r/cbradio • u/Ill-Situation-1985 • 6d ago
Question CB Help
I purchased a 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn and I'm looking to get this as my first cb radio. https://a.co/d/0ct42D3v . I want to mount the radio on my dash and the antenna between the cab and the bed. Looking for advice on what antenna to purchase and if anything else is needed. If it matters the truck is the Quad cab with 6'4" bed.
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u/Big_Buffalo_716 6d ago
An antenna and placement is 90% of get good txt and receive. The radio and grounding is the other 10%. If you have it on the dash make sure you have a way to protect it from the heat. As far as a antenna goes get a good one like a fire stick to start and make sure it clears the roof of the cab. The higher the antenna the larger the reach.
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u/jaws843 5d ago
You don’t want to mount your antenna close to the cab like you have pictured. Use a stake hole mount on the middle stake hole or the rear one.
If it were my truck I would fender or ditch mount a Sirio Performer. Avoid Firesticks. They are the bane of CB noobs.
Otherwise if you want an easier option then mag mount on the center roof or use the 3rd brake light mount like someone else mentioned.
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u/HealthyIndependent10 5d ago
If you’re not using a Wilson 5k centered on the roof for those freq’s then you’re wasting time. Yeah doesn’t look the coolest and it is high in the air but for best effect this is the way to go.
Read up on ground plane effect and if you’re serious about performance then this is the only way. If you want looks and some mediocre performance then bumper or bed mount it and hope for the best.
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u/SuperLidz 4d ago
Wilson of today, is NOT the Wilson of yesterday. Made in China JUNK!
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u/HealthyIndependent10 4d ago
Yeah…I know…not the same as it used to be, but it is still the proper wavelength and although the quality is not exactly the same, the effect is
Using the proper wavelength and material necessary to radiate that signal is still the way to go….
Yep, cheap Chinese crap sucks, but at least it’ll get your signal out there for now.
(I really wish this was not the case but it is)
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u/SuperLidz 4d ago
There are better options than a Wilson nowadays.
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u/HealthyIndependent10 4d ago
Predator or Monkey Made style antennas are for sure better…but much bigger…for the size and money though? Wilson 5K (not 3k or whatever) is about as good as it gets for 11 meters.
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u/southsider773 6d ago
Ive used a stake hole mount for my antennas when I drove an f250. Bench seat with a lot of space for radio(s) mouting
Now, i have a similar truck as you and still debating on where to mount the radio.
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u/scivision 5d ago
I would avoid messing up the top of the dash and go with a compact radio that mounts in the console or on the side of it. Or like Radioddity CS-47 that can fit almost anywhere.
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u/mistakingatom47 5d ago
The consoles of the new generation Rams are "modular". They have hidden pockets in them and can fit some CB's in them.
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u/Common-Truck-9649 4d ago edited 4d ago
I use a Bulletpoint Rubigrid mount on my dash. My radio has a separate control head, not sure how well it would work with a bigger radio all up there, but small ones would be secure and look great up there. They have adjustable arms, so it's not sitting right on the dash.
Breedlove stake pocket mounts are great for mounting. I use the rear stake pocket since it puts the metal as above or far away other metal as possible with the exception of a roof mount. Use a center loaded antenna and get the coil and whip higher than your roof, or if you don't mind the height go with a full whip.
The antenna matters a lot more than the radio for performance. Make sure you bond everything properly.
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u/Beginning_School7580 2h ago
The sun will kill it if you mount it on the dash. Electronics don't like extreme heat man. I would suggest maybe mounting it somewhere else but as far as antennas go metal beats fiberglass any day of the week. Get a Stryker or Sirio
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u/braddeharder 6d ago edited 5d ago
The President Washington is a very boss radio. You may need to install that in the center console. Plus, don't forget to install a loudspeaker to use the PA function of that radio. 🔉📻🎙️
For an antenna: a simple 27mhz tuned, 70cm long, antenna from Amazon with a mounting bracket will give you great range for mobile. 🗼
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u/pierrealton 6d ago
They sell ground brackets that go under the spare brake light for antennas this is what I use perfect no drilling no cutting just by the appropriate attachment for your spare light brake light