CB Radio

-Grumpy- · 02-07-2016, 04:48 PM

I have the Itasca 2014 40U. I will be doing a caravan with friends for 6 months this coming spring. We have decided to communicate via CB radios.

I know there is a CB connector under the driver side dash. I am looking for a handheld type CB radio rather than a mounted system.

Is the connector under the dash also for an antennae? Power? Etc....

I would like recommendations. The more portable the better.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Rick

aeejbe · 02-07-2016, 05:02 PM

The Cobra C75 WX ST works well for me while traveling.
FWIW: It just happens to currently be on sale at Camping World.

jfran304 · 02-07-2016, 05:53 PM

Grumpy,

Check out the Midland hand held CBs. You can use the antennae that comes with it or the coach antennae if it has one.

Amazon.com: midland cb radio 75-822

Jon

JBP · 02-07-2016, 05:55 PM

We finished a 2000 mile trip using Motorola hand held. They say that they have a range of 30 miles. I am not sure that that is correct but I do know that they have a range of 5 to 7 miles. They worked perfectly. We had 2 RVs on the first trip and up to 5 RVs second trip.

Yellowboat · 02-07-2016, 09:20 PM

If your coach is like mine there is no external CB antenna. The connection under the dash is power only.

I used a hand held CB when traveling with four coaches. I was the rear coach and I had to have the number three coach repeat transmissions from coaches one and two. It was such a pain not being able to hear that I had a CB antenna and CB installed.

The next trip was easier. JD

Ray,IN · 02-07-2016, 10:30 PM

If you have a CB antenna on the roof, its coax will be taped up behind the dash in front of your left foot, along with 12V pos and neg wires.
I had to remove the dash cover and reach down to undo the wires, not enough room to get between seat and dash to see underneath.
I chose not to use the roof antenna though. I have a NGP firestick standing in the corner of the slideroom behind the sofa, which is behind drivers seat.

TonyDi · 02-07-2016, 10:33 PM

This is good source for radio equipment.

Shop for Radios and Radio Equipments: Motorola, Midland , Cobra, Uniden and Kenwood

bobmac · 02-08-2016, 09:34 AM

Winnebago only supply a positive and negtive 12v lead below the dash. There are no connectors on the leads. There really nothing else for a CB installation beyond the power leads in late models.

bsamole · 02-08-2016, 09:50 AM

I agree with Ray,IN. In addition I installed the in-dash the Cobra WX ST II since it a front facing speaker and weather stations among other features.

coopcolt · 02-08-2016, 09:53 AM

I have been into CB, 40+ yrs. and have used the Family friendly
hand held unit. Hands down the small hand held has more range,
clarity and much more versatile......coop

wa8yxm · 02-09-2016, 08:27 AM

Genrally the "Connector" under the dash is a PL-259 "UHF" Coxial connector.
Up to you to find power.. Generally there is some kind of accessory buss under the dash, Goes by different names, or a fuse block, with a spare slot.. That's where you get power.. or a few other assorted places.

Eyephoto · 02-09-2016, 08:58 PM

Just ordered the Cobra 75WXST and the external speaker through Amazon. I found the goodie bag of antenna and power leads under the dash. So, it should be an easy install...knock on wood.

-Grumpy- · 02-12-2016, 06:42 AM

I have a 2014 Itasca Meridian 40U. I have a cigarette lighter adapter between the dash and windshield - Probably there for those wanting a radar detector, etc.

Anyhow, because of that, I am leaning towards buying the Midland 75-822 handheld CB radio, with a Wilson Little Wil antenna. I could plug the handheld into the cigarette adapter and then I could place the antenna on the dashboard right next to the windshield? Or... since the antenna has a magnetic base, I could place it on the slideout above my head while the slideouts are retracted? I don't want the antenna wires running outside via a window or door. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for all replies...

Rick