CB Radio Location
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: McKinney, Texas
CB Radio Location
I am looking at installing a CB in my 2012 F150. This thread isn't electronics based, there is already a sub forum for that. This thread is about radio placement. I have a 2012 f150 XLT that I special ordered... meaning I got the front buckets with the center console. I have an old SBE Sidebander IV that was my grandfather's that I am going to swing by the CB shop this week to get checked out. If everything is a go, I will go with that. So, this is a big radio fromm the 70's, not the little tiny things that are sold today.
So, whats a good location? Vertical on the front of the console maybe?
So, whats a good location? Vertical on the front of the console maybe?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
I looked at that option for a recent install of a radio for the fire chief, but there was no flat space to mount to. The only flat space is the front of the "cubby" and pops out.
I ended up mounting the radio in the pocket on the dash. Fortunately, this was a smaller unit (Kenwood TK-780). I doubt you're going to make your CB fit in the same location - at least, not as cleanly.
I ended up mounting the radio in the pocket on the dash. Fortunately, this was a smaller unit (Kenwood TK-780). I doubt you're going to make your CB fit in the same location - at least, not as cleanly.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana, TX
I can't tell you where to mount it, but I can say that's the cat-daddy of CB radios from back in the day. I had one older, 23 channel SBE before I upgraded to the SBE Sidebander I'VE, then I had it modded to include a toggle switch on the back,basically tripling the number of channels going 40 above 40 and 40 below! The tech tweaked the output on it, so with the addition of a good quality power mike, and two 102" whip antennas, it became a real talker!
I think it might even be in a foot locker in the barn. I might have to find it and see if it still works.
I think it might even be in a foot locker in the barn. I might have to find it and see if it still works.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,807
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands, TX
Not an F150, but here is how I mounted my Cobra 29 in my Superduty. I used a Ram Mount (google them) and bolted it to the floor. Provides a solid mount and is adjustable. I drive off-road a lot and there is little movement in the CB.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
I'm also intereseted in some mounting locations because I have that huge flow through center console in my FX4. I have a full size cb but I'm thinking about buying one of the small size compact ones to put in the console box. I only need it occasionally for off roading with friends. Do they work as well as a full size cb?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
From: Chino Hills
I'm also intereseted in some mounting locations because I have that huge flow through center console in my FX4. I have a full size cb but I'm thinking about buying one of the small size compact ones to put in the console box. I only need it occasionally for off roading with friends. Do they work as well as a full size cb?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
I can't tell you where to mount it, but I can say that's the cat-daddy of CB radios from back in the day. I had one older, 23 channel SBE before I upgraded to the SBE Sidebander I'VE, then I had it modded to include a toggle switch on the back,basically tripling the number of channels going 40 above 40 and 40 below! The tech tweaked the output on it, so with the addition of a good quality power mike, and two 102" whip antennas, it became a real talker!
I think it might even be in a foot locker in the barn. I might have to find it and see if it still works.
I think it might even be in a foot locker in the barn. I might have to find it and see if it still works.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 536
From: barton city mi
I mounted mine, a compact Midland, in the cubby hole below the radio. I'd have preferred my full size Galaxy, but the little Midland works pretty good. The key to any CB install, is not so much the radio, but the antenna and grounding. You could use a base loaded antenna like the "Lil Will", with a magnet mount. That's what I did, and usually can get out a few miles. Don't forget your SWR's, you can screw up any radio with too high of SWR's.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 790
Likes: 3
From: Ontario, OH
Not sure how small you are willing to go but this is what came up with for my solution.
https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-s...aa-weather.cfm
I have a 2010 stx with flow through floor and put the control box in the lower cubby.
I only use it on long road trips and usually get a 3-4 mile reach with it.
https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-s...aa-weather.cfm
I have a 2010 stx with flow through floor and put the control box in the lower cubby.
I only use it on long road trips and usually get a 3-4 mile reach with it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana, TX
What are you? Some DHS agent in disguise looking for potential security threats within the ranks of a pick-up forum membership?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
Not are. Were. There is no possession now for them to hang their hat on. I've since found that the evidence is in fact, missing. Besides, I'm sure they might be more interested in finding some entitlement baby to take back to jail for parole violations. Sure would be easier to prosecute.
What are you? Some DHS agent in disguise looking for potential security threats within the ranks of a pick-up forum membership?
What are you? Some DHS agent in disguise looking for potential security threats within the ranks of a pick-up forum membership?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana, TX
Have a nice day!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
Not sure how small you are willing to go but this is what came up with for my solution.
https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-s...aa-weather.cfm
I have a 2010 stx with flow through floor and put the control box in the lower cubby.
I only use it on long road trips and usually get a 3-4 mile reach with it.
https://www.cobra.com/detail/75-wx-s...aa-weather.cfm
I have a 2010 stx with flow through floor and put the control box in the lower cubby.
I only use it on long road trips and usually get a 3-4 mile reach with it.