I broke down and just bought a Radio Shack hand-held portable CB radio with Weather Alert. If the range is so horribly short, I'll then consider my external antenna options. Right now, I just wanted something that would work right out of the box. I really would have preferred the Cobra Model 75 and have it installed 100% of the time always sitting there ready for me, but this will do for now. I can always upgrade later on.

 

E1 is telling me they won't have the CB antenna mounts out until September. I may end up getting the Cool Tech anyway or make my own.