Hey guys,

I'm a new member and this is my first post here, so forgive me if this is the wrong place to post it but I have an 04 F250 crew cab and am in need of some advice about installing my Dual CB antenna set-up. I have 4ft. Firestik dual antennas and am planning on mounting them in stake-pocket mounts behind the cab. Does anyone know a good way to wire the coax into the cab?

 

I thought there were grommets on the back panel of the cab, no? If not you could run it underneath the bed, under the cab to the firewall, no? If you go under the bed/cab you could probably follow other wires, or route it through the frame rails.

 

Yeah, based on my research I have heard about grommets in the back of the bed. Im guessing those are the 2 oval cut-out looking things, but do they just punch out? Ive never messed with them before. when the coax is wired through there and then i suppose through the back vents of the cab, are the grommets replaced? wont that put excessive stress on my coax? If they are meant to be left out, I guess I would want to get a tool box to cover the eye sore of the wholes and then just mount the antennas to the truck box. Is my thinking here correct?

 

Having been using CB's since 1964 I can honestly tell you that in order to get optimum performance from co-phased antennas you want then at least 8 feet apart. You would be better off just running a single antenna and mounting it as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. Making sure you have a GOOD ground on the antenna as the ground plays an important role in being able to pick up the incoming signal. AS always make sure you match the antenna to the vehicle and that the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) is 1:1.75 or better. Actually I use a tunable antenna and I set mine at 1:1.5 rather and getting a perfect match 1:1 and the reason being the reception on the distant signals is often times better. Without a Linear I can routinely talk and receive signals 15 to 20 miles away. Running a single antenna attached to the mirror bracket on the drivers side I plan on mounting the antenna to the Headacke rack as soon as it is installed. Also keep the coax cables in increments of 3 feet 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18. Be sure you don't coil the coax and if you have to run more than 18 feet use the heavier coax.
If you must "punch" a hole in your cab I would suggest going to an automotive (Big truck) store and getting a "GLAD HAND" washer to run the cable through so as to prevent fraying the cable. The reason I say a glad hand washer is because you can cut one side of it and feet it into the hole after you have passed the coax into the truck without taking off the Pl259 connector on the cable.
Just my 2cents worth

 

Not sure about the SD but on my 150 there are large grommets (I think multiple grommets) you can run wire through the cab. I ran some #0 AWG for a subwoofer amp. All you do is poke through the center of the grommet with a knife or something and make a hole a little smaller than you need, it should stretch a little to get the connector through but still be a little snug so it doesnt let too much wind or whatever through. Not 100% sure about the cb connector, I know the pl259's are pretty large though, but shouldnt be a problem I dont think.

As long as we are on the subject, anyone have any ideas of how to mount a 9' whip? Havent had the cb in my 150 for a while mainly due to not having a good way to mount the antenna (used a mag mount just for long trips but wore out the flimsy cable through the door). Will be getting a SD so not to worried about my 150 but would like to have the radio back if I get a new truck. I also have a couple ham radio antennas too I'll probably mount. I figure I'll have to probably get a smaller coiled antenna but figure I'd ask.

 

There are vents, the 3x5" plastic ovals between the cab and the bed. The coax will pass through it.

 

Do NOT remove the whole grommet....make a knife slice long enough to pass the wires thru you need. Remove the PL259 and reinstall it after you pass the wire thru......

 

Very good post... Brought back memories of times before DVD players and cellphones in vehicles. I run a single K-40 magnetic mount and run the coax through the rear cab grommets. It works very well.

 

On the matter of the 9' whip antenna I would recommmend a different antenna, However if I were insistant on utilizing it I wouod consider either a bumper mount or even a fender mount. The bumper mount can be mounted on either side of the rear bumper off to the side so it won't interfer with the tailgate and a body mount can be mounted on either rear quarter panels. Depending on the space available it could also be mounted directly under the tail light assembly due to the fact that if it is like most 9' whips it is a single Stainless steel rod. You will probably want to incorporate a small stainless steel spring.
A bit of info on the signal of the CB and placement of the antenna. Where ever you mount the antenna draw a line from it to the farthest point of metal on the vehicle. That is the direction where you will get the strongest signal both outgoing and incoming. That is the reason I recommend mounting it as close to the middle of the vehicle as possible. You'll get optimum signal front and back.

K-40's are an extremely good antenna. Personnal preference I'd find a a way to permanently mount the antenna verses a magnetic mount as you can loose some incoming signal strength due to the magnet not making a complete ground with the body of the vehicle. But again that is personnal preference and if you're not particular about receiving those far off signals (>10 miles) a magnetic will do the job for you. Just be sure to Match the antenna to the vehicle.
The re4ason I emphasize matching the antenna to the vehicle is because if you have a bad "MATCH" greater than 1:2 or higher you will burn up the finals in your radio and not know it until it is to late.

 

Carl,
Speaking from experiance...... I was having trouble with my duals so I dropped to a single. For some reason it would not tune. Don't know why but it didn't. I went back to my K40 on the roof and I sing like the Fat lady. Well my box has been tweaked and tuned to match the little extra box I am running. But honestly your better off running a nice single antenna on your truck.

 

Here's how I got the coax into my cab. That plastic plug just pops out. Its convenient because it comes in right under the dash so no pulling up carpet and trim to hide the cable.

But, you do have to run it under the cab and up into the engine compartment. Trade off I suppose.

 

thanks for the tips everybody!