CB Install Recomendations

Should I get another fuse or use what is stock?





Above is the driver side by the fire wall. Any better spots to run coax and power. I know it is best to keep RF and power separated. Is there a better spot to run the Firering coax in. I will be mounting the antenna at the hood on the PAX side.




Question 1: The hex bolt that came with the kit is not long enough to connect with antenna coupler once the hood mount is put in the mix. I am going to Lowes to buy a longer bolt. Any bolt types to stay away from? As long as it is steel.....am I G2G?

Question 2: Antenna Spring: Use or don't use?
It was an impulse buy.....but then I started thinking about RF loss. It adds another 1 dBm of loss. With all the other connections/loss....I already will be at 3'ish watts (If my radio out of the box truly is putting out 5W)

Question 3: Parts in the red outline box - I am usually not a fan of extra stuff. Based on how I read the instruction sheet.....that washer and plastic insulator is not needed right?

 

I'm not sure on # 1
#2 I wouldn't run the spring
#3 I read the same as you Chief

Let me know how you like that set up. I'm looking around for what to try myself, just waiting for the right mount in my cab.

 

Why do you think you need a different fuse than what it came with?

Antenna spring is good so it doesn't explode if it hits something since its a firestik. I don't know why you are worried about loss, firerings use garbage coax that is just to "get the job done". If you want a performance CB setup its a whole different story.

I'm assuming CB is being mounted in vicinity of the center console section or dash? If your antenna is going passenger side, open up the hood and you will see a small grommet with a center nipple that can be used to run your coax. There is a bit of carpeting behind it that you will need to punch a hole through.

There is also a 3/4" grommet maybe a foot or so above and to the left of the main firewall boot on driver side you can run stuff through. IF you have the hydraulic brake booster you will see it sort of obscured by the housing.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cb-install-06-access-cab-write-up-update.482867/#post-15649877

I would not run the spring. I would use a second inline fuse closer to the battery because the other fuse you see will be inside your dash presumably once you are finished with your install. I attached my install link for your refrence....maybe it will provide useful....maybe not.

 

Yeah I just looked up the antenna I guess OP is using. IF it is a Firefly as I see on the packaging in OP's pics, looks like no need for the spring as apparently the Firefly has a good amount of flex. If it is a FireStik/Firestik II, if you hit anything with it, it will likely break.

 

Seems everyone has answered most of your questions.

A good equation to remember though:
I(amps) = P(watts) / V(volts DC)
I = 5 watts / 12 volts DC
I = 0.4167 amps at Tx.

2A fuse is more than enough.

 

That is assuming he never speaks...remember the 4 watt legal limit refers only to the dead key ...once he starts to talk the wattage will likely swing somewhere around 12 watts.