thanks for the info, I really don't know a ton about this stuff so I appreciate the information.
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Most, if not all cb's transmit at 4 watts (FCC regulation), what sets the larger ones (such as the Cobra 29s) apart is a few more bells and whistles which allow for RF gain and SWR calibration. You could go with the 148 which has SSB and you can -legally- triple your transmit power. Then go with a 4'-5' antenna. If you need more range than that you need to go HAM.
I have a 3' antenna because anything longer and I'm dragging the ceiling in the parking garages around here and because I don't want to be bothered with taking it off.
There is a lot of good information out there. One of the best sites I've come across is CB World (
http://www.wearecb.com/cb-radio-blog.html). As much information as you care to digest.
As noted,
all CBs are legally limited to 4 watts. Single Side Band (SSB) is an option of more full-featured units. There's a drawback. You cannot just flip it on and use it with everyone else. SSB only works with others who have their radios set to SSB as well. Unfortunately, we're normally in mixed groups as regards CB unit capabilities.
Setting SWR, Standing Wave Ratio, is important as using your unit w/o it properly set can lead to internal damage. Firestik is great in that it is among the easiest antennas to tune.
If all components are installed correctly, co-ax length often doesn't matter. One site I found suggested 18' and increments of 3' if you need more. Firestik's site
mentions, while coax length rarely is an issue, if there are mismatches in your system causing high SWR, using cable in 18' lengths can often correct the problem. I suspect this is why, at least when I went shopping, many pre-made CB coax cables were available in 18' length. In my case, the way I routed it, I used a 21' cable and it worked out 'just' right.
For best range you want as much of the antenna above any obstructions (e.g. roof) as possible. 3' works fine; it just won't reach as far as a 4' (or 8' whip<g>). I've been using a 4' antenna. Most of the coils are tightly wound in the 'upper' 1' of the antenna to get most of the 'functional' part of it above the roof.
Note, antennas radiate out from their length, not the end, so it always has to be vertical (more or less).
Check out CB World for info. They even speak about Jeeps specifically in parts. Not endorsing either vendor. They simply both have good info pages worth reviewing.
