Any Recommendations on Portable CB Radios?

[Bayou_Pro]

Had this in the Accessories section but it didn't get much attention so I figured I'd try here.

Looking to pick up a portable CB radio for use on trips and trails. I don't use it enough to do a permanent install and antenna. Anyone has any personal experience or recommendations of these? Appreciate any help.

 

[chicklet]

I've had great success with the Uniden Pro 510 XL ($40). Its small enough to wedge in between your seat and center console. It can modded if you want more power. Another good one is a Cobra 75 WX ST ($90) and it comes with 10 weather channels.

The antenna is more important than the radio. A good Wilson magnet mount will make a big difference in performance. A Lil' Wil antenna runs about $35. If you want a bigger antenna get a Wilson 500 for $65.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

Thanks for that info and I will check those out. You mention the antennas but can both of those be used without them for close range? Just really need it for use them wheeling with groups mostly. Much appreciated.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

Had this in the Accessories section but it didn't get much attention so I figured I'd try here.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

As stated it is all about the antenna. The little stubby handheld antennas are very limited in range almost to the point of being useless in the vehicle. I use a K30 magnetic mount antenna and it will make even the cheapest handheld cb work good.

 

[CavPro]

Ground plane for antennas are important, you won't get that in a portable. But like you say, you are going to be dealing with very short distances so I'd give a handheld a shot and if need be get a good antenna later.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

As stated it is all about the antenna. The little stubby handheld antennas are very limited in range almost to the point of being useless in the vehicle. I use a K30 magnetic mount antenna and it will make even the cheapest handheld cb work good.

Thanks. So the K30 Antenna, is this just something you throw on for temp use and run the cable thru the hatch or something you leave on all of the time?

 

[Akkording]

I like the idea of a portable CB, I'm also in the market for one. I'm looking for a model that can be used in the cab with an extended antenna cable running outside the truck for better reception and possibly be connected to power without draining the CB battery.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Thanks. So the K30 Antenna, is this just something you throw on for temp use and run the cable thru the hatch or something you leave on all of the time?

Yes, I only use it if going off road or on long highway trips. The truck drivers do not use them near as much as they used to. It is handy coming up to a traffic jam to know which lane is blocked etc. That is about the only time truck drivers use them. I removed my 3rd row seats and made storage under there. I keep the antenna in the storage area and put it on the roof with the wire running through the hatch. The wire is ran under the second row seats so it it always there. I have hada cheap $24 ebay handheld cb for years that has great range with the k30 antenna but hardly works at all with the stubby antenna. You will need a small adaptor when replacing the stubby antenna. I carry my handheld antenna in my 1st aid kit incase I ever need it. I also made a live 12v outlet to plug it into because it eats up the 9 aa batteries fast.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I was doing it over I would not get a hand held. I would get one of these. https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-C75WXS...=UTF8&qid=1549131651&sr=8-4&keywords=cb+cobra I have several cobra regular style cb's but there is not a good location to mount them. I got my son one of the ones from amazon and I really like it.

 

[jhguth]

What do you mean in case you need it, outside of a trail ride how do you think a CB is going to help you? CBs are not helpful in emergencies, is that why you're carrying it in your first aid kit?

 

[Bayou_Pro]

Yes, I only use it if going off road or on long highway trips. The truck drivers do not use them near as much as they used to. It is handy coming up to a traffic jam to know which lane is blocked etc. That is about the only time truck drivers use them. I removed my 3rd row seats and made storage under there. I keep the antenna in the storage area and put it on the roof with the wire running through the hatch. The wire is ran under the second row seats so it it always there. I have hada cheap $24 ebay handheld cb for years that has great range with the k30 antenna but hardly works at all with the stubby antenna. You will need a small adaptor when replacing the stubby antenna. I carry my handheld antenna in my 1st aid kit incase I ever need it. I also made a live 12v outlet to plug it into because it eats up the 9 aa batteries fast.

Great info. Thanks. Thought about doing one of the hidden mount CBs but just don't want to deal with an antenna all of the time. Going to look into this antenna. Much appreciated.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

What do you mean in case you need it, outside of a trail ride how do you think a CB is going to help you? CBs are not helpful in emergencies, is that why you're carrying it in your first aid kit?

No it is not for emergencies. That was just where I have space to store it that I can get to it easy if needed. Also even though my K30 antenna and the ones my friends have work good any high quality brand should work well. We had some cheap off brand ones that were junk.

 

[BobsTrail]

My Cobra WX75 was great, but the antenna will hit trees, garage doors, parking buildings etc. A steel whip is better than a Firestick for this use.

I had good results with a pair of handheld Family Radios. I used mine on sand dunes where the lead is not visible and on the Freeway. Won't get long range like the ad says, but good for 1/2 to 1 mile.

Depends on what your group is using.

Something like this:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

My Cobra WX75 was great, but the antenna will hit trees, garage doors, parking buildings etc. A steel whip is better than a Firestick for this use.

I had good results with a pair of handheld Family Radios. I used mine on sand dunes where the lead is not visible and on the Freeway. Won't get long range like the ad says, but good for 1/2 to 1 mile.

Depends on what your group is using.

Something like this:

I had a similar set a while back. Problem is there was only 2 radios and most people were using cb's. The range was limited. Most of the times here in the desert on higher speed fire roads you have to stay back a long ways just to let some of the dust clear out and they would not work especially in hilly terrain. Even though cb's are obsolete they are still cheap and work good.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

I had a similar set a while back. Problem is there was only 2 radios and most people were using cb's. The range was limited. Most of the times here in the desert on higher speed fire roads you have to stay back a long ways just to let some of the dust clear out and they would not work especially in hilly terrain. Even though cb's are obsolete they are still cheap and work good.

Yeah I have a 4 of those as well. I use them for fishing and/or hunting in groups mostly. Seems like most of the organized trial rides use CBs.

 

[Akkording]

50ish baofeng or the BF-F8HP 8watter is what I'm thinking. This is just for light travel hikes and few off the path trails where I see can the next truck, no sand dunes in TX.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T5UVSIY/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

 

[rushrunner]

What do you mean in case you need it, outside of a trail ride how do you think a CB is going to help you? CBs are not helpful in emergencies, is that why you're carrying it in your first aid kit?

My CB has saved me plenty. I know in advance when there is a traffic delay. Saved me years ago. I would have been stuck in a 6 hour delay. The truckers rerouted me and told what exit to get off, well in advance.

Plus, you know where the cops are hiding. Nice to know, just in case you are a bit over the speed limit.

I have a Stryker SR-A10MM Magnetic Mount. It is a beast. Easy to twist off when not needed. Has a protective cap for the mount.

Check out my mic mod. If you have a sunroof, you can do this too, or find another location.

CB Mic Location Mod - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

 

[jhguth]

I meant in some kind of emergency situation, its worthless for that. I have a CB too for traffic and trail rides, although Waze or my radar detector usually find cops before a trucker says something

 

[BobsTrail]

50ish baofeng or the BF-F8HP 8watter is what I'm thinking.

The F8 will work well at 8 watts, but 8 watts is illegal on FRS and GMRS. They are limited to 2 watts or 0.5 watts on channels 8 to 14. On a remote trail probably does not matter.

Add a Nagoya NA771R antenna for better range. I use mine on 2 meter amateur and set to 1 watt it hits a repeater 8 miles away.