CBs

[DanOCan]

What about the portable units?  I have no doubt they aren't as good as a properly mounted antenna but I'm thinking it would be handy for moving from rig to rig when I take the RV on vacations.  I would imagine they are a workable solution for most situations with a group on the trail.  Comments?

[w squared]

Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.

[Slewfoot]

Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.

My experience matches what W Squared is saying.  For the first while, I used a handheld with a mag mount antenna - it did the job.  Using the short little rubber-coated antenna is a very very disappointing experience.

[WK2008]

Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.

Todd is right. The hand held unit is not great unless it is setup right. I can say that I had a mag mount antenna in the roof of my rig last run and my handheld was picking up guys who couldnt heard well. Dean assured me that it has the same range and clarity as the mounted units and the majority of issues comes down to the antenna and the ground. I am very happy with my choice on the Midland portable.

Ps. I looked online and the cost difference was 30 bucks by the time
I paid shipping and brokerage so I am more than willing to pay a local dealer who will help me out if I am in a pinch.

Just a question, it you buy everything online where do you ever go to get warranty work or exchange a bad unit. I personally walk back into the Canadian business where I bought it and get help generally immediately. Good luck if you bought from www.idontsupportthecanadianeconomy.com. Also check out www.everyonesajokebutme.com

[Immortal]

Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.

[WK2008]

Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.

Must be a spelling error. I will check and get back to you ?

[w squared]

Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.

That's okay trev. They have warranty service. idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com

[Bragg Creek 4WD]

That's weird those links work for me.   Their prices are way better,  excellent service,  any warranty issues they just send me an RA#  and it's free shipping, or I get a free replacement.   It's a real shame the local businesses can't offer the same service,  or price especially since most of them are getting their product from the SAME source. 

[jandh]

"If you need a hug or technical therapy from your radio salesman"  now that made me laugh!!

They have warranty service. idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com

people are more interested in Flocaliminittofeedmyfamily.com , the age of the internet has showed us that local can match deals or screw us depending on the relationship with vendors, so shop around.  If china is cheaper and it suits your needs and you are not worried about warranty or service then buy from china, if you like to drive up and say hi, then buy local. other then that save money where you can,

They are.

[cLAY]

All of my radios were purchased used. Mostly off ebay and then sent to Dean for a tune up. Some I have had for over 10years and are still working great.

[Ddub1973]

Can anyone suggest the best location to mount an antenna on a JK?  I hear some locations are better than others but I do not know much about this sort of thing.

[w squared]

Tailgate mount does a good job of protecting it from damage, and avoids drilling holes in your rig.

http://www.cooltechllc.com/jeep/jk_gatemount.shtml

I use one of these for my CB antenna, and one for my 2 meter antenna. They're spendy compared to a sheet metal mount, but sometimes you get what you pay for. No JK will ever get the kind of performance that a station wagon driver will get out of their rig, but the thick bar stock on the mount seems to do a good job of providing a reasonable RF ground.

[cLAY]

No JK will ever get the kind of performance that a station wagon driver will get out of their rig, but the thick bar stock on the mount seems to do a good job of providing a reasonable RF ground.

Just another reason to dump those bathtubs on wheels and move to the dark side! 

[Bone206]

I just used a 90 degree shelving bracket from home depot that I ground down to fit into one of the recesses that houses the bolts holding the spare tire carrier to the tailgate. I have had it for 2 years and it still works great. Cost me about $0.75 and was a fun little project.

[w squared]

Just another reason to dump those bathtubs on wheels and move to the dark side! 

Your CB may work better, but I can close my tailgate while my rig is off-camber without using a sledgehammer.