Added a power plug to an old mounted CB I have. Currently have the old magnetic mount antenna for it. Not good for the current F150. Do not want to drill holes in my truck. I've seen an incredibly expensive steel bracket that mounts behind the high center brake light, bent steel brackets that bolt on the inside of the fender to come up between the hood and fender, and bolt ins that go in the forward bed stake pocket (nice but requires cutting away unmarked bed ledge trim and would interfere with tonneau cover ;(So what did my fellow current body style F150 owners do if they have a CB?

While I don't have an F150 I have used the bent steel brackets that bolt to the inside of the fender on several different trucks. I really like them. They are simple, sturdy, and fairly inexpensive. I use them because I have ladder racks on the work trucks and a roof mounted antenna would get hammered when loading the rack. However, on vehicle that I don't have ladder racks on I always just drill a hole in the roof. They look great and work the best by far. The last one I had done I took to a local two-way radio shop. They supplied the mount, drilled the hole, and ran the cable to the trunk for me. It cost all of $32 dollars. There's nothing wrong with a hole in the body, it's the best way to go. I hate magnetic mount antennas due to their paint scratching, and the ugly wire running across the body of the vehicle.

Home Skillet wrote:CB Antenna mountI like this mount. Sadly tho, I already had a K40 magnet mount antenna and couldn't see the need for another antenna, so I opted for the Larson mount that OP mentioned. Yes it is pricey no doubt, but it is a pretty decent thing. However, the paint isn't he greatest (long lasting if you will) as it's flaking and rusting and only been inservice for not quite 2 years. With the low cost of the fender mount bracket (assuming it comes w/ all necessary coax and all), a 3' or 4' antenna can be had pretty cheap as well. In my years of a billy big rigger, I'd recommend a 4' Francis antenna. Thanks for the link!

If you start mounting steel brackets to aluminum body work, you want to keep the metal separated...otherwise galvanic corrosion will eat through the aluminum.

Home Skillet wrote:CB Antenna mountA fender mount like this is probably about as good as it gets.I took my CB antennas off years ago and replaced them with a 2 meter ham radio, but if I was going to run a CB again, I'd do this.Also, consider using an NMO mount in some of these fender brackets, because there are some lighter/lower wind load type antennas that work great for CB with an NMO. Some of them are super cheap. The one I'm using on my truck for 2 meters is $18 on Amazon and has been working perfectly for about 8 years.

How did you you mount your CB antenna on your aluminum F150?

BenK
Explorer
Apr 03, 2020
Always found that when the grounding wire is directly connected, without interruption, to the CB chassis the best.

The more body parts the grounding goes through the higher SWR number
wnjj
Explorer II
Apr 03, 2020
I would probably leave the SWR where it is, understanding that the lower channels will work slightly better than the upper. Lower channels are where you’re probably more likely to find someone if you ever need help anyway. When traveling with others, use channels in the teens for maximum range. I consider 1.4 to be pretty good anyway and would be afraid of making it worse.
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 03, 2020
Get a Francis antenna. Thy are self tuning.
miltvill
Explorer II
Apr 03, 2020
On a magnetic mount antenna I would not adjust the SWR. If you move the antenna the SWR will change. On a fixed mount antenna and permanent CB installation I would adjust the SWR.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Apr 02, 2020
Update: mounted the antenna in the rear passenger side stake hole, ran a ground wire from a mount screw to a rear fixed tie down screw. Added a spring on the antenna. When testing, the SWR meter read zero in the REF mode on each channel tested. After receiving and mounting a quick disconnect, bought for the car wash, the SWR Meter reacted normally with a REF value of .8 on channel one and 1.4 on channel 40.

Two questions: Is it worth bothering to adjust the antenna to even out the standing wave?
Mechanically speaking, is it better to have the quick disconnect bone or below the spring?

Next, deciding on cable routing. Looking at 3M command strips for routing cable across the interior bed side, going out the bed front plastic hole cover, go through the cab vent behind the rear seat. Inside the cab will be easier.

Ordered a NEW CB unit. Unidin 505, was $34, now $25 on Amazon. Repaired the broken magnetic mount antenna that came with my used CB. Had a plastic threaded piece on the antenna that screwed onto the base. Threads worn enough to pull the antenna out. Superglued that together. Good electrical connection. So now I'll be able to have the old CB usable in my wife's Explorer if we need to travel together separately.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Mar 19, 2020
Looked at our local McDonald's, 9 foot drive thru.
After that I Thought, hmm, I'll bet there are internet references. Yup, 9' is the fast food standard BUT I saw a few warnings where some were lower.
Parking structure can be 7' but need to closer to 8' for handicapped conversion van parking spaces/entrances.
So, with 9' I can use a 4'. My forward bed side height is 55", so that's 4', 7". I rarely go in parking structures so I can keep a wrench handy to pull the antenna in those rare cases.
My yard sale special CB is a Radio Shack unit made by who knows.

Edit: OK, eBaying the 4' Firestik in red and the bed stake mount and a 12' connecting cable.
ACZL
Explorer
Mar 19, 2020
I think my k40 antenna monted on plate for 3rd brake lite is 4'. It hits some drive thru overheads, but don't worry about it. As for CB's, go with Uniden. Cobra used to be good brand, but have really cheapened up in past several years. More than likely you can get by with just a plain Jane radio w/o a lot of bells-n-whistles.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Mar 19, 2020
I found a truck bed stake pocket mount by Firestik that uses a flat metal piece that will stick out from under my tonneau cover for about $20. Next question. Antenna height vs. drive through? Tall as possible is best for the radio. Firestik makes them in 2, 3, 4 foot, etc. lengths. At a glance, 3' might work on the bedrail. 2' is a bit short for range. 4' will likely slam into every drive through limiter.
Thoughts? BTW, several decent new auto CBs for under $50 on Amazon.
valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 18, 2020
KD4UPL wrote:
valhalla360 wrote:
If you start mounting steel brackets to aluminum body work, you want to keep the metal separated...otherwise galvanic corrosion will eat through the aluminum.

Not trying to argue, just curious. Are these aluminum body panels held together with aluminum hardware or is the hardware steel? Maybe it's all stainless?

They put coatings or plastic spacers on between any dissimilar metals.

Stainless steel will have the same issue if in direct contact with aluminum.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Mar 17, 2020
memtb wrote:
If you’re not trying to compete with the truckers, merely use it for relatively short range....a window mount is a nice, clean looking set-up! memtb

yep, just don't try to use them on dual pain windows. :)
bumpy