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2012 Tacoma Double Cab - cb options?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Pat10mile, Jan 20, 2014.

  1. Jan 20, 2014 at 10:03 AM
    #1
    Pat10mile

    Pat10mile [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2012
    Member:
    #85994
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    Male
    First Name:
    Pat
    W PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Tacoma TRD doublecab
    Looking for general guidance on the installation of a cb radio for my 2012 Tacoma Double Cab/TRD.

    Antenna: Hood, roof or bed?
    Radio: Underdash, dash (?), center box (hidden/small), behind center box, etc.?

    I have read through some installations and think I can handle something that is not a "massive amounts" of disassembly/re-assembling like:
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/223025-hidden-cb-install-pics.html

    But I'd like to get general direction in terms of whether that a good option (center box/hidden with hood antenna), or others are better.

    Uses: General travel / amusement, rural / hunting trips, northern PA (lots of snow, rough terrain).

    Appreciate your experience and advice.
     
  2. Jan 20, 2014 at 10:06 AM
    #2
    Phil5393

    Phil5393 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2012
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    First Name:
    Phil
    Long Island, New York
    Vehicle:
    TRD Sport
  3. Jan 20, 2014 at 10:43 AM
    #3
    Pat10mile

    Pat10mile [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2012
    Member:
    #85994
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Pat
    W PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Tacoma TRD doublecab
    Excellent links. Thanks.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2014 at 10:47 AM
    #4
    Desert Drifter

    Desert Drifter Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2012
    Member:
    #85385
    Messages:
    1,773
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Central Arizona
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma 4x4, SR5
    Icon MT suspension, Pelfreybuilt front bumper, Relentless skids, Avid sliders, Avid custom rack. Pelfreybilt HC Rear bumper.
    I bought a small Uniden 520 Pro and a good antenna kit (Firestick 3 foot) all from Right Channel Radios online. Visit their website and read up a bit before you buy. I found their info accurate and just ordered the stuff from thm instead of driving all over town. I mounted my antenna to a bracket on my bed rack so that the antena base is level with the roof and just behind the cab. The Uniden 520 Pro is small enough I put a "cigarette lighter plug" on it for the power cord and just set it on the seat when I use it. It works surprisingly well and I just stuff it in the center console when not in use. It works good as a trail radio so that several of us can keep in touch. But do know that CB is really only good for a couple miles. Within these limitations it has performed well.

    One last comment: Before you start talking on the CB hook up a SWR Meter and check this critical parameter / tune the antenna. This check will tell you if you have a shorted or open antenna or coaxial cable whic hcan quickly ruin your transmitter. I just bought a $25 one at Radio Shack and I can test it before any critical use, or the SWR manual says "every few months".
     

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