The problem with radio reception is due to the small antenna and poor placement (not in middle of truck). It's just as sucky with an aftermarket radio. You might try installing a preamplifier on the antenna, if long distance radio reception is truly needed. There have also been a few VXers that have had broken antennas. Their antennas performed even poorer. Supposedly this was evidenced by being able to bend the antenna a good 90 degrees or more.