CB Radios And Gear

I have dabbled in fitting my truck with a cb and antennas when I first started trucking. As company driver, I cant drill through firewall, so cable goes through door to mount...Freightliner 2021 P4 is what I am currently running.

I would like to upgrade now my son is joining trucking, and buy new for both of is.

I hear of bluetooth headset for CB, weather channel, police band. List goes on.

CB are critical when weather is at its worst. Its a safety investment in my opinion.

What cb unit, antennas, and cables would experienced cb truckers recommend?

Thank you in advance!

Do you currently have a radio?

I disagree that they are a piece of safety equipment. Defensive driving will do a lot more for you than relying on another person to give accurate and up to date road information. Anybody who has monitored CH19 knows that you have to listen to a lot of nonsense before hearing something useful. I’d say the majority of trucks do not monitor CH19. Try calling for a radio check or reaching out to another driver, often times the target audience is not listening.

Anyway, the CB is limited to 4watts. I have made more contacts after getting a peak and tune from a reputable radio shop. I think they enhanced the receive and bumped my output wattage to between 30 and 40 watts just depending on the radio. Do some research on the radio shop, not all are created equal. Find one that you will trust, take their advice on antennas. The iconic Cobra 29 with a a peak and tune has been enough radio for me, and I use it to communicate with other drivers I run with.

To clarify, I am not anti-radio. I love radios, it is a fun hobby. The truth is, defensive driving does more for you than the CB.

So if I witness an accident on the southbound side of the Interstate and I’m traveling North; are you suggesting that my ability to warn southbound drivers of the crash with my CB isn’t using it as a piece of safety equipment?

I agree it’s not what it used to be. Half or more drivers out here don’t have one or don’t use it. However even if 1 driver is monitoring and hears the warning; could be a life saved. The driver that heeds the warning can put on their 4-ways warning others behind them.

Not sure where you are running but I usually get a reply to a radio check on my 2nd try.

Do you currently have a radio?

I disagree that they are a piece of safety equipment. Defensive driving will do a lot more for you than relying on another person to give accurate and up to date road information. Anybody who has monitored CH19 knows that you have to listen to a lot of nonsense before hearing something useful. I’d say the majority of trucks do not monitor CH19. Try calling for a radio check or reaching out to another driver, often times the target audience is not listening.

To clarify, I am not anti-radio. I love radios, it is a fun hobby. The truth is, defensive driving does more for you than the CB.