Cb anntennas

ScottG wrote:
Don't know what you mean by "regular antenna" but if you're referring to an AM/FM antenna the answer is NO. It is not tuned correctly (can't be) and you will fry the finals in the CB that way.

X2 There are CB antenna for grounded and not grounded (NGP) antennas depening upon vehicle construction.

CB usage seems reather limited these days.

Don't know what you mean by "regular antenna" but if you're referring to an AM/FM antenna the answer is NO. It is not tuned correctly (can't be) and you will fry the finals in the CB that way.

MountainAir05 said: "Make sure you tune it using a swr meter."


That is an absolute must do!

Just get a top loaded antenna and you do not have to worry about a separate ground. It gets its ground thru the coax. Make sure you tune it using a swr meter.

A "wire" like a #10 copper wire for instance, will not work very well to make a good RF ground plane. You would need to use something like a wide copper braid strap. Even then, the antenna really needs a ground plane directly under it to work very well. What RV are we talking about? If you have metal framing: metal studs, metal roof trusses, etc. then you may do okay. If you have a wood framed RV then it won't work well.
Years ago Radio Shack used to cell a CB antenna that was advertised for marine use and didn't need a ground plane. I don't remember the specifics of how it was constructed. That's what I would do, look for an antenna that doesn't require a ground plane.
Technically, your RV does have a ground plane in the frame, engine, and any other metal but it's generally too far removed from where an antenna would go.

I believe you meant the case of the radio. The coax is already running to the case. Most antennas work best with a ground plane which is usually the other half of a shortened antenna. Good question but try YouTube for suggestions on antennas.