Any Members in Arkansas?

Hope Pete figured out where he was. Another stupid cold weekend, hopefully this is the end of it.

So my Firefly did show up yesterday, but they just put it in a bag to ship it and it looks like it jammed some USPS machinery. The covering was worn off in several places, but the wire underneath was intact. I went ahead and installed it since I had done everything else. It came adjusted to the minimum length (is that normal?), and I needed it just a bit shorter. Getting near 1.0 on channel 1, but 40 is still in the red zone at 3.1 or 3.2. Did some reading and it looks like I can remove the o-ring, knurled ring, or the screw altogether to get it shorter. Once it warms up a bit I will go mess with it some more.

The install didn't go exactly as planned. I had hoped to mount the CB on the passenger side of the console, but I ran out of coax length. I ran it straight down through the bed, along the frame and up through an existing grommet, so pretty much a straight shot. That 18' disappears fast. Ended up putting it on the left side under the dash, which is actually clean and convenient.

The fuse tap I ordered was for ATO fuses, needed ATM LP, but found a standard ATM fuse tap at the auto parts store that worked. The I found that the FireRing cable didn't come with the necessary bolt, so I had to run to Lowe's for that. Everything powered up and looks like I have excellent ground, so I just need to get SWR figured out. Hopefully they send me a replacement antenna and I can keep this one as an emergency spare -- if I can get it tuned properly.

 

If you're running 3 or in the red, be careful transmitting. Don't want the feedback to ruin transmit circuitry in the CB. I ordered a mounting stud with mine and it installed nicely, although not tuned as of yet. Guess my install was more simple tho.

 

Strange you need the antenna shorter than the adjustment goes...

 

Yeah, pretty far out of range. My install really wasn't that bad, I just wanted it clean. The grommet into the cab was just behind the front seat, so had to take out the trim to run the cables down the driver's side with the other wiring. One of the clips from the pillar trim fell off and down inside the body, so I had to play Operation with needle nose pliers to fish it out. As I said, I expected some frustration and got some.

I went to the Firestik site and they said you can remove the o-ring, knurled nut, or the adjusting screw altogether to get it shorter. I ended up with SWR readings at 1.5 on both 1 and 40 with the knurled nut removed and the screw mashed down on the o-ring, so I still had a little room to shorten if needed. I'll just have to do it all again when I get the replacement antenna, though. I'll keep this one as an emergency backup. Was hoping to get closer to 1.2, but 1.5 ain't bad.

 

Where am I?
















Edit: Not Albuquerque........@TenBeers

 

Eyeballing a Softopper (ST). Anyone who owns or has owned one want to share their thoughts? I've completely ruled out a hard top...but considering going the ST route.

 

Did you put the antenna on a spring? 1.5 isn't bad, but it's not as good as 1.1 that the whip gives me

Looks like a nice place to relax and have a fire

Do it! I like mine. Sometimes I miss my hard shell because it locked and had a roof rack, but I didn't use those features often enough to deal with the poor visibility at night, the weight of the shell, and the lack of being able to put anything tall in the bed without recruiting a friend to help me remove it.

 

I have a friend with 2nd gen taco who loved his, but got rid of it when he moved to Baltimore for obvious reasons (insert knife wielding man with bad intention emo here). @Dave_M has one as well, maybe he can provide you some real world input as well. I personally like the looks, function and versatility.

 

LOL, yeah, nothing can beat a full-length whip. Yes, I put it on a HD spring -- it has enough flex that I can pull it forward and strap it to the side of the bed rack if I need to.

As far as a soft topper, I considered that route but went the rack and RTT route. The Action Packers in the bed do a great job of keeping things dry and secured, and they can also work as camp benches or low tables.

 

I would definitely recommend one. The versatility they provide is amazing. The only negative I can think of is that the plastic buckles can get brittle over time, and can break if you’re not careful. Two of mine have broken, but it hasn’t effected the functionality at all. The only practical drawback is in regards to security. If that’s not a concern, then go for it!

 

I imagine I'll be getting rid of my softtopper once I end up with a bed rack and RTT, but that probably won't happen until I'm out of school and have real money

 

Real money is an illusion, js. (I looked up js on Urban Dictionary and it said: JS was originated by teenage girls for use in instant messages and text messaging, but has since been adopted by a very small segment of grown men that are still trying to hold on to their youthful qualities and adolescent absurdity. Yea, thats me )

Soooo, was thinking about another outing/run and wanted to start tossing dates around. I know Matt has finals, Pete had a pretty full calendar and so did Rich, but chime in everyone and everyone else, let's see if we can get another weekend run put together. How's schedule looking for everyone? I know Razorback Land Cruisers have a run planned May 4-6 that will be more technical and long. Options, thoughts?

 

I don’t have any suggestions for dates, but I’m up for an outing on just about any weekend! Especially while the temps are still cool at night.

 

Cool as in NOT freezing rain, sleet or snow...JS. I might make a day run up to Byrds next Saturday (28th) for the NSO Bonfire (just to look at the Heepers and pick up my shirt), then maybe go through Oark for a snack and back.

 

Hmm...think you'd be up to stop over and camp somewhere and run a few trails, or ya gotta get back?

 

Nope, gotta be back...too many nights on the road this spring.

 

Guys, appreciate all the feedback about a ST.

 

What is this? Educate me.

 

Look back several posts, or Google Natural State Overland. Mostly Jeepers but Tacoma’s, LCs and others outshine. Bonfire on the 28th, Rendevous early October. Last year, pre-storm....