I used the mount on my rear tire carrier, which is not an ideal location for antennas. I routed the antenna cable through the cab which took all of about 5 minutes to do, just tucking it under the trims on the floor. There is a three foot section of jumper cable I use outside the vehicle that attaches to the antenna, that way everything is removable. The glove compartment easily removes and the connector box sits underneath the two support struts. I opted for ties, again if I ever need to remove it. I cut a small opening in the underside of the passenger dash out of the way of legs. The mic connects to this. The only bummer was the mic mount. It is a Cooltech Versamount II. It costs 25 bucks, which kinda irritated me, but it really does fit perfect for my rig. Hope this helps. I get about 2-3 miles range, which I checked with a local CB shop. As far as tuning it in, I was able to get 1:1.1 on both 1 and 40, which really surprised me. All I care about is reaching the vehicles near me out on the trail, so the whole SWR thing is really overrated for my intended use.

 

I did a very similar install. I'm wondering if you grounded the tailgate, and if so, how? Thanks!

 

Just wanted to say thanks for everyone's input. Went with the cobra 75 thanks to tony t's link. Will install pics when I instal

 

Nick, fun project. Installing the CB was a nice change of pace from all the other lift/suspension stuff I've been doing.

Jace, FWIW, not sure what Rule did, but all I did was to remove the powder coating from a small area of the antenna mount. You may just want to try that first. If that alone doesn't get you to where you need to be, you can always route a wire, but why do it when you may not need to. Again, not an expert, I may have just had dumb luck.

 

I took the ground wire from the bottom of the gate mount, (following the same path as the coax through the tailgate), took the paint off one of the bolts on the inside of the gate and tied in there. I'm getting 1.3 - 1.4 SWR from ch.1 to 40.