The term CB radio tends to conjure up images of Smokey and The Bandit and a time long before modern technology, but they are still quite useful today.
Truckers use them frequently to communicate alternate routes, traffic updates and information on weigh stations and scales.CB radios vary greatly, so the proper antenna is key to maximum performance. Below are some of the bests on the market right now.
Different Types of CB Antennas
There are actually three different types of CB antennas, each with their own pros and cons.
Base Loaded Antennas
These are also referred to as whip antennas. They are the most prevalent, because they are the traditional type of antenna and affordably priced. These have a coil at the bottom of the antenna and a three to four foot long stainless steel whip. While they require a mounting of a good height, the top of the whip can be secured when not being used to help eliminate any height issues.
Center Loaded Antennas
As its name suggests, these are loaded at the center and the base is thick, usually covered in some sort of plastic casing. They can be mounted at a medium height, which is a consideration when height clearances are a factor. Many find these to be more functional than a base loaded antenna but not as effective as a top loaded fiberglass antenna.
Fiberglass Antennas
Fiberglass antennas are considered the best choice for substantially sized vehicles. They are made of a fiberglass pole encased in copper wiring and known for their durability even in inclement environments. Another bonus of fiberglass antennas is that they don’t need to be mounted at any particular height, so clearance issues are minimal if any.
Wilson 305-38
The WILSON 305-38 300-Watt Little Wil CB Antenna packs a lot of functionality into a modest package. It comes with a 10 ounce magnetic mount to keep it secured to the roof even when driving at high speeds or through questionable conditions. In addition to its size of three feet, allowing for greater clearance, it also features:
- 300 watts of power capability
- Heavy duty 14-gauge copper wire coil
- High Impact Thermoplastic casing
- Can be removed with little to no damage to the vehicle
The Wilson T2000
The Wilson 305-492 T200 CB Antenna is a center loaded antenna. It has a 5-inch shaft and a 49-inch stainless steel whip. It can be installed at any height on the vehicle. Along with being ready to use right out of the box, it also boasts:
- Static reducing weather cap
- Capacity of up to 3500 watts
- 26-30 MHz range
- Durable Thermoplastic base
Browning BR-28
The Browning BR-28 High-Performance Broad Band 63- Inch CB Antenna is a slightly different look and style than that of the previous, which works in its favor. Its design allows for a flexible choice of positioning to prevent signal blockage. On top of that, it also has:
- 25-30 MHz
- Chrome plated coil
- Exclusive three-way mount system
- 10,000 watts
- 49” stainless steel whip
TRAM 3-B-HC
The Tram 3-B-HC Fiberglass CB Antenna is a durable fiberglass antenna with a 3.5 inch magnetic mount. The stainless steel whip has a rust resistant coating, making it ideal for all weather conditions. It covers the entire CB band, meaning it can access all CB frequencies. Beyond that, it’s equipped with:
- 26 to 29 MHz
- Shock absorbing spring
- 1500 watts
- 36”
- Comes with a 17-foot coaxial cable
LUITON 28-inch
The Luiton 28-inch CB Antenna is a center loaded antenna measuring 28 inches. It comes with a magnetic mount which has a plastic casing for added durability. This makes it less prone to negative effects of inclement weather. In addition to that, it offers:
- 10-foot coaxial cable
- Covers all CB frequencies
- 27 MHz
- Weather channel capabilities
- One year warranty
- Easy installation
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of quality CB antennas to choose from, so it comes down to personal preference and what’s going to work best for your needs. Magnetic bases are popular because they are sturdy and don’t require drilling or lengthy installation.
However, depending on where on your truck you choose to mount the antenna, a screw-in installation might be ideal. It is usually best to mount the antenna at the highest place on the truck with consideration of height overall for clearance. The coil of the antenna should be placed above the roof of the vehicle for the best performance.
It’s also important to look at the coax cable that connects to the radio with the antenna as they can range between 7 to 20 feet and a truck requires one with a bit of length.
Once you’ve identified what type of mounting, size and style of CB antenna that works best for your truck in particular, you’re ready to hit the open road.