CB Radio

So just got my 2016 TRD OR DCSB and one of the first things I want to do is a real nice clean CB install. I traded in my rubicon that I wheeled quiet a bit in and that CB is invaluable. Only issue I noticed is no super clean spot to mount it without it looking all trashy drilled into the dash. The sport has the blank spot in the ceiling where the offroad controls are located on mine so that handy overhead spot is a no go. I was thinking under the dash to the left of my leg any thoughts? Anyone mount it up for wheeling yet?

 

You've got about 9 years of people who have struggled with that problem. You can go with an all in the microphone option or find a place to stuff it.
Do a search on cb radios and you'll find all manner of ideas.

 

Ya I was thinking about it. I was looking at all the CB's in the GEN 2's and I applaud the efforts but I don't want to close up my radio in an arm rest. I was hoping someone already had the magic bullet and just hadn't shared yet hahaha

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clean-vhf-cb-radio-installs.415584/

Personally, I think everyone one should go ham. Easy to get into and much better equipment.

 

Ham? so I can learn to program my radio with various software packages, figure out how to use repeaters to go 60 miles and keep up with a license?
Or I can use a $50 cb radio for caravans and a cell phone for long distance.

Wait... I'm still thinking.

 

There is no clean location on the tacoma. I have mine mounted to the side of the center console which gets in the way of my passengers legs. I would suggest going with the midland 2 in1 handheld and fixed installation. Just run the wires and you can just plug it in when need for off road trips. Or you can disconnect it in 1 sec connect the battery and use it spotting some one while outside the vehicle.

$90 Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio & Mobile CB Radio – Walkie Talkie with 40 Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts, Long Range, Compatible with CB Antennas

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR

 

Just buy ham radio and talk on CB with it. Chinese reverse engineering has what u need!

 

1. You actually can use a cheap $30 hand held to talk on a simplex frequency (one frequency like CB uses) instead of using a repeater.
2. It can be as simple or complicated as you like.
3. Licenses last 10 years. I just stick a credit card sized copy in my wallet.

You just have much more flexibility and ability with ham. Units can be plenty cheap. The testing is not hard.

 

As far as simplicity goes, I'd +1 the Midland 75-822. I have a Lil Wil mounted on my hood, run the cable through the firewall, and put velcro on the back of the handheld and just stick it on my dash next to the climate control knobs. Works great.

Not many truckers actually use CBs anymore so the novelty doesn't exist there, and I only use it for wheeling/convoys. I get about 4-9 miles of range depending on the day. That's plenty for my use.

Now, I will say, if you're looking to go something fancier than a CB, a really strong case for HAM is APRS for the mapping, which is really cool.

 

I have not considered HAM radio yet. I have always ran a CB my last one was a president johnny 3 and it wasn't much bigger then a uniden 520 and had weather and other fancies. I have an old cobra 25NW WX I think I am gonna faux mount it around the cab and see if there is anywhere I like so far the best I have got it beside my left leg make a bracket that will keep tight to the bottom of the dash. the radios are not very tall so the mic cable will be the only thing in the way if I go that route. And potentially hearing the radio because it is down by the floor vs up over my head like I used to have. Maybe ill go bigger and get a bearcat 980 hmmmmm decisions decisions.

 

I just use a handheld ham radio now. And I'm getting rid of my cb. It seems a lot of people don't use cb anymore.

Mine was only 30 bucks. No install required.



I don't have a license either....shh!

 

I used CB for years and years but it just doesn't serve much purpose for me anymore. With ham I've actually got range, enough that I can usually get out of places w/ no cell coverage, especially if I bust out my yagi. On top of that ham has much cleaner install options due to better packaging and remote radio faceplates.

 

And you can still pick up CB stations with HAM? or is it apples to oranges? I am not savoy on ham at all im gonna have to educate myself if I want to keep up this conversation hahaha

 

Please don't install it in the driver side leg well. That's an unnecessary leg injury waiting to happen in a wreck.

 

No you cannot. Citizens' Band = 27MHz, Amateur Radio = 146MHz and 430MHz

 

Here's My solution. I wanted to place my CB on the center console right next to me. The seat would not be able to move. My solution...attach it to the seat.

The aluminum bar is attached to the seat belt nut. I added a bolt to the front of the seat on a cross piece. I had to drill out a piece of the seat and go through some seat fabric.

Yes...I did the work in the living room. It was 103 deg here in the AZ. I did watch The Walking Dead in my drivers seat

 

Anyone know what is behind the cubby to the left of the steering wheel it has the 3 switchs on the same panel a uniden has the same face dimensions if it was deep enough I could dremel out that space and slide it in there?

 

Now that has potential I really like that spot got any finished pics?

 

What is the unite you have the HAM connect to on the dash? I have a little mini Ham but just got into it and need to grab the license. That is clean and nice to use based on your photo.

 

I'm having am issue with my SWR being in the "red". I think I need a better ground for the antenna. When I am done I'll drop a CB insall post.