So I just ordered up a Uniden Pro 510XL and a 4' Firestik antenna for my Jeep. I plan to fabricate a taillight mount for the antenna, and plan to mount the radio between the sun visors. I was wondering if anyone with a similar setup could tell me how long of a coaxial cable they needed to get to facilitate this? I think all I need to order now is the cable, maybe a spring mount? Any suggestions there?

Thanks!

 

I just did mine and used an 18ft cable. I got a spring also just to be safe

 

ya you'll be good if you go up at the rear and across, but across the floor and up i think you'd need another few feet longer at least

 

I understand 18' is the smallest run for CB coaxial due to the 'signal wave'. And increments of 9' thereafter.
I used 18'. CB on lower center console (enough for overhead also), 4' antenna on rear bumper, under taillight. O-rings on antennae alongside the lens. Antenna still reaches above Nates4x4 roof rack.

 

I mounted between visors, but I used a 24in firestik on front fender because my jeep goes in the garage,

 

For the overhead, maybe run the 18' cable up the B-post or rear corner.

 

I like the 24" and plan on getting one eventually. Maybe mount it on the roofrack on a swivel mount that will lock horizontal or vertical.

 

I ran mine on the floor following the trim and went up the A pillar. It fit perfectly, I had maybe a foot or so left.

 

My thoughts on the 18' myth.

- If it's 18' you're going to fold it somewhere since you found it was WAY too long which partially screws up everything.
- Our wave length is 36' anyway.
- We're going to run a 2' antenna in some cases which completely screws the pooch.

So in conclusion I say to run 12' or 9' and try not to fold it. If it works then good. If it doesn't then come back and call me a liar.

 

Thanks for the replies and pics, everyone! I had planned on doing it as you did, DenimDean. 18 feet it is. Got any pics of your setup?

 

So I have a question, and this may be a real noob question, what is the point of a CB radio other than talking to truckers?

 

I just don't want to worry with splicing or cutting coax.. and if I get line that's too short, I just wasted some $$$. I am a total noob here remember!

 

Cell phones don't work in the mountains and your friends are usually in different vehicles.

PS, Truckers are usually on speed so you can't communicate with them anyway since they only speak and don't listen. Plus they're not human. hahaha

 

In case of emergencies, dead cell phones, no cell reception (common in the areas of the mountains I go), and also for offroad trips with clubs, they often use CB for trail communication.

edit: McCaffrey beat me to it!

 

I heard they have heat vision like the predator.