That's what I did, and you can decide later if you need to add an external antenna.

One other thing to keep in mind using the built-in antenna is it will work much better if you can keep it elevated. Laying the handheld on a seat or center console will cause a big drop in the range. Clipping it on something above the dash will really help.

 

Thanks for the tip! I'll find a good place to hang it.

 

If everyone is going to be using handy talky you would probably be better off with frs radios.

The problem I have had in "mixed" groups where some use external antennas and some use handy talkies is the people with the external antennas have to set their squelch very low to pick up the ht and turn the volume way up to hear them, then when someone with an external transmits it blasts them out bc the volume is set so high. It is very annoying, I am not trying to be a jerk but wanted to give you a real world example of the problem.

 

Thanks! This is just a pain cause I know I am not gonna use it often. I'd prefer to not have it permanently mounted inside the jeep. I'm ok with mounting the external antenna if need be. Do you think that will help?

 

Yes having an antenna mounted outside the jeep and using a set up like the midland will be fine.

 

Sounds like it's soon time to do some birthday shopping for myself!!!

 

That's a good point, and to be honest, before I added an external antenna, I was receiving more than transmitting because i couldn't be heard very well beyond the jeeps immediately around me. Receiving wasn't as much of a problem, but I had the volume turned up higher so I could hear all the jeeps in the group.

Since adding an antenna isn't all that expensive, if the OP doesn't need or want a permanent cb installation, a handheld with an external antenna is a nice alternative. With a quick disconnect, the antenna doesn't have to be permanently mounted either.

 

That sounds like my best alternative. Best of both worlds. Ok well maybe not the BEST but plenty to do what I want with it!

 

Ok next big question is it worth buying a swr meter to tune the antenna, or would it be ok to find and borrow one? How often do you check yours?
Once I mount it will stay mounted no quick disconnect, no spring. I think I'm buying my setup this weekend but would rather just borrow the swr meter than spend 25-30$ for a one time use.

 

You should be fine to borrow a meter. If you use a magnetic base mount, once you set it up, always mount it in the same place. You should check your SWR anytime you reconfigure the area around the antenna--add spare tire swing gate, overhead rack, etc. Also anytime you have problems communicating where you figure it should be working, use the SWR meter to confirm antenna system is good.