Best antenna for my cobra 75 cb radio

i am no expert when it comes to electrical. Any tips on which is a decent antenna for my rago fab rear mount? I have a cobra 75. I dont need anything fancy really. Just need something to communicate with some friends on small trails. I wish i had a roof rack so i can get an 8’ to bend over and secure it to the roof rack. I know it goes off line of sight.. so whats my options? 4’? Any particular brand or style? Thanks fellas

 

I don't have a 3rd gen but I have a 4' Firestick with quick disconnect mounted on my light bar. When not in use I disconnect the antenna & Cobra 75, throw the antenna behind my back seats & store the Cobra 75 in a zippered gun pouch under the seat.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cobra-75-wx-st-install-cb-interference-with-hids.117602/

 

I've had 2 different antennae mounted at that exact location on my truck.

1) I ran a Wilson T2000 https://www.roadprobrands.com/produ...mobile-cb-trucker-antenna-with-10-shaft-black no spring required with it. 10" stainless shaft up to the "center load", then a 48" steel whip at the top that is tunable.

2) 4' Firestick on a heavy stainless spring. This one is available in different colors (and lengths), is very affordable and tunable at the tip. I won't tell you a spring is required I just ran one to have some give in case i hit anything. I went with a heavy duty spring so it doesn't lay back at hiway speeds.

 

The two I've always gravitated towards for offroad use was the firestick and the wilson flex.

In my experiences, the firesticks tend to perform a bit better (longer potnetial range for the given height), and have been easier to tune; but they are very rigid and I've broken quite a few of them on the trails (a spring certainly helps).

The wilson flex bends easily out of the way of things, but I've always had a tougher time with tuning on these; usually settling for an acceptable SWR, just low enough as to not risk damage to the radio (for example, might have to fuss with the Wilson to get it around 1.9, whereas firestick in same location with same mount easily gets to 1.2). It's also worth noting that while they are very flexible... I've also broken a couple of these over the years as well. They bend easily out of the way, but they can occasionally sort of "whip" back into place, and if there happens to be another branch to contend with... well, enough of that scenario and they eventually fail.

For the back of the bed mounting location, I'd probably do a firestick with a heavy duty spring.

 

Thanks guys. I heard about the fire stick. Anyone got the exact model? Going to buy it now on Amazon

 

Here is one option for a 4':

$34 FireStik FS-4BK 4' (r) Ii Fs Series Tunable Tip Cb Antenna - 900 Watts Black

https://www.amazon.com/FS-4BK-Fires...=1538232136&sr=8-3&keywords=firestick+antenna

You just want to make sure to get the one with the tuneable tip

 

I recommend getting a spring mount also. Almost without fail, the vibrations would cause my Wilson fiberglass antenna to vibrate loose. I added a spring mount recently and this recurring problem has been taken care of.

 

Will do. Thanks for the great advice fellas

 

Is this the package? 4ft firestik with the spring. Firestik FL4-B ( 4` Firefly ) CB Radio Antenna SS-3H Heavy Duty Spring K-4A Stud Combo

Firestik FL4-B (4` Firefly) CB Radio Antenna SS-3H Heavy Duty Spring K-4A Stud Combo

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072C613VS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Jl5RBbAF4GW6B

 

4ft firestik heavy duty spring and quick disconnect. Running the same radio

 

You already have the stud though

$34 FireStik FS-4BK 4' (r) Ii Fs Series Tunable Tip Cb Antenna - 900 Watts Black

https://www.amazon.com/FS-4BK-Fires...TF8&qid=1538233241&sr=8-15&keywords=fire+stik

 

That wasnt my pic .. just off rago’s website lol

 

That's why the pic looked familiar. Doh!

 

How would you rate these two antennas performance? Does one or the other have a range advantage?

 

I got mine from the local peterbuilt shop. Seriously, find the closes semi truck shop and go talk to the guys there. They use their cb stuff every day and usually have good tested gear.

 

Alright i got my 4ft firestick.. how do i route the cable back up to the cab? This topic doesnt really get touched on

 

Behind the tail light. Down the frame. In the cabin through some plugs located under the passenger side seats

 

Is their a write up on how to remove the plastic top on the bed? Im about to tear into it

 

I believe you can put them off. I'd use interior removal tools

 

wait. what part are you talking about? the plastic cap rails that are on top of the bed?