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So Brenda disapproved my plan to put a big long whip antenna on the new truck for the CB. For some reason she thinks the truck is hers.

Anyway, I'd like to permenantly install something but it also should be as non-tacky as possible to keep Brenda happy. I've looked at the CB antenna's that look like the glass mount cell phone antennas but the radio shack guy said that they don't work that well.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what works for them. Keep in mind I don't usually need to transmit for 20 miles just talk to folks that I'm traveling with in a caravan.

Thanks

Shawn

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OK so I'm back in. Now which tire should I buy??

if you're not set on having the CB, I think you can use a portable ham radio to talk to CB radios. I remember my brother/dad being ham hobbyists (yeah, dork family through and through), I can ask them some more about it if you want to pursue that option.

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www.ncvw.org
1993 VW Corrado VR6 - DSP15 (RIP)
1986 MB 190E 2.3L 16v - STX (SOLD)
1997 BMW M3 3.2L - BS for now

The little FRS radios like we use at autocrosses work pretty well, as long as the caravan is fairly small. They're inconspicuous and easy to use. If you're stretched out over a half mile, though, the lead and the tail may not be able to talk to each other.

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Carl Fisher

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=4651531

Besides the magnetic ones, I had good luck with the "stealth" (type not brand) ones that functioned as both the CB and the car radio antenna that replaced the stock radio antenna. Except for the thickened bottom, it looked much like a non retractable radio antenna. I haven't had a permanent CB setup for many years tho, so I haven't kept up with what's available. We too use FSR's these days and get good range with them up to a couple miles with the high power ones. we bought small headsets for ours when traveling, so that probably helps range as well. Of course you can't monitor the "Smokey reports" with FSRs tho.

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SPIN or WIN!
there's no glory for going slow.

Back about 15 years ago when I was getting a CB I found out a few things. I'm no expert but here's what I learned.

The perfect antenna for the CB band is a stainless-steel 102" lg whip. ANYTHING else is a compromise. If you were to buy a 48" magnetic mount, 48" is in the mast and the remaining 54" of wire is wound inside the base. That's the way is was explained to me anyway.

I have a CB in my car (the Cavalier) and I store the magnetic mount antenna in the truck when not in use. It works well and was relatively cheap. The best magnetic mount is a K40 brand. However the original K40 has one helluva magnet. The thing must be 10" in diameter or something. Stick it on the roof of your car and it won't budge even at over 120 MPH. They have since made a K50 (I think that's the number) which is what I have. Much smaller (approx 4" diameter) magnet but works just fine.

Also the VSWR ratio will affect your range. It is adjusted by slight changes in length of the mast. A meter is used to measure the ratio. I have one (somewhere) if you'd like to borrow it. With a 4-watt radio the VSWR does matter, trust me.

My advice on the subject is to stay away form those tiny (less than say 36") antennas. The VSWR ratio is probably like 5:1 or higher on those things, ask me how I know. Also get a decent radio like a Uniden XL (about $50 at a truck stop) that has a 4-pin mike.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

I have one of those window glass ones on my truck, and while it doesn't have a long range, it was adequate for the caravans I would travel in (which probably are remarkably similar to the ones you travel in ).

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Diane (Hall) Bundas
1992 Spec Miata #48 - 1997 Chevy Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic Coupe

Radio Shack: You've got questions, we've got batteries.




Generally, one important thing is having a good ground. Getting the antenna base connected to metal in some fashion will be the best thing. But without drilling a hole in your roof, that may be difficult.

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Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio

Shawn, first of all, Diane's antenna barely works so don't get one of those (hi Diane)

Second, consider mounting it on the trailer. I put one of those enormous whip antennas on my trailer, and just ran a big long cord to it. Worked like a champ.

--Karl, happy to see Shawn embracing his inner redneck

Only caravan with people who have unlimited mobile to mobile minutes or nights and weekends on cellular. Get yourself a hands free cellular operation and you,ll be all hooked up. I'm only half messin' around. I saw on Sports Car Revolution (a wonderful show ) that weekend racers are starting to use hands free cellular setups instead of investing in a race radio setup. Doesn't sound like that bad of an idea. I can see some people driving around VIR while talking on the cell, especially you Raleigh types. .

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2003 Matrix XRS notaminivan
2004 Subaru WRX #38
2000 Rally Focus
2007 Honda NFR S2000

Is this going to be permanently mounted? If not, I would suggest getting a wilson 1000 magnet mount and stick it on the roof when needed. I've got one you can try out if you like.

I have had several antennas diring my 4x4 days. My favorite for highways was the wilson, but a close second was the firestick which come in various lengths. I don't remember what your mirrors look like, but on older trucks, the mirror was a great place to put it and it only stuck up about a foot over the roof.

IMO, you should get a CB. Just the fact that you can communicate with the truckers should be reason enough.

p

My experience with CB's is that you need either a K40/50 because the magnet is good, all the other's I've ever had fall off/over rather easily(I am not going to mention speed) or a permanat mounted antanae I use a 7' fiberglass on my 4x4 and it has the best signal for a permanat mount. but my suggestion would be a portable hand held cb that you can buy at Radio Shack for somewhere between 40 and 80 dollars. I had one and they work great and you can decide on how far you need the antana to streach out or get a small "booster" antanae to plug into it (small and a decent magnet for the size.

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beware of EV powered Ford EXP's they are quiet and come for you when you least expect it... hide behind an aluminum light pole...... ya that will help

I've got a magnetic mount but I always forget to put it in whatever vehicle I'm driving at the time. My original idea was, if it's bolted to the truck I'll always have it. But thanks to all the input I think I'm going to mount a big antenna on the trailer and stick the magnetic mount behind the seat in case I go somewhere without the trailer.

Thanks for all the input.

Shawn

ps. My magnetic mount is good for about 110 MPH. But I'll never admit to how I know that.

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OK so I'm back in. Now which tire should I buy??