CB setup on 01 Bravada

[mudslinger88]

I'm getting a Cobra 29 LTD Chrome but I don't know what antenna would be the best. I have an 01 Bravada, and the CB I have in it now picks up ALOT of static. I'm not really sure where the best place to mount the antenna or radio would be. I know that it does make a difference where the coax is run to. Any suggestions out there? I'm wanting to get this setup installed before my road trip in October. It's going to be a long one and I'd like to know if there's trouble on the roads and it helps me stay awake. I have an antenna mounted in the bumper right now but it gets in the way of me opening the tailgate/hatch, or whatever it's called.

[Chris Stewart]

If you don't get any advice, you might check with the CB mfg. for recommended setup for best performance and protection to your Bravada electronics from the transmitter energy..

[blazee]

I recommend the Wilson 1000, magnet mounted in the center of the vehicle.

[ericn1300]

ceiling mount the CB if you can and mount the antenna right over it and use the shortest cable you can. If static is a huge problem run a battery ground cable instead of using a body ground. Also if you have a lot static currently you should check your engine ground by checking for voltage in the coolant.

with the collant and engine cool remove the radiator cap and start the engine. put the positive lead of your volt meter into the coolant and the neg to a good body ground. any voltage over .03 indicates bad engine ground, clean all the ground contacts and consider adding an additional ground wire.

[Chris Stewart]

Man, that's a pretty slick trick Eric. Must be some science to it huh?

[ericn1300]

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Man, that's a pretty slick trick Eric. Must be some science to it huh?

Just basic physics Chris.

The shorter the lead from the antenna, the less of a lose of gain from the antenna.

As far as checking for bad grounds just think of electricity as you would water, it will always take the path of least resistance. If the engine grounds are weak or corroded the current will find another path back to the battery, and the next path is thru the coolant, then thru a body ground (like the radiator) and back to the battery, bypassing the bad engine grounds and going directly to the battery.

[mudslinger88]

Thanks for all the great advice. That's cool about how to check for good ground. I've heard several different ways that just sounded wierd, but that makes sense, eric. Thanks. I think I'm going to just stick with the Cobra 19 III that I curently have. I had to replace the shocks on the Bravada so I kind of ran out of money to play with. But I will re-locate it and put a Wilson 1000 magnetic mounted antenna on. Thanks all for the great advice.
~JD~