CB Antenna location

[Terry]

For any CB experts, have Firestik 4ft antenna to locate on pickup truck, the two locations being considered are the bed truck rail driver side or center of bed on the front rail. I understand most say center roof is best location but that is not an option for me.

[94sktr]

I put mine on the passenger side bed. No problems.

[Quackerbox]

It will work anywhere you put it. But yes, best performance will be center of the truck. Next important is height.

Not an expert by any means but did spend a small fortune on a setup and tuning a 750 watt rig in the 90s

[Snowflake Killa]

Higher the better. 102 in wipp is the best choice than a Wilson

[Voodoo]

Higher is better, tuning SWR is important, hills are bad, if I were running firesticks I’d run duo. 102” is best for sure. Power mike and a 35-100 watt amp makes a good difference. You do want the antenna grounded (mounted to metal) if not magnetic. If you can mount the antenna to the upper part of a piece of metal attached to the bed to give it height would be better.

You can buy amps all day long legally, its only illegal to use them.

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/selection-guides/18542007-choosing-the-best-cb-antenna

[Voodoo]

https://unicomradio.com/product/rm-kl35-20-30-mhz-35w-linear-amplifier/

[60 Deluxe]

Remember that any metal close to the sides of the antenna will act as a reflector. It would be best to have the antenna mounted above the vehicle. That is why center of roof is probably the best location. Mounting it down in the bed will push the signal more to the rear of the vehicle or there may be so much bouncing inside the bed that a drawing of your signal would look like spaghetti.

[Goldeneagle]

I was running duals back in the 70's. Mounted on the front rail of the bed.

[Bayouboy]

Gotta have those dual whips!

[Goldeneagle]

Gotta have those dual whips!

Jack In The Box used to hate us when we went through the drive thru.

[60 Deluxe]

I just ran across this...

[Hills of Texas]

Growing up I had a cb in my truck and it was like the cell phone of the day between my buddies and I. In 2017 I set one up in my truck for the trips back and fourth to west texas. Never heard a word on it. I finally pulled it out and went through gmrs and ham radio route. Now, I can listen and communicate anywhere I go. I'm not trying to sway you in the cb but the best placed antenna in the world won't pickup traffic that just isn't there anymore.

[Voodoo]

You are right about that. I guess I immediately assumed it was for a group traveling together and such