CB commonly known as Citizen Band radio refers to the ways of how communication is made a two-way radio process. Communication is the basic need which is required on a daily basis.
Hence, the excessive need of communication today has given birth to some of the most innovative ideas. These unique and out of the box designs and products ensure proper transmission of communication. Just like anyone, truckers do require a proper communication process when they are on road.
For a radio contact like that of CB, one does not require any license. However, it does depend on country basis and the governing rule in that particular country. Make sure to take necessary steps and ensure compliance, by observing the rules and regulations.
Best CB Antenna for 18 Wheelers
Here is a list of top 5 CB Antennas for 18 wheelers which all come with well-designed structures:
1. Wilson 305-492 T2000 Series – Premium Quality for Experienced Truckers
Wilson 305-492 Is apt for all the truckers who are experienced and have been looking for reliable and durable products. The model is extremely lightweight and is a perfect fit for the ones who have been spending extra hours on the road. This product comes with mount which is heavy and is placed rightly upon the track which leaves no space for any mishap.
The product comes along with a user guide which helps in initial set up of the product. Once the product is set up properly, it delivers more than expected high performance which is one of the USP of this product.
Of the models which are larger, the product reach is more than four feet. The main focus of the product us on two components, which are:
- Longevity of the product
- Sturdiness of its model
The product comes up with a full black color which has been designed for a purpose. The black color gives room for sharper contrast on vehicle’s which come in light color. The product is composed majorly of metal. However, the product does use latest technology with the purpose to prevent rust. The only downside of the product is that, the model is ranked in the higher side
Features:
- Comes in a black color design
- Technology used for rust prevention
- Long range
Pros:
- Has a strong mount
- Extremely user-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Comes in uniform and standard color
- Equipped with strong mount
Cons:
- On the higher side of the cost
- For the overhead access, length is considered
2. 4ft Black Firefly – Apt Low-Cost choice for Beginners
For all the users who are lounging to learn about ‘Citizen’s Band Radio’, this is one of the suitable products. This model is considered one of the most user-friendly models found. For all of those who have just started their journey with ‘Citizen’s Band Radio’, this is the go-to-go product for them.
Since it is suitable for the beginners, it has been deigned in a way which makes it simple to set up and handle. The product has been made in such a way that it is easily handled by the user without any hurdles. The product is equipped with antennas which helps to maintain a low range of price.
Amongst all the low-cost antennas, this is one design which does guarantee a huge amount of physical reach. Moreover, this product works well with the larger models such as large and heavy vehicles. On the other hand, the various light weight designs are actually more suitable for vehicles which are recreational. As the product runs on a battery, its is viable for trips of shorter duration. Moreover, the product has an excellent transmission receiving capabilities.
The product has a firefly antenna which easily covers 26 MHz to 30 MHz and meets the mandate demands of the industry for frequency ranges. Since this device uses a battery to operate, it is best to have a hold of extra batteries in place during the emergency times. It is because power cannot be relied on and is unpredictable most of the times.
Features:
- Affordable and low-cost
- Operates through a battery
- Suitable for the large and heavy vehicles
- Heavy weighted
- Standard bandwidth covered
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy in nature
- Extremely apt for the large vehicles
- Capability to cover CB wavelengths
- Considered as a powerful receiver
Cons:
- Operates through a battery
- Only suitable for shorter trips
3. K40 K-30 Automotive Accessories – Premium Medium-Sized Antenna
The K40 antenna, is designed with the purpose to provide a wider base with a heavy set. This is the most which should be used for driving on a freeway or a highway. Product should be used for larger and heavy trucks, and comes up with a base of black in color.
The base of the product has an upliftment of two inches to meet with the silver antenna. The product is 35 inches, the design can be considered as a medium sized one in terms of the length. The product is easy to set up initially.
Once the product is set up, K-30 becomes one of the easiest products to use. The product is easy to use. Moreover, due to small size the CB antenna is known to pose less difficulties in terms of reach when it becomes over headed regardless of the size of the vehicle. If the antenna is used on the car which is suitable in terms of design, it gives wonderful results.
The product is heavy in weight, which makes it sturdy enough. In the times of extreme wind or rain, the product’s hard structure will help to fight it back without affecting the product. The roads are always very unpredictable but one can be sure about this antenna which is predictable to give good results and work properly under any circumstance.
Features:
- Designed for resisting shock
- Medium-sized antenna
- Helps in issues related to vehicle clearance
Pros:
- Durable and Heavy weight
- Comes with a medium length Antenna
- Suitable for medium sized vehicles
Cons:
- Takes a long time to set up initially
4. Wilson 305-495- The suitable CB Antenna for large size vehicles
One of the USP of this product is its ‘Large Sized Antennas’ along with a great electrical capacity. The product has the capability to deal with 3500 Watts of power. The antenna has been designed with the purpose to bring in durability and the right focus.
The antenna has a decent or above average length, it is mandatory to investigate the relativeness between the clearance levels and the vehicle. For the users, who would require to use from the CB antennas to a great extent, this product with a great sturdiness does fit in and is one of the best options amongst the rest.
The product is medium in weight where the weight is divided in such a manner that the bulk of the weight is proportionated at the base which makes the design look sturdy and strong. The design is equipped with a feature of ‘Shock Protection’ which helps in preventing the damage caused by the wind for the users who travel on freeways and highways very regularly.
This is a fact that traveling on a high speed does make the antenna shake more than the usual, which naturally does affects the antenna and it becomes weak slowly and gradually. The product has been designed keeping in mind the heavy usage, and it helps in causing a damage to the antenna due to any excess of vibration
Features:
- Suitable for freeways and highways
- Has a strong power capacity
- Long-range
- Medium in weight
Pros:
- The structure is hard and sturdy
- A long-term use product
- Capability to handle up to 3500 watts of power
Cons:
- For better clearance levels – the length should be relative with the vehicle
5. Road Pro RP-711- Battery Free operation CB Antenna
One the things which makes a design stand out is its plain ability to plug in the vehicle. Specially this design works best with the trucks which is considered as a constant power source and has a heavy usage. There is no doubt about the fact that the set-up time for this antenna is a little longer than the rest.
But when compared with the long-term uses, it does deliver its promise and is of high quality. The product comes equipped with a spring at the base, which helps in absorbing all the vibrations which are caused due to the movement of wind while traveling. This feature allows the antenna to save it from the usual wear and tear.
The design comes after a thorough thoughtfulness with the idea to keep it moving even after getting exposed to a plethora of elements on a daily basis. The product is medium in weight and is considered ideal for the shorter ends of the spectrums which are at two feet.
The design is really useful for vehicles with smaller ends of spectrum. The product comes in a compact size which easily has it in it to perform the mandatory tasks related to antenna such as receiving and sending out reasonable ranges.
Features:
- Medium weight
- Suitable for recreational vehicle’s
- Comes with a strong power supply
- Compact and small in size
Pros:
- Operates without a battery
- Small in size and easy to handle
- Helps in prevention of wear and tear
- Durable in nature
Cons:
- Reduces the range of communication
FAQs:
- What is the actual use of a CB antenna?
The main purpose for people to use a CB antenna is to ‘Communicate’. The trucks which are equipped with CB Antenna are noticed to have longer ranges which comes with better durability and affordable prices. Power is something which is very unpredictable and cannot be relied on.
Hence, during the times of power failure it is best to have CB antenna which helps in sending and receiving messages. It is extremely valuable for those who travel on the road regularly and need assistance to communicate. People who are on the road do require a stable and safe mode of communication which is provided to them through CB Antenna.
- What is the lifespan of these products?
Like any other product, even antennas do have a lifespan. Usually the longevity of the antenna depends on usage of glean. If the antennas which are attached to the truck spend more than 12 hours a day on the road, then the antennas will go through a considerable amount of wear and tear and have higher chances of breaking or spoiling compared to the trucks which spend less hours on the road. However, if the product is taken care of properly, then the antenna can even last for years easily.
It also depends from person to person how he or she handles the product. It is important to take good care of the product and follow the guidelines given in the user manual to initially set it up. This will surely increase the life of the product. During the stage of setting up the product, It is important to have a look at the updated clearance of any of the vehicle.
These are some of the effective measures which help to reduce the amount of damage, which can be caused due to heavy usage.
- What the Varity of ranges?
As a simple fundamental fact, the long the antenna, the better will be the range. The industry standard for an antenna range is set at 7 to 10 miles, which primarily depends on the length of the product. For the antennas which are larger in size of the spectrum, these can easily reach up to a range of 10-mile.
Products which 4 or more feet require larger antennas as the short antennas helps in reducing the capacity of the communication range. We suggest that before buying the product, it is vital to consider the required range. The freeway communication is known to beneficial from the usage of long-range. On the other hand, the off-roading or other recreational purposes do gain a good communication range with shorter antennas as well.
- Does the option of Plug-in drain the battery of the truck?
In terms of important component, antenna is required for a CB Radio setup. Radio can only get activated when the truck in started and is running, so for this purpose the life of the vehicular battery does not cause any issues.
However, please note that if the battery of the existing vehicle is already on the weaker side, then one should opt for an option of battery-powered.
- Which are the systems which are compatible with CB antennas?
The CB antennas for truckers are considered mainly compatible with each and every vehicular radio. However, the only exception is that if the vehicle is vintage then the antennas do not really work with the truck radio. If incase the radio of the truck is outdated then one needs to provide special provisions and considerations for the same.
Conclusion:
CB Antennas are no doubt a product of latest technology and science. It is a right form of electromagnetic radiation which has been a part of the world since 1800s. It is always a safer idea to be able to hear and understood during traveling at high speeds and this is what CB antennas help people with.
Via the CB Antennas one can easily ensure that will be understood and heard while traveling.
