Here is my $1.00 worth it used to be 2 cents but everything is expensive now.
C.B. installs are not that difficult but can be time consuming.
Radio.
If your'e starting out and just want to listen and talk this is what I recommend.
I run with is a Cobra 29 classic, Its a good unit out of the box and its been around forever, can be tweaked, parts are readily available, reasonably priced, looks nice, and ranges up to 2 miles if its installed it correctly.
Antennas.
The ready made antenna kits will work fine. This is the important part, the most expensive unit will transmit and receive poorly thus sounding like crap on both ends if you have garbage for antennas and coax.
If extra cash allows buy the higher quality Coax, usually has a clear jacket you will likely need a splitter if you run live dual antennas unless you pay for a custom build. The advantage to a splitter is if you corrode the outside plug you only have to replace that side not both. Firestick adjustable antennas are better but not critical.
Remember a minimum length of 8 feet each side to maintain the signal wave as the transmit wave form works in 8 foot increments, and place the antennas as far out on the mirrors as you can at least 8 feet or as close to 8 feet as you can get. Make sure you DO NOT coil the extra coax. Instead lay it in the headliner in a serpentine pattern. I also recommend running a separate ground wire to the antenna base to a ground point on the body this helps with performance.
DOUBLE FUSE YOUR RADIO!!! Use the fuse installed on the radio and fuse at the power source just in case something shorts you don't destroy your radio or burn your truck to the ground.
If your running live dual antennas balance them with a meter. Antenna length, at least fiberglass antennas 36 " 48" are better , Idealy, are ones that that can clear the box you get better transmission, but you will whack every tree, bridge, you drive under.
Here is the best way to tell if a CB shop or any service provider is worth working with.
1) If you ask a question does the guy answer in plain english and with a confident answer? Yes or No.
If the answer is all geek tech lingo and no reasonable break down so you can understand it, or the person apears to have no clue of what a CB is and how it works.
2) He / she insists you need a ton of modifications, or the most expensive unit, or just doesn't seem to be honest
3) Do they have the equipment to do the work properly, and test it to make sure you don't damage your truck, or exceed the FCC transmitting regulations?
If at least these questions don't get answered to your satisfaction this should be a warning sign and its time to leave with your hard earned cash in hand.
1) If the shop will at least to a reasonable level translate the technical terms to your understanding,
2) Show and tell its a reputable shop. If they take your radio and disappear for fifteen minutes and hand it back to you not reputable in my book
