CB's - thoughts?

[Decibel]

Thinking about investing in one but im not a huge fan of having a big bulky cb box sitting on my dash or mounted up near my top (per the installs ive seen online). I was wonderng if you guys think a cb is necessary, how much use most people with them get out of them (aka how frequently its used in general), and whether this is a viable SOLUTION? I likely wouldnt buy from this store as ive already found a number of places selling them for under $100 but this was the first link i could find with the info on it. I imagine it would have its uses on the highway to listen to truckers etc, but didnt know if they get used on the trails a lot or not?

[dmaxjeep]

most trail clubs I have seen make haveing a CB a requirement, along with fire extenguisher, tow rope and tow hooks on both ends etc.

as for that little hand held jobber you posted, I suppose that would suffice. I prefer the LTD Classic type. but thats just me.

[theyeti1775]

In my pickup I have a Uniden 510. It's a little bigger than my hand as far as size.
In the FSJ, I have a larger one. An old Cobra (29 I think its bigger) with weather and all the other du-das. In Georgia's YJ we have a Uniden 510 as well.

I know some use the plug in the lighter all in hand ones. But you can get more interference from the engine with those.

But yes get one, when a group is on the trail many of us constantly chatter.
I love it in my truck commuting every day and just listen to the truckers. Gives you the Cop / Traffic update quite regularly.

The Uniden setup when I had it in the XJ and self installing was under $100 for everything including the External Speaker, Antenna, Antenna Wire, & CB. If you were down close to Manassas I would tell you go to Auto Outfitters, but I don't know about up where you live.

[Jeffb_79]

I've got the cobra 75 and love it. When you don't use it, just twist it off at the connector and put it away.
The sound quality that comes out of the handheld isn't that great. You can get an external speaker for pretty cheap, just mount that to the roll bar above your head and you'll be good to go.

[Adam17]

Here is a complete set up looks pretty nice. I just ordered the mount for CB and antenna.

http://www.jeepoutfitter.com/cb-radi...ep-tj-830.html

[Jacob]

Go to your local CB shop and buy a Uniden 510 and have them tweak it. If you want PA function buy the 520. This is a good CB and it can be tuned to put out a little more power.

They are small and very durable radios. My current one is 7 years old and is in its third rig.

A CB is a must have if you run trails with groups or clubs. I can't imagine going on a run without one.

If the neat and hidden install is what is most important to you, then go with the Cobra 75WX (I think is the number) because the controls are all in the mic and the radio portion is a small box that can be mounted under/behind the dash.

[pankake]

Mine is double-sided taped on the left hand of the tray on top of the dash. Wires are routed behind the center face to the left of am/fm and environ controls. It is the small 40 channel http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102653. It doesn't obstruct the view at all and with the http://www.arizonarockyroad.com/ antenna, there are different height options for the antenna as far as placing the mount upside down or right side up.

I've used it for for cross-country trips since the truckers talk about crashes and slow downs for miles before ya get there and also on trail rides.

[CrazyHorse6]

Like Yeti said, get a hand held if you don't want to mount one. I put mine piggybacked on the back of my center console - never see it until you need it.

[TJ 4 the Boxers]

I'm running the Cobra 75 too. The power box is mounted under the driver's seat, so that when I'm not using it you can't see it. Though the 5' firestik antenna (tunable) kind of gives it away. I've got a Terraflex driver's side mount, goes behind the rear tail light. For antenna wire I've got Firestik's flat connection. Either buy an SWR meter or find a shop/truck stop that can tune your set up. Though not needed if just on the trails, the External speaker is a good cheap help. Mounted right near the driver's door on the roll bar.

Another way is to get a battery operated handheld, a few newbies in our group have them. It helps the Trail Guides also, if I'm out of my rig I can still know what's going on.

Some clubs also run RFS radios too. You can get them at places like Radio Shack, Walmart etc. Just get a cell phone holder to strap it to the roll bar on both the driver and passenger side.

To say the least, I've got comm. covered when I go out.

[CJ Chet]

Cobra or Uniden, that's about the best in the business. For antennas, get a Wilson or Firestick. Stay with those names and you can't go wrong!