cb radio questions

[Thmstec]

Just got my hands on a cb radio, and now I'm looking for an antenna. I have very little knowledge of cb radio. Was wondering if any of you guys had any favorite websites or suggestions. I'd like to keep the antenna relatively low, and easy to remove for car washes and times I just don't need it. And I don't need something with amazing range, just something good enough for a mile or two- at the time of writing this I'm not even sure what the norm is. From what i've picked up magnetic mounts are easy to take on and off. So with those how exactly does the antenna hook up to the inside of the vehicle with those magnetic mounts? Would prefer not to drill through the car if possible. What I was sorta thinking of is a mounting position on the back of the vehicle, on the rear hatch. Would that be an easy thing to do with a magnetic mount?

Thanks in advance,
Thmstec

[Ldub]

There are a few of us around here that prefer the Wilson "Lil' Will" magnetic mount...while others like the "Firestick". (can't remember manufacturer)

I zip tied my wire to the roof rack, over to the door jamb, down behind the weatherstripping, & under my floor mat to the CB. (mounted on the pass. side of the hump)

If you search, I remember seeing links to all kinds of info on the subject.

Also, a trip to the nearest truck stop will reveal a pretty good cross section of what's available.

[taylorRichie]

I originally bought a firestik, but then got chastised, so I bought a wilson fiberglass antenna that was very similar to a firestik... but worked better.

I don't recommend either

I was hittin the trail and had to limbo a tree and (((SNAP))) Get something that's thin and flexible, like the wilson Magnet antennas. I bought a mirror mount from the local Pilot truck stop, bought longer screws at the home depot, and Mounted it to my roof rack cross bars (OE) and it worked great, with no modification.

I then ran my wire through the back gate.

Welcome to the confusing world of CBs, and buy yourself an SWR meter.

[mdwyer]

Sadly, the wavelength of CB means that a decent antenna has got to be at least 9 feet long, electrically. Add to that that it should be in clear air, above everything else, and you've got a recipe for clearance problems.

Consequently, pretty much any CB antenna is a compromise. For what you want, though, I imagine one of those mag-mount ones would be sufficient. Keep in mind that most of the roof is covered in ridges, which sort of limits where you can put a mag-mount.

Also, you're pretty much guaranteed to scratch your paint with a magmount.

A couple of people have done permanent installs to the tailgate door, in installations that look pretty good. I think they're probably the best. There are others that will fit in the trailer hitch, if you're got one of those.

I drilled my roof, but then the antennas I use are only 19" long, and aren't any higher than the stock antenna. Hit up the search engine for other installs.

[Thmstec]

Thanks for the advice guys! I like the "lil wil" but I also managed to find a mount that looks like it would look very nice drilled through the back-side cladding. Guess I just gotta decide if I want to drill

And on a side note- planning to be at MOAB next year!

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

I have the same mount you indicated but mounted mine on the sheet-metal and use the fire stik antenna with cobra radio. I personally like the look and have gotten great results with the range (like 14-15 miles).