So I put a grounding strap from the tub to the tailgate today. Getting a reading of 1.5 on channel 1 and 3.5 on 40. It rises throughout on the way to 40. Do I still need a grounding wire from the mount to the strap on the inside of the gate?

 

When you have a low SWR reading on ch 1 and higher SWR reading on ch 40...your antenna is too long. Do you have a tunable antenna? If so, turn the tuning nut a couple turns and check your readings again.

 

This CB portion of the program is not my strong point. I have a 3' wire wrapped antenna. I pulled off the top cap and it doesn't look like there is any adjustment. It was new but given to me last year. I have no idea what make/model it is. I will only use this cb a few times a year.

 

The short, glib answer is, "Then don't use it above channel 20 or so." An SWR of 3 is probably no big deal. I wouldn't use the antenna on frequencies (channels) with SWR higher than 2.5, though; I'd make a note of the readings per channel and keep that on an index card in the center console.

 

Can I tune this?

 

So I thought to myself what do I have to lose if I go out and cut my antenna 1/4" off the top. I did so and now get a hair less than1.5 on channel 1 and 2.5 on channel 40. Good enough for me unless I should cut some more????

 

If the highest is 2.5 I probably wouldn't mess with it any more.

 

Sounds good to me!!! Thank you everyone for your help.