | Right Channel Radios
I was going to go with the Uniden Pro 520XL, Firestik FS 4 foot, and the teraflex tail light mount for the passenger side. It doesn't say if the antennae is tunable, but I would assume it is.

So what do you think? The only issue I have is that I don't have much room left to fit in the garage without a big CB antennae. So, would you go with a quick disconnect or a spring?

Firestik CB Antenna Quick Disconnect K-1A | Right Channel Radios

Firestik Medium CB Antenna Spring SS-3H | Right Channel Radios

There is also a mount like this, but it is pretty expensive
Quadratec Exclusive JW-2SP - CB Antenna Mount Kit for 87-95 Jeep® Wrangler YJ - Quadratec

 

[coldair]

I own one of those uniden CB's they are JUNK!! I would go with a cobra love mine. Newegg.com - Cobra 29 LTD Classic CB Radio

 

[SmokeEater]

ya, not a fan of the small unidens. i love my uniden pc68xl which is a cobra 29lx clone. if you're looking for small, the cobra 75 or midland 75 series are GREAT. the ONLY issue that i had with the one i got was it wasnt really loud enough for running loud stuff. but this kit fixes that with the external speaker. mine got retired to my dads towing rig, and i put uniden with special smoke inside into my truck. i run a 5' 5/8" diameter firestick grounded through my toolbox. gets out real well. just get your SWR readings in check and you'll be real happy


the cobra 75 kit
Cobra 75 Jeep & Off-Road CB Kit | Right Channel Radios

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I own one of those uniden CB's they are JUNK!! I would go with a cobra love mine. Newegg.com - Cobra 29 LTD Classic CB Radio

Agreed. I sold the Uniden and bought the cobra for replacement some years ago and was never disappointed.......till I just realized I got rid of the cobra classic years ago when I got a cell phone. Thought I would never need a cb radio again, then I got a jeep the same year model as myself.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[diddy2003]

Midland 1001 LWX CB Radio | Right Channel Radios

So you guys like this one over the Pro 520 XL? Don't see a kit available for this one.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I don't know about where to purchase as I bought that one I had in a truck stop in either Lubbock or Amarillo.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[CJ]

Here is a recent thread concerning CB's, might be of some interest...

>> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/cb-radio-help-14236/

 

[Torxhead]

C.B. radios are a must have when with a group. One problem I have had with whatever one I install is that the speakers are too small and so I always replace it with a larger one. Keep the antennas short, I once saw a guy get cut just below the eye from a whip antenna, it doesn't get any closer than that.

 

[diddy2003]

Any of you guys ever use a quick disconnect? Any issue with tuning. I am leaning towards going with one of those versus the spring.

 

[tarry99]

C.B. radios are a must have when with a group. One problem I have had with whatever one I install is that the speakers are too small and so I always replace it with a larger one. Keep the antennas short, I once saw a guy get cut just below the eye from a whip antenna, it doesn't get any closer than that.

Torx, Is right ........speakers are always a problem in a noisy Jeep, make sure whatever Radio you buy has an external speaker Jack. If you have a roll cage and opt to mount the radio in the over head on your right the speaker in the unit is normally adequate.............if your dash mounting then an auxiliary speaker is a must near your head.
I will although disagree on antenna length.............there is nothing more important than height when it comes to radio waves on the 11 meter band. Use whatever is practical for your application............I have a pair of 102" whips on mine. When there are people on the ground they are tied off forward to keep them from whipping.......when traveling they are up doing there thing!
The difference between a good and average setup is having the ability to talk with someone out in the distance that others in your group can't even hear!

 

[tarry99]

Any of you guys ever use a quick disconnect? Any issue with tuning. I am leaning towards going with one of those versus the spring.

No Issue and can be used with a spring.........as long as its kept clean and makes a good connection......

 

[SmokeEater]

I've had some swr issues using the quick disco before.

 

[tarry99]

I've had some swr issues using the quick disco before.

Nothing is perfect ...................but years ago when CB's were vastly popular in Trucks I seen hundreds of guys each night plug in a CB radio and a quick disconnect antenna and travel up and down the West Coast between LA & Seattle.

The reason for the disconnects? , the companies these drivers worked for frowned upon any extra electrical equipment in these trucks so during there layovers they would take the stuff with them to the Motel!

 

[diddy2003]

Thanks tarry. I am going to just get the disconnect. With the 4 foot and the rear tail light mount, I think it will work pretty well. I am just going to get the 520 xl. I don't really like all the controls on the handset, like the cobra, and they don't offer kits with any other radios. It will still work fine for the wheeling I do.

 

[IOPort51]

this what I have and have no complaints. inexpensive and simple. It receives quite clearly,I use an auxiliary speaker, and do have to watch for feedback. Ask BusaDave how it broadcasts. I just use it on trail so the antenna stays at the house most of the time and I have no real problem using a wrench to remove the antenna.

only fault I can find it is goes to ch9 every time the power is turned off. kind of a nuisance.

Midland 1001 LWX CB Radio | Right Channel Radios

So you guys like this one over the Pro 520 XL? Don't see a kit available for this one.

 

[diddy2003]

So I just took a tape measure out to see what would happen with either a 4 foot or 3 foot from the tail light. A 3 foot would work no problem. It's about as high as the soft top. A four foot would require a disconnect or something. I was told a four foot is the way to go for tuning.

 

[diddy2003]

Ok, so I just ordered it up. I went with the Uniden 520 XL, Firestik 3 foot, and teraflex passenger side tail light mount. I can't wait to finally have a CB. It should be great. Thanks for all the help.

I also got one of these:
RetroSoundUSA.com - zuma radio with 79-86 Amc Jeep Bezel and Music note knobs

I've never had a radio in the jeep before. Its going to be nice to have since I have been driving it more and more lately.

 

[diddy2003]

So here it is. I finally got the CB installed this past week, along with a new radio and speakers. I am very glad I went with the 3 ft antenna. I don't know if you can see in the pictures, but there is a little over an inch of space between the garage door and the top of the antenna. The jeep goes right in to the back garage without issue. The CB is the 520XL. I had my buddy do the install and tune. I haven't really used it yet. The only complaint I have so far is that they little clip that holds the mic to the side of the radio doesn't tighten up. The little screws just spin. So, the clip is just loosely mounted. Kind of annoying, but no big deal. I was thinking of mounting it somewhere else, but I can't think of a good spot.

 

[Turbogus]

I agree the smaller Uniden 501 and 510's have a right weak tuner, I've been running the same Uniden Pro 538W



(larger footprint) with a 250 W brick



for over two decades and it gets out just fine on the trail!

 

[tarry99]

That little Palomar 250 should help it reach out..............