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.
