CB radio

[BronkyCHOO]

Hello im looking to install a CB radio in my base bronco. I am completely new to these and to electronics.

Which one should i get?
Where should i mount it?
how do i hook it up?

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[Bronc-Runner]

Brian
I would look into getting a GMRS radio. CB radios are limited to 4watts ( if I remember correctly) GMRS can go to 50 watts of transmit power. FCC license is 35$ for ten years, no test.
Most all trail people that I have found have switched to GMRS. Some licensed some well they should be.

 

[Smocaine]

Easy option is the Cobra 75 Allroad.
The mic can be separated from the tx/rx box completely and all the controls are on it. Tiny and dead simple to install, at least relative to other CBs.
If you have aux switches, there is an unconnected lead in the passenger floor you could run to. Would also require connecting the corresponding wire in the engine bay.
Our soft tops and non-metallic hard tops are no good for a ground plane, so I used a Firestik NGP kit for the antenna.
Once the 75 has power and an antenna, you can plug the mic into any USB socket to power it - it connects via Bluetooth to the box.

 

[RedRider]

Easy option is the Cobra 75 Allroad.
The mic can be separated from the tx/rx box completely and all the controls are on it. Tiny and dead simple to install, at least relative to other CBs.
If you have aux switches, there is an unconnected lead in the passenger floor you could run to. Would also require connecting the corresponding wire in the engine bay.
Our soft tops and non-metallic hard tops are no good for a ground plane, so I used a Firestik NGP kit for the antenna.
Once the 75 has power and an antenna, you can plug the mic into any USB socket to power it - it connects via Bluetooth to the box.

This is the setup I went with as well. I mounted the Cobra 75 Allroad radio box using the Mountains2Metal under dash mount. For mic holder, I'm using the Proclip angled dash mount and universal radio holder. I went with the 2' Firestik FG2648B NGP antenna and Mountains2Metal antenna mount on the driver's side, running the antenna cable through the driver's side firewall grommet. Antenna choice was based on ease of installation and garage height restrictions.

When not being used for the season, I swap the antenna with the Firestik plug and stow the handset in the cargo area.

 

[BronkyCHOO]

Brian
I would look into getting a GMRS radio. CB radios are limited to 4watts ( if I remember correctly) GMRS can go to 50 watts of transmit power. FCC license is 35$ for ten years, no test.
Most all trail people that I have found have switched to GMRS. Some licensed some well they should be.

I’m in Canada, so I’m not really sure how that works

 

[Valhalla]

I’m in Canada, so I’m not really sure how that works

Google it

 

[EasternSierra]

I’m in Canada, so I’m not really sure how that works

GMRS is a U.S. system. Canada has the General Radio Service

 

[EasternSierra]

Google it

It's best to not assume other countries have the same radio rules as the U.S. Using your GMRS radio in Canada could get you into trouble because they have different frequency allocations there.

 

[Brian_B]

Following this, it's interesting

 

[CalvinT]

GMRS is a U.S. system. Canada has the General Radio Service

I just looked, the frequencies and channels listed are the same as the US CB frequencies.

 

[Valhalla]

I just looked, the frequencies and channels listed are the same as the US CB frequencies.

Restricted to 2 watt radios... The GMRS channels line up more with FMRS and can only be handheld.

 

[BroncoA512021]

Maybe install it next to the 8 track player?

 

[box986]

I put a GMRS in the Bronco & another truck I have. It's not like the CB channel 19 days, nobody is chatting on the road. Really only good to talk with a group you're driving with or a group off-roading together. I did like the install I did with a split unit so the head unit fits perfect up by the usb ports in the center console & the radio "brick" buried up in the dash. Antenna mounts on the tailgate. Looks good, but I really can't justify the cost. Most off roaders just use a hand-held unit which costs very little and no install needed along with being completely portable.

 

[Scoop]

I have switched, and all my off-roading friends have switched to GMRS. MUCH better on the trail than CB especially here in CO where the trails are really line of sight. I have a mounted unit in my 76 trail rig and I use a handheld in my '22 Badsquatch.

Just curious, for those of you still using CB, what is your main use? Trail rides? Interstate trucker entertainment?

 

[Valhalla]

I have 3 or 4 in the cabinet outside.. 1 or 2 are peaked and tuned... can't remember... haven't used them in 13 years.

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