1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

UTAH (and Surrounding Areas) BS Thread

Discussion in 'South West' started by Drunknsloth, Feb 27, 2011.

  1. May 20, 2014 at 6:54 AM
    #2941
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    Male compensation? :) Really, no particular reason other than feature set and looks of that radio. Like I said I know little. About my only must-have is wx radio, so I can be easily talked into something else.
     
  2. May 20, 2014 at 7:21 AM
    #2942
    smkd13

    smkd13 Professional Idiot

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97956
    Messages:
    1,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Provo, UT
    Vehicle:
    19 DCSB OR
    Stock… for now

    Pretty much most all the radios do the same thing. The biggest place you would see a benefit to having a full sized feature packed radio is when your well trucking or pushing for the largest range coverage. The also for the most part this will be one of the least used electronics in your rig. For what your getting for 100 bucks you can get the same (Minus NOAA weather) for 50ish buck with this:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004VXNI?pc_redir=1400399787&robot_redir=1

    Or is you must have weather there is this:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00176RNLA?pc_redir=1400532350&robot_redir=1

    Both are outputting the max 4W that the FCC allows for the citizen band (CB) and half the price. They will also be severely easier to mount in the location you wanting.
     
  3. May 20, 2014 at 7:58 AM
    #2943
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?

    I've got no problem with that. I'd prefer to avoid a magnet mount but if it comes to that, I can still deal with it. Just a thought, but is there a mount that uses the holes of the third brake light on the cab?

    No rush at all. In fact, the pricer this might get the more time I'd need. :D If I can keep it relatively cheap I can do it anytime, but there's no pressing deadline.

    I've got no problem with that either. However, if I'm going to put it in the DIN-sized space below the stereo, wouldn't it make more sense to go with the Cobra 18WXSTII, which is already single-DIN sized and even smaller than the Midland 1001LWX?

    http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-18WXSTII-Mobile-Radio-Watch/dp/B00005N5WU

    I should also mention that I have a spare one of those dashboard plates that adapt the factory radio space to accommodate a single-DIN radio, like you see in the photo. When I replaced the stereo head unit Crutchfield threw one in at no additional cost, and I've hung onto it.

    Then again there's also this, although it would hardly be my preference:
    http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-75WXST-...TF8&qid=1400598206&sr=1-1&keywords=C+75+WX+ST
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2014
  4. May 20, 2014 at 3:16 PM
    #2944
    beerking

    beerking Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2011
    Member:
    #52637
    Messages:
    336
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Trey
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    09 Access V6 TRD Sport
    All-pro APEX front bumper, 4xInnovation sliders w/kickouts, ATO front skid, Smittybilt XRC-8 winch, Icon 2.5 Front coilovers with 700lb King shocks, 5100's on the rear, TSB Toytec AAL, slimcubby HID headlights, debadged, Magnaflow muffler, AFE drop-in, Python 991 Remote start/alarm, Clarion NX501, Wet Okole's, Weathertech digifit floor mats, Midland CB, Blue 4' Firestik II, Tailgate anti-theft mod, power tailgate lock, rear differential breather relocation & yellow wire mod.
    I can take some pics of my cb setup when I get home if you'd like. It's not in the exact position you stated you were looking to put yours but it may give you some ideas. And the install shouldn't be too involved. My antenna is a firestik mounted to a bed rail mount and it was pretty easy.
     
  5. May 20, 2014 at 3:21 PM
    #2945
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    Sure! Can't have too many ideas, although the bed mounted antenna won't work for me as I have a shell on the bed.

    But I did find this, which they say will work on a Taco:

    http://www.wearecb.com/augm3-l-stainless-steel-fender-mount-2010-newer-chevy-trucks.html
     
  6. May 20, 2014 at 3:29 PM
    #2946
    beerking

    beerking Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2011
    Member:
    #52637
    Messages:
    336
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Trey
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    09 Access V6 TRD Sport
    All-pro APEX front bumper, 4xInnovation sliders w/kickouts, ATO front skid, Smittybilt XRC-8 winch, Icon 2.5 Front coilovers with 700lb King shocks, 5100's on the rear, TSB Toytec AAL, slimcubby HID headlights, debadged, Magnaflow muffler, AFE drop-in, Python 991 Remote start/alarm, Clarion NX501, Wet Okole's, Weathertech digifit floor mats, Midland CB, Blue 4' Firestik II, Tailgate anti-theft mod, power tailgate lock, rear differential breather relocation & yellow wire mod.
    Yeah you can also get a hood mount or one by the taillight.
     
  7. May 20, 2014 at 6:39 PM
    #2947
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    OK, after nearly a full day of online research I think that I've got it figured out! :cool:

    This picture isn't a 2nd Gen, but it depicts what I have in mind with the Cobra 18 WX ST II:

    DSC05773_dd58a95b6b0d53bc7a847ef731de7c3a3fa4b623.jpg

    In the dash I currently have a single-DIN Alpine head unit:

    eme3u4e7_e73d88dbde88d9a2a88ef1f017b78b78f20d754c.jpg

    I also have laying around a dash plate that can accommodate a single-DIN stereo, a double-DIN, or two stacked single-DINs:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Plus it has the texture that matches my climate control panel, which I like the look of a whole lot better than the smooth dash panel that's in there now!

    Because the Cobra 18 WX ST II is a single-DIN unit, and I can stack it with my single-DIN Alpine stereo via the face plate I already own, we should be able to achieve a flush, factory look for both units in the dash atop one another. The front-facing speaker on the CB unit should work well in this position, too, as it's between the driver and the passenger at roughly ear height. I wish that this CB had adjustable RF Gain, and it would also be nice to have a switchable external speaker output that I could run to the auxiliary input on the Alpine stereo and use the internal speaker when I'm using the stereo for other purposes, and the stereo speaker when I'm using the CB full time. The way this unit is configured, if something's plugged into the external speaker output it automatically mutes the internal speaker and this isn't configurable from the front of the radio. But it's the only CB radio I can find that has everything else that I want and is a single-DIN size for this type of installation, so I guess that you can't have everything. Things like a clean mount and weather radio are far more important to me.

    For the antenna, I'm looking at a few items all from Right Channel Radios:
    1. A universal hood mount with 18' cable: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/adjustable-universal-hood-mount.html
    2. A Firestik heavy duty antenna spring: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/firestik-heavy-duty-cb-antenna-spring.html
    3. A 4' Firestik FS antenna: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/firestik-fs-cb-antenna.html

    This setup should look relatively clean, yet get the antenna top ~28" above the roofline of the truck, not including the height of the spring which will add to it by a few inches.

    Total price: $138.84

    Whadda y'all think (especially you, smkd13 ;))?
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2014
  8. May 20, 2014 at 7:22 PM
    #2948
    Corndawg

    Corndawg Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2012
    Member:
    #76018
    Messages:
    1,046
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Corey
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2007 double cab TRD off road Radiant Red
    2.5 inch pro comp lift Cobra XRS 9745 Detector 15 band scanner Pioneer DEH-P6900UB Python 991 remote start/ security. Tinted license plate covers Fog Light Mod PIAA Extreme White 4000K Replacement bulbs Red LED Dome and Map lights LED replacement tail light bulbs Black Weather Tech Floor Liners front and rear
    So do We have a set date for AF Trail run ?
     
  9. May 20, 2014 at 10:11 PM
    #2949
    smkd13

    smkd13 Professional Idiot

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97956
    Messages:
    1,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Provo, UT
    Vehicle:
    19 DCSB OR
    Stock… for now

    I like when people do their research. The dual din should work good honestly. Definitely give it that clean look.

    The only modification I would say is to go with a Firestik Firefly or Wilson Flex antenna. You would not need to run a spring with it for the most part.

    For the amount of distance your going you would be fine with a 9' cable but an 18' will work fine for sure.


    Have that much antenna above the roofline will be perfect.
     
  10. May 21, 2014 at 6:25 AM
    #2950
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    I read somewhere ... but with all of the stuff that I read yesterday I can't find it right now ... that the Firestik FS has slightly better range than the Wilson Flex. It was on an off-roading website that said if range is more important get the FS, and if flexibility is most important (i.e., you're running trails with a lot of low-hanging branches, etc.) get the Flex. That's why I chose the FS. Do you disagree? Now that I write this I see the same sort of comments in the Right Channel Radios listing for the Flex:
    http://www.rightchannelradios.com/wilson-flex-cb-antenna.html

    The reason that I went with the spring is that my home has both a low carport and a single-car garage. In either place the antenna, sticking 28" above the truck's roofline, is going to contact the structure each and every time. And yes, I have unintentionally tried backing under the carport with a kayak on the roof. :eek:

    Knowing all of that, should I go with the Firefly and a spring? Is the Firefly's performance comparable to that of the FS? And I'm guessing that the Firefly's lighter weight will allow me to go with a medium spring instead of heavy duty?

    Roger. If I can save some $ with a 9-foot I will. Will a cable with FME make installation easier, or are the normal PL-259 connectors OK?

    Is it time for me to pull the trigger? I'm actually on PTO from work all next week. And what are you looking for to give me a hand with this?
     
  11. May 21, 2014 at 7:02 AM
    #2951
    smkd13

    smkd13 Professional Idiot

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97956
    Messages:
    1,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Provo, UT
    Vehicle:
    19 DCSB OR
    Stock… for now
    The firefly was made to have better flexibility without sacrificing distance. The FS is going to get you slightly better range but the other thing they did explain is that the FS is HeavY. Add a spring and it flops all over the place I run a 5' with no spring and I get about 25" above roofline (I don't park anywhere near carports, parking garages, or anything low for that matter). It I had one I don't think my tail light would be gone. Remember. Less weight= less impact force.

    Your reasoning for the FS is spot on though. I prefer the firefly as it will do exactly what is needed and is more friendly to low hanging objects. Th FS has a higher power handling and will get slightly better range. When Firestick made the FireFly they worked on it to keep the rage up while adding flexability

    Here is a tech site the Firestik put together. Lots of good info.

    http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm



    Go with the Wilson RG-8x came with FME. It is still a PL-259 connector as the port on the Radio and Stud are SO-239 that receive the PL connectors.

    Lol funny story cause I am on PTO all next too. But I will be in Moab lol I am free anytime after June 2nd. As far as what I want for install well I am cheap. Pretty much Gas money. I have never been in it to make money just like helping the community.
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2014
    jagergirll likes this.
  12. May 21, 2014 at 9:13 AM
    #2952
    Cohbsteq

    Cohbsteq Hood Rat

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2013
    Member:
    #115350
    Messages:
    4,317
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jacob
    SL,UT
    Vehicle:
    02 Supercharged 4x4
    Pretty much stock with some crap welded to it.
    im looking for a new place to camp this weekend, id like to be able to camp on the side of a lake of some sort, i only have a tent and id like to be able to drive up to the site. im trying to convince my gf to come out with me this weekend so im trying to find a place that would be the best to take her to. i live in sandy but don't mind driving.
     
  13. May 21, 2014 at 9:17 AM
    #2953
    Box Rocket

    Box Rocket Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Member:
    #32389
    Messages:
    7,188
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Syracuse, Utah
    Vehicle:
    1995 FZJ80 Land Cruiser
    3xLocked, lifted, well used
    I have that same Cobra radio in my Land Cruiser. For the larger single DIN sized radios is a great unit. You'll like it.
    _MG_1275_d95b4cb7352f1acc70b4cb0b997066e9e0cba7c2.jpg
     
  14. May 21, 2014 at 10:51 AM
    #2954
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    Firefly it is.

    Ironic, but I spent the morning reading those documents before I realized that you linked to them.

    I think that I'll make a minor but relatively immaterial change. wearecb.com has some items that I want that Right Channel Radio doesn't, like an adhesive mic mounting clip that doesn't require drilling (I'll try that first). Looking at their options I'm probably going with this mount:

    http://www.wearecb.com/auc11-short-hood-channel-mobile-antenna-mount.html

    and this cable with Firestik's Fire-Ring to mount to the threaded stud:

    http://www.wearecb.com/firestik-fire-flex-cb-coax-cable-with-fire-ring.html

    The radio end of that cable is bare wire, which should make getting it through the existing hole/grommet in the firewall and fished behind the dash much easier. The PL-259 connector solders on thereafter. I also noted that Firestik's technical documents are pretty emphatic about going with an 18' cable, even if you need far less than that:

    Much appreciated! Enjoy your Moab trip - I'm jealous. Let's connect after you get back. Just let me know your food and beverage of choice.

    Great to hear! Thanks for the confirmation.
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2014
  15. May 21, 2014 at 11:03 AM
    #2955
    Jiveydude

    Jiveydude Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Member:
    #115035
    Messages:
    1,318
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Micah
    OH
    Vehicle:
    04Taco
    stuff and things that make it better
    I think that most of the roads into the really nice lakes are still closed for the winter but you could call the forest service for more info. Nice camping spots can be found at any of these lakes/reservoirs http://www.utahfishinginfo.com/utahlakes/

    Another pretty cool spot for early season camping (late season it becomes a mosquito nest) is the DMAD reservoir just North East of Delta. Pretty fun dirt roads that surround it too. I marked the two spots that I usually camp at on the attached map below.
    Edit: bring fire wood, there is very little around.

    Screen Shot 2014-05-21 at 11.59.01 AM.jpg
     
  16. May 21, 2014 at 11:20 AM
    #2956
    Cohbsteq

    Cohbsteq Hood Rat

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2013
    Member:
    #115350
    Messages:
    4,317
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jacob
    SL,UT
    Vehicle:
    02 Supercharged 4x4
    Pretty much stock with some crap welded to it.
    thats exactly what i'm looking for thanks man ill look into that, im also thinking of heading to joes valley reservoir.

    i saw you driving up 45th yesterday did the honk and wave i think u were busy lol.. truck looked great though man.
     
  17. May 21, 2014 at 11:25 AM
    #2957
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    I agree with Jiveydude - my lakeside preferences are in the Uintas and you can't drive up there yet. While UT-150 (the Mirror Lake Highway) will potentially open this weekend according to UDOT many of the best high elevation lakes will still be surrounded by snow.

    I'm not a fan of campgrounds but if you don't mind them there are nice waterside sites at Rockport Reservoir. There are also beachfront sites along the east shore of Bear Lake, although the ones on the Idaho side of the line are much better than the Utah ones.
     
  18. May 21, 2014 at 11:36 AM
    #2958
    smkd13

    smkd13 Professional Idiot

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2013
    Member:
    #97956
    Messages:
    1,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Provo, UT
    Vehicle:
    19 DCSB OR
    Stock… for now

    Hmmm soldering is easy to do. I just likes the ease of the FME connector when running the wire. Go with the 18' no biggie. I normally put any excess under the carpet yin the passenger side.

    The FireRings work pretty well actually. So I second that choice.

    And oh man I am excited for it. It is the TW meet and should be pretty good this year. 73+ trucks. And for sure bud. I'll shoot you a PM with contact info
     
  19. May 21, 2014 at 11:36 AM
    #2959
    Cohbsteq

    Cohbsteq Hood Rat

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2013
    Member:
    #115350
    Messages:
    4,317
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jacob
    SL,UT
    Vehicle:
    02 Supercharged 4x4
    Pretty much stock with some crap welded to it.
    yah thats true.. anyone have an eta for american fork canyon to open?
     
  20. May 21, 2014 at 11:53 AM
    #2960
    FirstTracks

    FirstTracks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2013
    Member:
    #101874
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Marc
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0L V6 SRS 6sp manual
    Leer cap, BedRug
    According to the UDOT Android app:

    "SR 92 American Fork/Alpine Loop
    Milepost 14 to milepost 22.5
    CLOSED
    Anticipate OPEN Friday, May 23"
     

Products Discussed in

To Top