In this article, we will take a thorough look at some of theoptions for the best CB antenna for 18 wheelers so you can pick the right one.
What is a CB Antenna?
Truck driving is a form of art that is not easy to master. However, having a CB antenna by your side can make the process easier.
Communication plays an important role on the road. When you are driving through a remote location, it can be hard to get service on your mobile phone. At such times, a CB radio comes in handy to guide you through unexpected incidents on the road.
A CB Antenna or a Citizens Band Antenna makes use of electrical signals and converts them into signals that are of radio frequencies. These frequencies are sent back and forth from the receiver to the sender resulting in easy communication over specific channels.
Why Should I Use a CB Antenna for 18 Wheeler on the Road?
As mentioned before, communication on the road is very important, especially in remote locations where you are not sure of the road conditions or what lies ahead.
In such moments, the best option for communicating with other truck drivers or emergency departments, while driving through a remote location with no signals, is a CB radio.
For this purpose, it is important to have a reliable antenna that can provide you with clear-cut communication without any disruptions or communication problems.
If you are an 18 wheeler driver in search for the best CB Antenna, here is a list of some of the best ones that are available on the market.
Note: Now, before going further checkout Our recent article on Antennas for Semi Trucks
Best CB Antenna for 18 Wheeler: Comparison Table
Top 4 Best CB Antenna For 18 Wheeler Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
#1 WILSON 305-38 Antenna
The number one option on our list is the Wilson 305-38 antenna.
It comes with a bandwidth frequency that measures around 30MHz. This antenna may look small, but it also has a power rating of 300 watts.
This antenna ensures you get the clarity that you are in search of all thanks to its heavy-duty coil that consists of 14-gauge copper wire.
The best feature of the Wilson antenna is that it comes with a built-in, powerful 10 oz magnet, which guarantees that your antenna will remain intact even when you drive through the roughest of roads.
The base holding the antenna is made of plastic, which may sound fragile to some but it is actually thermoplastic and can withstand harsh sunlight.
The whip antenna measures 36 inches when it is extended to its full capacity. Additionally, the base of the antenna itself is made of 17-PH highly durable stainless steel.
PROS
- 300 watt power rating.
- Heavy-duty coil for clear communication.
- Magnetic base for easy attachment.
CONS
- Antenna length may be too small.
If you are in search of a CB antenna that is durable and will last for a long time while also providing you with clear communication without any disturbance then you should go for the Wilson 305-38 Antenna.
#2 Cobra HG A1000
Another great choice for drivers can be the Cobra HG antenna. It features a heavy-duty 4 -inch magnet that is extremely powerful but easily removable. Its non-abrasive nature ensures that it will cause no paint chipping once you remove it.
However, the best feature of this antenna is its high power rating of around 100 watts. Additionally, the frequency is broad and stands at around 26-30MHz, which means you can easily access a number of channels.
The best part is that it is weather-ready. Whether it is rainy, sunny or even extremely windy, the Cobra antenna can withstand it all.
The universal connection design allows you to install this CB antenna on any vehicle regardless of the connection type.
This is a whip-shaped antenna with a scratch-resistant base-pad that ensures a reliable and long-lasting connection.
PROS
- Universal connection.
- High power rating.
- 4-inch magnet for easy installation.
CONS
- Low reception range.
If the reception range is not a major concern for you and the only thing you are looking for is a long-lasting, easily installable antenna then the Cobra HG A1000 should be your go-to antenna.
#3 TRAM 703-HC Antenna
The best thing about the Tram antenna is that it can convert every possible CB radio frequency out there into its own. This is a great feature for truck drivers who need to communicate with a number of people on the road.
This is all thanks to the 3.5-inch mounted magnet that is located on the very tip of the antenna, which helps in frequency conversions.
The shock spring installed in the antenna resists any forms of shock while you drive through even the roughest of roads. This is of huge importance as some antennas prove to be unreliable on tough terrains.
This shock spring feature combined with the all-road and weather feature ensures you with the best possible communication without any disturbance as a result of bad weather or road conditions.
It consists of a 17RG58 cable that has the capability to provide high bandwidths. The connector plug is a PL-259, which is what is used in most trucks these days.
Additionally, with its non-corrosive stainless steel material, you can be assured that you will get an antenna with a long-life.
PROS
- 100 watt power capacity.
- Shock absorbing springs for clear communication.
- All-road and all-weather flexible.
CONS
- The company isn’t very popular
The TRAM 703-HC antenna can be the perfect choice for anyone who wants a cheap antenna that can stand tall regardless of the weather or road conditions.
#4 President AMUS141 Antenna
This is a dual helical type whip antenna that offers a bandwidth of around 800 kHz and allows you to communicate with more than 80 channels.
With a wand-like structure, the antenna can be adjusted to different levels and has a magnetic base. It is also weather channel compatible and can withstand various weather conditions, providing you with clear communication regardless of how rainy or cloudy it is.
Additionally, the magnet mount is sturdy and sticks to your vehicle without coming off no matter how bumpy the ride gets.
The highlight of this product is probably the long 10-year warranty that it comes with. This is a reassuring step taken by President to convince users this device is made to last.
It can give a maximum range of up to 3 miles, which is a great deal for its small and compact size.
PROS
- Sturdy magnetic base.
- Large bandwidth and wide channel range.
- Weather-resistant.
CONS
- The range might not be good for some.
If range is not a problem for you and you simply want a small-range antenna that does its job then the President AMUS141 Antenna might be the one for you.
Best CB Antenna for 18 Wheeler: Buyer’s Guide
A lot of times, people choose CB antennas based on what is ‘in’ or popular. This is not the smartest move as every antenna is different and what works for one person might not work for the other.
This is why we are here with a buyer’s guide to help you pick an antenna that is perfect for your needs.
Here’s how to pick the best CB antenna for 18 wheeler:
Power Source
The first and foremost thing to consider is the power source of the antenna you want to purchase. Generally, there are two types of power sources for antennas:
1. Battery Operated
This option, as the name suggests, makes use of batteries to power your antenna. They are not only easy to install and uninstall but also can run for longer thanks to their battery.
2. Corded Antennas
Corded antennas might not be portable, but their biggest advantage is that they do not require you to switch batteries from time to time because they have none. This is a great benefit because batteries can fail without a warning.
They are also a great option if you want clear, undisturbed communication.
Size
The second most important thing to consider is the size of the antenna. Believe it or not, the strength of an antenna largely depends on its size.
Why is this so important? Because it determines the range that your antenna can reach. Moreover, the size also determines the quality of the signals your antenna can receive.
A smaller antenna has a maximum reach of up to 3 miles, while a bigger antenna can transmit signals from distant areas as well.
Depending on what purpose you will be using your CB antenna for, it is better to choose the size accordingly.
Other than the range, the size of the antenna also determines its resistance to various weather conditions.
Smaller antennas can withstand a number of factors like wind intensity and rain. On the other hand, larger antennas may cause communication errors due to bad weather conditions.
Budget
The biggest factor is your budget. It should not come as a surprise that an antenna that comes with a heavier price tag will last longer and provide you with better communication on the road.
To make the selection process much easier, it is important that you set a budget down so you can specifically be on the lookout for a CB Antenna that fits within your range.
Wind and Weather Resistance
Since your antenna will usually be attached externally, you should pay attention to features that are built specifically to resist strong winds.
This helps your antenna to not move around too much and provides you with clear communication with other channels.
Some CB Antennas come with shock-resisting springs. These are wind-resistant and stand sturdy despite how fast you may drive or how windy it gets.
Always be on the lookout for wind or weather-resistant units. They are reliable and work in all conditions without sustaining any damage.
Attachment Method
There are two methods for attaching your CB antenna: drilling and magnetic.
Nowadays, magnetic antennas have become the go-to option for a lot of people as drilling an antenna into your vehicle can cause damage. It is also an option that you cannot go back from.
Magnetic attachment allows you to easily install and reinstall the antenna. The job is easy and requires little effort.
Conclusion
This has brought us to the end of the in-depth review of the best CB antennas for 18-wheelers. We hope this CB antennas review will help you pick the right item for your car.
Our number one choice is the WILSON 305-38 Antenna if you are looking for an antenna with moderate bandwidth with undeniably clear sound.
However, if you want an antenna with a long warranty and an extremely strong mounting magnet then we would suggest the President AMUS141 Antenna. It works quite well and offers some pretty impressive features.