[Houdini]

So my XJ is an ex USFS truck that already has a NMO cable and through roof mount, but no antenna or radio. The lower dash has holes drilled to mount the CB and mic. The antenna mount is old and has been exposed to weather so not sure if its still okay or not. Since there's already a hole in the roof and my headliner is off (to replace it) I'm thinking why not replace the antenna mount with a new one before putting the new headliner up. Adding the radio will be easy since it will cover up the holes in the lower dash, but adding the antenna will be a little harder. A roof rack covers the antenna mount so I would need to do an NMO to cable adapter above the roof, then run a cable under the rack and mount an antenna in the front right of the rack. I'm not a CB expert so not sure how well that will work. I priced the parts and it's not expensive and neither is a good CB radio. Still not sure it's worth doing because the CB will not get much use, but on the other hand the hole is in the roof and holes in the dash, and since it's a ex USFS truck it will look right at home. Any thoughts, specifically on the the antenna mounting or anything else?

 

[cbmadcow]

Rather than CB look into a GMRS radio. Those are becoming more popular when wheeling with other people and the license is for life.

Now if you specifically have people that you wheel with that already have CB than just stick with it. Find what fits your bugdet and don't over think it. I have a handheld CB and all I have ever used it for was to listen to the weather station.

 

[CJ7-Tim]

That depends on where you are and who you 4x4 with. CB is still used by lots of 4x4 trail riders. GMRS is becoming more popular every year. Some folks have both.

CB antenna and coax cables last about 5-10 years, based on the original quality of the parts, the wear and tear from daily use, and how much weather they are exposed to. Typically, both the antenna and the cable are replaced at the same time. Since the 1980's I have replaced more than few CB antennas.

I recommend any Wilson antenna except for the Silver Load FGT Series. I also recommend FireStik and Antenna Specialists antennas

 

[Houdini]

After much consideration I'm putting a cap over the exsisting mount, replacing the lower dash panel with one that isn't cracked and doesn't have holes in it, and forgetting putting a radio in. If for any reason I ever need anything I'll get something hand held. In 25 years of off roading I've never needed one and only thought of doing it on the XJ because it was set up for one.

 

[Mainsail]

So my XJ is an ex USFS truck that already has a NMO cable and through roof mount, but no antenna or radio. The lower dash has holes drilled to mount the CB and mic.

What led you to believe the USFS had a CB radio mounted?

It's possible, but seems like they would be running a VHF or UHF radio, especially since they left an NMO antenna mount (not typically used for CB).

If you aren't interested in getting a ham radio license (which would be likely the most useful if you get stranded or have some sort of emergency) then GMRS would be the most common, but without a license and repeaters around it's probably going to be useless for blind calling for help.

If you want car-to-car or car-to-person communications (friends in another car or friends out hiking while you're nearby) GMRS (license req) is good, or even better MURS (no license req).

As mentioned, if you're rolling with an offroad group you'll need whatever they're using so CB (least sophisticated), FRS, GMRS, MURS, and ham (most sophisticated).

DON'T install a CB thinking you'll drive around talking to folks you don't know and a good time will be had by all- CB is the sewer of radio, and the constant noise will irritate any female in the vehicle to the point she's rather walk.

 

[jay-h]

Rather than CB look into a GMRS radio. Those are becoming more popular when wheeling with other people and the license is for life.

Now if you specifically have people that you wheel with that already have CB than just stick with it. Find what fits your bugdet and don't over think it. I have a handheld CB and all I have ever used it for was to listen to the weather station.

I've noticed a dramatic shift from CB in the past few years among off-roaders.

 

[Houdini]

Hey guys, I totally agree with you on getting CB vs the other options. My only reasoning was the antenna mount is there so why not make use of it. I also realize that it more than likely had something other than a CB when owned by the USFS. My style of off roading is more solitary exploring (overlanding) and only occasionally travel with a small group. My use of a 4x4 has evolved over the years from a CJ7 to LR Disco 1 (never should have sold it), to my current XJ. Because of life events I didn't see a trail for 5 years, but I'm back. I used to tackle trails like the Rubicon in the 90's but not today. I question if I will ever use a radio of any kind, but want to keep an open mind.