If you're of a certain age, you will remember the CB (citizen's band) radio craze which swept this country in the 1970s. Originally adapted by drivers of 18-wheelers and used by them to inform each other of highway issues (traffic, weather, "smokey"), passenger car drivers bought the radios too and got in on the act. Users had their own language which crept into mainstream usage (and that's a big 10-4, good buddy). Like a lot of fads, this one eventually faded away.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and one would presume that the ubiquitousness of smart phones and web access would obviate the usage of CB radios. Not really! There are many people who, for many different reasons, continue to enjoy CB radios. Let's cite just a few:
- Truckers who were using CB radios as their major form of communication 20, even 30 years ago are in the habit of using them, and like a lot of habits, they find them difficult to give up.
- Off-roaders in some cases find that riding "off the beaten path" will also take them beyond the signal range of their cell phones, while their CB radios have no such issues in the wild.
- Motorcyclists rely on CB radios for traffic, weather, and emergency updates on the road, and with microphones built into their helmets, find the CB radios better suited for their two-wheeled cruising.
- Hobbyists at home still enjoy using CB radios as a window to the outside world, and the verbal contact they make from the comfort of their own living room pays dividends in human interaction that cannot be gotten from cell phone usage.
So, the good news is that, yes, there still is demand for CB radios! We are happy to feature them on our TRUCKiD website. You can find everything you need by visiting our CB Radios & Components category page, found within our Audio & Electronics Department.
And we have more good news! Many CB radio models are quite affordable, so whether you're getting started in the hobby, replacing an older radio, or considering a 2nd unit as a backup, we have a variety of brands, features, and price points to satisfy your needs.
As we do with just about every category you'll find in our STREETiD family of products, we offer you a simplified way to narrow down your search results, by using our Refine Search menu. Simply look at the left side of the screen (and in many cases, also at the icons across the top) and find the subcategory that interests you. For CB radios, we have three: Radios, Antennas, and Components. In this article we'll visit all three, but let's start of course with the radios themselves.
CB Radios
Most of our CB radios are 40-channel models, and include a microphone and mounting hardware. In general, an antenna (necessary for function) is not included and must be purchased separately (covered below in "Antennas"). Features vary by brand and model, and it's no surprise that features increase as you go up in price. First, we'll look at some value-priced models, each under $50 at the time of publication.
The Cobra brand is a leader in electronics, and their CB radios continue to be longstanding products in their lineup. Their 40-channel Compact CB Radio with Illuminated Display includes an automatic noise limiter and instant access to channels 9 (emergency) and 19 (weather). For just a few dollars more, step up to an almost identical radio which adds an illuminated LCD display, the 19DXIV model.
Uniden's global product categories include radar detectors, dash cams, and of course CB radios. Their Professional Series 40-Channel Compact Mobile CB Radio is simple and direct, but still full of the features you need, including a backlit LCD display, PA function, S/RF meter, and a channel 9 (emergency) button.
Staying with Uniden but stepping up to units with squelch control and an ANL (automatic noise limiter) switch brings us to the PRO510XL and PRO520XL models. The PRO520XL adds a PA/CB switch to the unit for a nominal upcharge. Both units feature the latest in Uniden electronics technology. A mic', mounting bracket and mounting hardware are included with both models.
Moving to units which cost up to $100, the Midland CB Radio with Weather Scan Technology will automatically find the local weather channel, a convenience if weather alerts are a priority for your travels. The Uniden 40-Channel Trucker's CB Radio is available either with or without an SWR (standing wave ratio) meter (useful for tuning the radio for correct reception). Use the drop-down window within Product Options to make your choice between the two models. The final model we will feature in this price range is the Cobra Compact CB Radio with Weather and Soundtracker. The Soundtracker system cuts radio noise by up to 90%. Additional features include a built-in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio, instant access to channels 9 and 19, and "Dual Watch", which is the ability to monitor two channels at the same time.
If price is "little to no" object, what does expanding your budget get you when shopping for a CB radio? Most of what can be offered by radio manufacturers is restricted by law; there are only so many additional features that a few extra bucks can buy you (which is one reason why the lowest price radios are such good deals). Nevertheless, there are some extras which are worth noting once we move our acceptable price point above $100.
The RoadKing 40 Channel CB Radio with USB Port & Microphone, as its name implies, includes a USB port in the fascia. This provides you with a charging port for your cell phone, navigation system, or any other device that requires 12V. This RoadKing model also has a noise-cancelling mic, backlit controls, SWR calibration, and a front panel mic connector among other features.
While most CB radios are limited by law to 4 watts of power (watts determine your range), CB radios with "SSB" ("single sideband") are allowed to operate with up to 12 watts. Radios with SSB include:
- Uniden 40-channel SSB CB Radio w/7-color Digital Display
- Galaxy 40-channel AM/SSB Mobile CB Radio
Want more? The Cobra Professional CB Radio with Bluetooth, Weather and Nightwatch has Bluetooth capability, Weather Alert, and a 4-color selectable LCD display. The Bluetooth feature allows you to sync your cell phone to the CB radio, and use the radio to make and receive phone calls.
To summarize the "radio" section of our article, CB radios remain amazingly affordable; at the same time, for a small jump in price, one can move up to desirable features such as LCD lighting, SSB power for extra range, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Antennas
The purchase of a new CB radio does not include the necessary antenna. Why, you might ask? There are a number of good reasons. One is, you might already own an antenna, more likely of course if your radio purchase is a replacement unit. More likely, you do not already own one, but, you need to decide what style, length, and mounting type you desire, and the radio manufacturers are not going to make that decision for you.
In general, for best reception, the antenna should be as long as possible, and mounted as high as possible. We are talking here about mounting the antenna on your car or truck. Another major consideration is this: do you want temporary or permanent installation? Many folks prefer the flexibility of a removable antenna, either for theft prevention, or to move the unit from vehicle to vehicle.
On the other hand, if you're running a big rig and the CB radio is something you consider to be as much a part of the truck as the engine, then a permanent antenna is the way to go. Below, we'll take a look at just a sample of the CB radio antennas we offer within our antenna category page.
For temporary mounting, nothing beats the convenience of a magnetic mount. Provided you have a metal mounting surface such as a solid roof or trunk lid, you can stick it and forget it. Almost all these magnets are plastic coated to prevent paint damage, and you'll need to find a way to run the antenna cable to the inside of the vehicle, possibly through a door jamb or an ajar window.
Choices here include the RoadPro 12" CB Antenna Magnet Mount Kit; the RoadPro 36" Magnet Mount CB Antenna Kit; the Wilson Electronics 300-Watt Little Wil Magnet Mount Antenna; and the K40 35" 300 Watt Stainless Steel Magnet Mount CB antenna.
Coil antennas, sometimes referred to as "whip" antennas, are long steel shafts with a built-in spring, which gives them some flexibility (literally) should you encounter an obstacle. We have the Browning High-Performance Broad Band 63" CB Antenna; the RoadPro 54" Oil Coil Center Loaded CB Antenna; and the TruckSpec Terminator II Stainless Steel High Power CB Antenna, just to name a few.
A very popular option you'll find in our Antennas category is "NMO". This stands for "new Motorola", and it refers to a type of antenna with a standardized screw base. The base is purchasable separately, but it gives you the convenience of tailoring your antenna choice with a reusable base mount.
You'll typically see "NMO" in the product name, such as:
- Browning Pre-Tuned Gain NMO Antenna;
- Wilson Electronics Omnidirectional NMO Mount Cellular Antenna;
- Browning UHF NMO Antenna;
As just mentioned, you will need to purchase the NMO mount. Browning, a featured brand, makes a number of affordable choices including this magnetic NMO mount in your choice of silver or black.
In concluding our overview of antennas, you need one! If you don't have one already, it's likely that the most important question to answer is the mount type. In addition to magnetic, NMO, and whip, we also offer mirror mount (very popular for the big rigs) and bumper mount (old school, but great as a permanent install on chrome bumpers). Check out all the choices before you make your final decision.
CB Radio Components
As the icon subheading states, this category includes speakers, microphones, and hardware. But you will also find power cords, antenna cables, and AC/DC power supplies listed among the components.
An external speaker gives you the chance to amplify your CB radio's output, and add an additional sound source. Two selections that we like are the Uniden Bearcat Communications Speaker (choice of 15- or 20-watt speaker), and the Wilson Electronics Chrome CB Extension Speaker. Both choices are stylish, yet small enough to be unobtrusive. Both are guaranteed to boost the sound for your listening enjoyment.
While almost all new CB radios include a microphone, you may need to purchase one to replace an inoperative unit, or because you're looking for an upgrade. The Astatic brand specializes in CB mic's, and if customization is on your wish list, check out their microphone color choices including red, chrome, and even "Stars'n'Stripes". We also carry replacement/upgraded CB microphones from RoadPro, RoadKing, Cobra, and Uniden.
If by chance your radio or antenna didn't come with mounting hardware, we have you covered. Perhaps you do have the hardware, but want another set to use in a second car. Mounting hardware is available from Rugged Ridge, Browning, and Wilson Electronics among others.
To conclude our look at "Components", this category within our CB Radios & Accessories Department neatly ties up any potential loose ends, by making sure you have the hardware, accessories, and replacement items you need for a complete and successful CB Radio installation.
TRUCKiD is more than just CB radios of course. While you're in our digital store, be sure to check out all our interior, exterior, and lighting accessories, as well as the replacement parts you need to keep your rig rolling down the highway. Should you have questions about our CB radios and related components, please reach out to one of our in-house experts. We are here for you seven days a week!