Maximum Distance with a CB Radio
What model CB radio will fit in my 4×4 and give me the most range?
I have a 2000 Honda CR-V 4-wheel drive and the CB radio that’s in it at the moment doesn’t do too well. I want more grunt with my next radio.
I am looking to get maximum range while transmitting & receiving, and I would like the most power at the best price (on a tight budget here)…
What is the best recommended antenna/radio unit for this type of application?
The brand and model doesn’t matter very much as long as you buy a reputable brand-name CB radio, such as Midland or Cobra.
There are lots of folks out there who will offer to tweak the power on your CB rig to boost the power output, add more channels and the like – which breaks the FCC rules and makes you liable for a fine. What’s more these ‘fixes’ really don’t help much at all.
If you want the most ‘grunt’ from a CB radio, then pay the extra and buy one that does single-sideband (SSB) transmissions. This is much more efficient than the cheaper AM mode CB radios, but you will still have AM mode as well so you can still talk to ‘ordinary’ CBers too.
The best thing you can do for your signal is to mount a full-sized 9-foot steel whip antenna on the back of your 4×4. You should have a ball mount and a large spring at the base. These full-sized aerials are one-quarter wavelength long and will give you the strongest signal.
Do yourself a favor and have the rig professionally installed, with noise suppression as well. This will reduce the interference noise from your own car when you are trying to hear weak stations. You will get the legal max for both sending and receiving.