Mobile radio

Hello Tacoma Fam,

I am Looking to get a Mobile Radio for my 3rd Gen Tacoma. but before I do i want to some information.

1. What brand do you recommend to buy, something not crazy expensive but decent and good quality

2. Are all compatible with any walkie talkie? or only other mobile radios?

3. post pics on how you mounted your on your 3rd gen to get ideas nohow it will look ( if possible )

thank you in advanced!!!!!

 

CB or HAM?

 

@Flytmech this is going to sound funny, but I am new to this and I don't know anything about them so i don't know whats the difference between CB and HAM ? does it make a difference ?

 

Uniden 520xl CB (they are fkn bulletproof)with a Sl41 Palomar mic and external speaker. Trust me, go ahead and spend the money on a high end mic.

 

Yes..you definitely want a CB. HAM is for serious distance and you need an FCC certificate to operate.

 

@Flytmech i like how you set it up!!! was it hard install?

 

@Flytmech also i am guessing you need a antenna installed also right ?

 

Thanks.

There are a couple of small CBS out there that get good ratings from Taco owners. It wasn't hard, but I have an maintenance /avionics background. You just have to remove the driver seat and center console. There is some drilling of the center console involved, to get the wires in. Took me a day, but that was drawing out the wiring and deciding where to drill and mount everything.

 

I would go HAM. CB's are only good for line of sight communication. If you want any distance or in an emergency Ham would be the way to go. Don't have one just my .02

 

Yes. You don't need more than a 4 footer...Firestick are really good

 

If you are going to use it for emergency communication, yes Ham is better. Most of us just want communication between riding buddies. I can talk very well without being line of site. But CBS do have a limited transmitting ability unless they are boosted.

 

@Flytmech thank you for all your help, that sounds like a complicated install for someone that does now know anything about lol, specially if it has to do with drilling.

@Wolftaco0503 thanks for the info, i really just need one for when I go ridding with my buddies. but it is something too look at also.

 

nah, not real hard, just buy a step drill bit and go slow. Anyone can do it.

 

@Flytmech we will see! i was thinking of putting it on the side of the passenger at first

 

@Chefjay1488 You might also want to look into a Cobra 75 wx/st. It's super compact.

 

Cobra 75WXST 40-Channel CB Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005N5WW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_ZOXSzbB0P4NRH

 

@Flytmech well it looks cheaper, i am guessing the other is better right? also do you know if those are compatible to connect to like a Baofentech radio?

 

I've never used the Cobra 75. I just know they are big in the taco and jeep community. I got the Uniden because I have seen them used, and heavily abused, in dump trucks and excavators and they just keep on working. I have no idea about the Baofentech compatability .

 

This place is having a crazy sale on baofeng stuff.

 

I like how you installed that radio. One question, any worries WRT heat buildup when the console is shut, or have you ventilated somewhere? I realize CBs are low power but I thought I'd ask.