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CB Radio from the factory?
I thought I read that all LDs left the factory with a CB radio installed...   true?

My 94 had one when I bought it - I dont do CB anymore so I yanked it and am planning on installing a HAM 2m.  Since they both can use the same antenna feed wire I went up on the roof to check what was there.  Two antenna bases, only one antenna - the empty base looks like it was the CB mount.  Doesn't really look like a factory install but since the feed line comes through the roof it probably was.  I've not confirmed it's still good yet.   Hope its good, I'm not looking forward to adding a new line....

Time spent camping is not subtracted from your lifespan

'94 Chevy 30GP' (very Rare) 30.5' TB, converting to IB  LD
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #1 –
B
Quote from: DesertDust  - 
I thought I read that all LDs left the factory with a CB radio installed...   true?

My 94 had one when I bought it - I dont do CB anymore so I yanked it and am planning on installing a HAM 2m.  Since they both can use the same antenna feed wire I went up on the roof to check what was there.  Two antenna bases, only one antenna - the empty base looks like it was the CB mount.  Doesn't really look like a factory install but since the feed line comes through the roof it probably was.  I've not confirmed it's still good yet.   Hope its good, I'm not looking forward to adding a new line...
Quote from: DesertDust  - 
I thought I read that all LDs left the factory with a CB radio installed...   true?

My 94 had one when I bought it - I don't do CB anymore, so I yanked it and am planning on installing a HAM 2m.  Since they both can use the same antenna feed wire I went up on the roof to check what was there.  Two antenna bases, only one antenna - the empty base looks like it was the CB mount.  Doesn't really look like a factory install but since the feed line comes through the roof it probably was.  I've not confirmed it's still good yet.   Hope it's good, I'm not looking forward to adding a new line....

In later model LDs, CBs were an option. I didn't order on and added one several years later when we joined the LD Caravan Club.
30 year 30-year-old coaxial cable is going to be degraded and very brittle, expect to run new cable. I suggest RG-8X coax.
Here is how I ran coaxial cable to the roof of our LD for the CB and a 2-meter/440 ham radio antennas.
Antennas and radios | Flickr
Tranceiver location


Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #3 –
The mount without an antenna is probably where the CB antenna was, ours was mounted on the side of the metal for the escape hatch up front.
When I bought my 1999 in 2019 I reused the power wires, coax and antenna mount. I mounted a two meter radio where the CB was. I got a 1/4 wave two meter antenna that has a 3/8 thread.
At that time Larry also suggested to me to replace the wire, still working full time I decided not to. It is still working fine in 2025. Larry's advice is good, but maybe overly cautious, I mean if it was easy to replace the coax, sure, why not, do it. But to me it is so easy to reuse it that if someday if fails and I have to run new coax, not much is lost, not much at all. Screw in an antenna vs route coax to the roof and then install an antenna?
I must add that the job Larry did is superb, very nice. If I needed to add another antenna or rerun new coax I would do what he did.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: DesertDust  - 
??

I ran the coax under the carpet and driver's seat. The coax was then run up the B pillar, in back of the river's seat, up to the ceiling, where surface-mount wire-molding was used to bring the coax to the escape hatch, as shown in the photos.
It wasn't a big project, taking only two or three hours to complete. This allows the use of a higher-grade coax.

I have repaired several CB antennas where the coax's connection broke off the antenna base. The coax is usually very brittle and hard to deal with without having the insulation crack.

73
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #5 –
Thanks Larry..    your method would be difficult on my rig since I don't have an "escape hatch" and all the usual 14" vents nearby have after-market speed covers...  BUT good news.    I pulled out my wire sniffer and was pleased to discover the feed line runs behind the Chevy van fascia around through a generous hole to the cabinetry and is secured behind the styles all the up to the hole that penetrates to the roof.    It'll actually be easier for me to replace that line than I thought   <whew>

maybe I'll keep the children's band too.  seems like for the last 20 years every time I listen to it, it's occupied by some yokel that just watched Smokey and the Bandit.

N6WAM
Time spent camping is not subtracted from your lifespan

'94 Chevy 30GP' (very Rare) 30.5' TB, converting to IB  LD
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
The mount without an antenna is probably where the CB antenna was, ours was mounted on the side of the metal for the escape hatch up front.
When I bought my 1999 in 2019 I reused the power wires, coax and antenna mount. I mounted a two meter radio where the CB was. I got a 1/4 wave two meter antenna that has a 3/8 thread.
That was my thinking too.    There's a section behind the stiles that has been folded back a few time and secured with clamps.  I'm thinking if I can free up where it passes through the roof I can probably pull out a couple of feet and get to protected cable.  if that tests good I'll go with that.   Maybe I'll put a CB antenna there like it originally had, and add a new 2M/70 run the same way on the other side.

Does 3 antennas constitute a "farm"?     ;D
Time spent camping is not subtracted from your lifespan

'94 Chevy 30GP' (very Rare) 30.5' TB, converting to IB  LD
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #9 –
You can raise the number of antennas by adding external Cellular and WiFi booster antennas..
Life is wonderful down on the farm.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #10 –
The Starlink of course is a very high tech antenna. With T-Mobile  affiliated with SpaceX, (Go5G Next plan) you can make phone calls through the internet connection. So that may reduce the need for other antennas.  Available through other carriers for a monthly fee.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
The Starlink of course is a very high tech antenna. With T-Mobile  affiliated with SpaceX, (Go5G Next plan) you can make phone calls through the internet connection. So that may reduce the need for other antennas.  Available through other carriers for a monthly fee.  RonB

Cellular connections have become more widespread through the years. When a good cell connection is available, we don't bother setting up the Starlink. It's easier to use the cell phone's unlimited data.

For most of us, CBs are just about worthless; few use them anymore, many preferring to use either FRS or GMRS radios.
We have retained our CB for the times we attend LD Caravans; they still use CB for morning announcements. Most of the time, the CB is shoved under the front seat.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
The Starlink of course is a very high-tech antenna. With T-Mobile  affiliated with SpaceX, (Go5G Next plan) you can make phone calls through the internet connection. So that may reduce the need for other antennas.  Available through other carriers for a monthly fee.  RonB

Calls on other cellular networks can be made on a Starlink using WiFii calling.
Works great with our Verizon plan with no extra charges.  It's a nice feature when out in the boonies and you need to make or receive a call.
 
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
When a good cell connection is available, we don't bother setting up the Starlink. It's easier to use the cell phone's unlimited data.
For most of us, CBs are just about worthless;
Larry
That's kinda how I feel.  I'm a desert dunes kinda guy, I have an RV so I can boondock in the desert.  Had to take a break for a little while but I'll be back at it in a few months.  I'm told that the OHV and dune areas now have excellent cell coverage so I'm going to delay the starlink decision until I try the cell data method - though i have a hunch it wont be adequate for my guests.
The 2M/70 rig is definitely going in though I'm having some difficulty finding a suitable antenna for the LD's roof.
Time spent camping is not subtracted from your lifespan

'94 Chevy 30GP' (very Rare) 30.5' TB, converting to IB  LD
 
Re: CB Radio from the factory?
Reply #15 –
Quote from: DesertDust  - 
That's kinda how I feel.  I'm a desert dunes kinda guy, I have an RV so I can boondock in the desert.  Had to take a break for a little while but I'll be back at it in a few months.  I'm told that the OHV and dune areas now have excellent cell coverage so I'm going to delay the Starlink decision until I try the cell data method - though I have a hunch it won't be adequate for my guests.
The 2M/70 rig is definitely going in, though I'm having some difficulty finding a suitable antenna for the LD's roof.

I have used this antenna for years without problems. I like the spring base so that the antenna isn't damaged when hitting a tree limb. Rigid antennas will break in the same situation.
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/lsn-nmo2-70sh
The antenna has an NMO base, so the antenna can be easily removed.
You can see the antenna and its mount in this photo; it's the antenna on the right. The other antenna is for the CB.
[ang the antenna
The solar panel was a good place to hang both antenna brackets, better than screwing them to the roof.

The antenna works OK for GMRS radios, which, along with lower-power FRS radios, have replaced CBs for many and are required for many off-road events.
I have only found a few people who use just the 2-meter/440 in their off-road excursions.

Larry
 
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze