S.Fabian

Hello! I was thinking of getting a CB radio in my 13' F150 FX-4 Screw but not sure where or how to install it (where to mount it...)... Any ideas? Photos please.. I really would like something i can just set up when i'm going off roading and take it out when I am just in town.. Thank you.

frieed

I mounted mine in the tray on top of the dash.
I removed the rubber mat,
took out the plastic piece,
screwed a piece of plywood onto the tray from below,
restored said plastic/plywood,
mounted radio to the wood.
If I ever sell, the wood comes off, the mat goes back on, and no visible marks.

I need to wrap the wood in black felt cause is looks a little ghetto at the moment.

tanked_darren

I've thought about it.

Here is a thread
https://www.f150forum.com/f75/dash-m...ll-how-209649/

eyeflyone2

Here is the install of a Classic CB in my 2011 F150 XLT. Took a little trimming, but not too difficult to install. I travel most miles on the highways and Interstate, and have it on to monitor traffic problems and avoid backups. Especially around Atlanta and other large metro areas. Rarely speak on it, unless I see a major problem that should be shared with others. I find most truckers are professional drivers, but the rudest asses on the CB.

69Shark

My CB use is extremely limited so I went with one of these.

The little silver box is under the driver seat as is a remote speaker. I have two mic mounts. One in easy reach under the driver seat and one on the dash. I can put it away when not in use and pull out when used.

Not exactly a hi quality unit but it is affective for my needs.
Scott

redknight1

I am mounting it to the headliner in my truck.

dopewaffle

iTrader: (-1)

I run a Cobra 29 LT Chrome and Cobra has my respect. This radio has a built in SWR meter to give you a close accuracy on your SWR, which will determine your distance your RF sign can reach. Don't buy a radio without a built in SWR meter, you'll have to buy a crappy meter and peak and tune the radio yourself. It will never be accurate.

99% of your build will be your antenna. A good ground plane will get you farther from every angle (see pic below) I'm not saying you have to run a 102" whip antenna to talk to the guy next to you, but the bigger that antenna and the best mounting location will make a night and day difference.

If your starting out small, I recommend a 3ft-6ft Firestik antenna. You can put these close to the back of the cab (as long as half is over the cab) and they work extremely well due to the "tunable tip" patency they have.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

eyeflyone2

Dopewaffle is dead on. The antenna type and placement are a large percentage of your success. I use a magnetic base antenna for easy removal and storage when I travel in large cities-its less temptation for local scumbags.

RES4CUE

I use this midland handheld and magnetic antennae.

Easy to take in and out and it has pretty good range.

I use it on long road trips for traffic jambs and police traps.

79lance

Antenna is definitely a huge part of your performance. I bought a nice Cobra LX, had it tuned up a bit, and put a Francis 3' antenna on it. reached maybe 3 miles. took it off, and put a Francis 4' instead, and now i get radio check confirmed from 15 miles!