CB radios

[Warhawk]

Are CB radios really dying tech on the trails? That is all I knew for the longest time until this JL. Then reading forums and I am wondering if I wasted money on my CB ?.

Side note: Is there a GMRS that is like the Cobra 75 where I can mount the guts somewhere hidden?

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[TX_Ovrlnd]

Are CB radios really dying tech on the trails? That is all I knew for the longest time until this JL. Then reading forums and I am wondering if I wasted money on my CB ?.

Side note: Is there a GMRS that is like the Cobra 75 where I can mount the guts somewhere hidden?

Yes their limited range and capability put them out when compared to GMRS. Check out the Wouxun KG-1000G.

 

[Philly_]

You’re right. Not a lot of people running CB’s these days. Mostly GMRS or HAM.

Checkout the Midland MXT275. All the controls are on the mic so you can hide the radio under the dash or somewhere else creative.

You can also get a pair of Midland handhelds for around $100. I have the MXT275 as well as handhelds to loan out to beginners or people who don’t run GMRS.

 

[Rustynail11]

I have the Baofeng UV-9g handheld with the external handheld mic and a device holder that mounts to the grab handle. I leave the mount on the grab handle but take the handheld out when not in use

 

[Warhawk]

You’re right. Not a lot of people running CB’s these days. Mostly GMRS or HAM.

Checkout the Midland MXT275. All the controls are on the mic so you can hide the radio under the dash or somewhere else creative.

You can also get a pair of Midland handhelds for around $100. I have the MXT275 as well as handhelds to loan out to beginners or people who don’t run GMRS.

that looks just like what I would want. Is that what you run? GMRS is new to me ?.

 

[jhackathorne]

I'm running the MXT275 and have had no issues in 2 years. Mounted behind the glove box and handheld is by the passenger grab bar.

 

[Warhawk]

I'm running the MXT275 and have had no issues in 2 years. Mounted behind the glove box and handheld is by the passenger grab bar.

do you know if there would be any issues having a CB ran in the same spot as GMRS? I have a Cobra 75 mounted behind the glove box and would like to have the GMRS similar.

 

[Philly_]

that looks just like what I would want. Is that what you run? GMRS is new to me ?.

Yup! Did a huge write up here in my build thread if you want all the details. It’s a little wordy, but I attached a video I based my install off of so you can watch that as well.

I did end up with a different mic mount, though, after the Midland one failed a couple times. Posted about that here.

And here’s a few pics!

 

[Warhawk]

That’s just like my CB.
The only thing I don’t like is that most GMRS antennas I have seen have been ran to the drivers side cowl area. Seems to be a bad area to me…I am not sure how it compares to a CB antenna.

 

[Philly_]

That’s just like my CB.
The only thing I don’t like is that most GMRS antennas I have seen have been ran to the drivers side cowl area. Seems to be a bad area to me…I am not sure how it compares to a CB antenna.

It’s actually a great spot for it as the hood is a good ground plane. I’m not a fan of that location either so I used a tailgate mount from CoolTech and mounted my antenna in the rear. Write up is also here in my build thread.

I’ve since flipped the mount to clear 33’s and 35’s on the Teraflex Alpha HD hinge reinforcement and tire carrier, but it works great upside down as well. When I ultimately go to 37’s, I will likely have to take my die grinder to it for a little extra clearance, or do a full relocation.

 

[old mike]

The MXT275 has probably all the features you want and is probably all you need for off-roading; but, if you're an obsessive compulsive gearhead with a bit more cash, you can now jump up to 50 watts (the max legal limit) in essentially the same design (https://midlandusa.com/collections/offroad/products/mxt575-micromobile®two-way-radio).

 

[wcjeep]

Still turn on the CB for those that choose not to upgrade. Running a Midland gmrs in the Jeep. Also carry water proof Baefeng gmrs radios when out of the vehicle. Running a Yaesu ham radio for long distance communication. Lastly Running a cellphone booster. Gmrs sees the highest usage.

 

[Ratbert]

The MXT275 fits nicely behind the panel under the steering wheel and does everything I need. Mounted with these Velcro strips: https://a.co/d/9l3xByi

I thought about getting the MXT575, but it's significantly larger and I was concerned about where I'd mount it. Some people mount that one under the passenger seat. That spot, however, is taken by an Epic Kraken.

 

[2mnycars]

Great posts. Thanks for the suggestions.

DaveL--first CB I used was back in "75 in my Ford 1/2 ton.

 

[grimmjeeper]

That’s just like my CB.
The only thing I don’t like is that most GMRS antennas I have seen have been ran to the drivers side cowl area. Seems to be a bad area to me…I am not sure how it compares to a CB antenna.

There are no truly good spots to mount an antenna on a Jeep. At least from an antenna performance standpoint.

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