Why Doesn't My CB Work?

I have a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia which is (supposedly) equipped with an internal CB antenna. When I got my truck, there was a CB radio already in it--the Cobra 19 Ultra III. I plugged it into the truck's antenna but I can never pick anything up but static. I actually want to start using it though, so where is the problem? The CB or the antenna?

Are you trying to use the radio that was left in the truck, or trying to plug yours in and not getting good results? The Cascadia is known for having a crappy factory antenna and is why many pick up an adaptor plate to mount an antenna to the mirror. If you're trying the radio that was left in the truck, it may well have a crapped out radio.

Are you trying to use the radio that was left in the truck, or trying to plug yours in and not getting good results? The Cascadia is known for having a crappy factory antenna and is why many pick up an adaptor plate to mount an antenna to the mirror. If you're trying the radio that was left in the truck, it may well have a crapped out radio.

The radio I'm trying is the one left in the truck, so it could very well be the radio.

What kind of antenna would be good for the type of radio I've got? After reading up on types of antennas a little bit, it looks like a 4-5' fiberglass antenna might work well and still be cost effective. Is 1000 watts too much/too little?

Here's the type of mirror mount I was looking at:

That's the ideal mount for the Cascadia. As far as antenna, you'll be fine with the one you mentioned. I've always been a fan of FireSticks, they work great, aren't too expensive and are very durable.

That's the ideal mount for the Cascadia. As far as antenna, you'll be fine with the one you mentioned. I've always been a fan of FireSticks, they work great, aren't too expensive and are very durable.

Thanks Robert!

Sounds like the same truck my son had lol at least same problem. He figured out it was the coaxil however before he could fix it ,he changed companies. I think your best bet would get new coaxil along with antennas,very easy on a freightliner to hide the coaxil along with mounting the antennas on your mirrors.

Sounds like the same truck my son had lol at least same problem. He figured out it was the coaxil however before he could fix it ,he changed companies. I think your best bet would get new coaxil along with antennas,very easy on a freightliner to hide the coaxil along with mounting the antennas on your mirrors.

I just got myself a new antenna this afternoon and it came with a 9' coax cable. I don't have the proper mount for a Freightliner yet though so it still doesn't work since it's not grounded. I suspect the CB itself does not work, but I won't really know until I can properly ground my antenna. At least, that's what I think based off of the research I've done lol.

Make SURE you have the antenna TUNED to the Radio with a SWR meter. Any CB shop can do this for you. If it is too far "Out of Tune" you can fry the radio. That may be what happened to the old one.