Choosing the right size CB antenna

So I have a topper for the Tacoma that is always on, unless I'm hauling something big. And I was planning on mounting the antenna on the rear bumper in one of the corners. With the stock bumper I can't mount it in such a way that it sticks off to the side unobstructed.

So I was wondering how tall of an antenna must I get? Just enough to clear the top of the topper? Does it even have to clear it?

Thanks in advance

 

From what I've been told, the taller the better, but it all depends on what you plan to do. If you want to talk local, you don't need anything huge. If you want to talk with others who are further away, you would need a longer antenna.

I am in the process of purchasing an antenna, but I want to make some measurement to see the distance from the top of the bumper to the top of my cap. I am most likely going to purchase a 4' antenna unless I find that it's too short.

 

I won't be using this like a trucker would, that's for sure.

Mostly trail riding, local communications, and in case of emergency if I get stranded on a mountain pass somewhere (where cellphones don't work).

I'll try to keep tabs on your findings, thanks.

 

If you don't go higher than the topper, your best receive/transmit will be on only 2 sides of your truck. Putting the antenna on the driver side rear no higher than the topper, your best signals will be the driver side and rear.

Some options could be a magnet mount for the roof, the 102" steel whip on the rear bumper, or a bracket between the topper & bed to move the antenna up higher.

 

So if I'm reading you correctly, if I mount it on the bumper and just go higher than the top of the topper, I should be alright?

How much of the antenna should be above the top of the topper? Is just the tip okay or do I need more of the shaft up there? (that's what I asked her)

 

Get a Firestik. Figure out where your going to mount your antenn and then get one that clears the topper by about 6 inches. You can tune (standing wave) the antenna with the little screw on the tip of it.

 

For this you might want to look into a HAM radio. There arent too many people, if any at all, that monitor a cb incase of emergencies. Not to mention with ham, even on 2m you can hit a repeater 50 miles away. And if that repeater happens to have auto patch, then you can make a phone call from your radio.

 

Thanks!

That's what I was planning on doing. Thanks.

I read a thread here that got into the HAM radios and my brain nearly exploded.

Maybe I'll have to revisit it, again.

 

Ya. I did a Ron of research before getting my license so if u want, shoot me a pm and I'll give you the low down.

 

Thank you. I appreciate it.

 

Most state police monitor cb ch 9. Not as effective as ham, though.