In this article, we will take a detailed look at some of the best CB antennas for truckers that are available on the market.
What is a CB Radio and Why is it Important?
The term CB radio or Citizen’s Band radio is a device that Wikipedia defines as “a land mobile radio system, a system allowing short-distance person-to-person bidirectional voice communication between individuals, using two-way radios operating on 40 channels near 27 MHz in the high-frequency band.”
It allows two-way communication between people via a simple radio that can be attached anywhere.
The reason behind the popularity of this type of CB radio is that it does not require a special license to operate. This is a great advantage, especially for those who spend most of their working hours on the road.
Despite changing times and the introduction of many high-end communication devices, CB radios have retained their usefulness and are popularity.
This may seem unusual but CB radios possess the ability to allow truckers to communicate with each other even in the most remote areas.
While mobile phones cease to work in the absence of services, CB radios help truckers stay alert for any weather changes, or blocked roads during their journey ensuring you are always aware when you’re on the road.
Why Does An Antenna Matter?
You will need a good antenna to get more out of your radio.
Depending on the type of antenna you purchase, you can achieve a larger distance of transmitting and receiving signals from other truckers while on the road, no matter where you are.
With that being said, the type of antenna you decide to purchase is extremely important. There is more to it than simply selecting a good brand.
How well your antenna performs depends on several factors such as where you mount it in your vehicle and the height of the vehicle.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the CB antennas that are available today and provide you with clear-cut communication on the road.
Note: Before going further, let me show you some Best CB Radios for Truckers
CB Antennas for Truckers: Comparison Table
Top 6 Best CB Antennas for Truckers To Buy In 2021
#1 WILSON 305-38 Magnet Mount Antenna
While most CB radios have now been built to support more than the original 12-watt capacity, there are only a few numbered antennas that can actually support such CB radios.
One such antenna is by the renowned electrical company by the name of Wilson.
Manufactured by a sturdy material, the Wilson antenna will not let you down when it comes to sturdiness over extended periods of time.
An upside to this Wilson is that it has a magnetic mounting system; the heavy magnet at the base ensures that it adheres to your vehicle and can withstand even the bumpiest trips.
This function saves you from the hassle of having to drill holes in your truck to mount the antenna. Moreover, the antenna also comes protected with a thermal layer.
This layer works well in even the most extreme hot or cold conditions. So, if you are someone who is wanting to prop the antenna on the exterior of your truck, then do so without any worries of weather-caused damage.
Coming to the antenna itself, it measures a total of 45-inches, which is more than what most antennas have to offer. A huge upside to this feature is the ability to communicate with other truckers with zero interruptions.
What really makes this antenna a personal favorite is its heavy-duty coil fitted with 14-gauge copper wire. The significance of this feature lies in the fact that you will not face any static interruptions while driving through remote areas.
PROS
- 10 ounce magnet for strong adhesion
- Lightweight hence will stay in position
- Protected by a thermal layer for tough weather conditions
CONS
- More expensive than other options
If you are a trucker in search of an antenna that comes ready to use out of the box and can also handle high voltage as well as extreme weather conditions, then consider going for the Wilson 305-38 Magnetic Mount Antenna.
#2 Cobra HG A1000 CB Antenna
Another popular producer of CB antennas is Cobra. The company has been in the business since the ‘60s and is one of the most popular companies producing antennas for truckers.
With a heavy-duty 4-inch magnet that is non-abrasive, the antenna will remain intact exactly where you place it.
The antenna has a power capacity of 100 watts which makes it the perfect form of communication for truckers driving through remote areas.
This may seem like a low capacity option compared to the Wilson antenna, it is worth noting that the unit has a recurrence of almost 26-30 MHz which offers a larger range than what most people would expect from a compact antenna.
Coming to the antenna connector itself, the Cobra antenna comes with a coaxial cable measuring 15 feet connected to an SO239 connector. This universal connector allows the antenna to be easily connected to almost any CB radio, saving you from the hassle of switching the connector out.
The base of the antenna is scratch-resistant with a stainless steel whip which is not only essential for driving through rougher routes, but also gives your truck an aesthetic look.
Another highlight of this antenna is its shock-absorbing base. Driving your truck through a rough route will not disturb communication as the antenna does not move around too much.
Tuning the antenna itself is not much of a problem and you can easily browse through almost 40 channels with the versatility of controlling the quality for clear-cut communication on the road.
PROS
- Weather channel is easily accessible
- Easy to install and remove according to preference
- Comes with a universal connector
CONS
- The shock-absorbing system is not as efficient as expected.
The Cobra HG 1000 CB Antenna can be a perfect choice for beginners who are wanting to test the waters with a CB radio. It is not only affordable, but packs a great deal of features that are more than satisfactory.
#3 Solarcon – IMAX-2000 CB
In case you’re in search of an antenna that goes beyond the traditional base-loaded system then the fiberglass antenna by Solarcon might be the right option for you.
The highlight of the Solarcon antenna is that its base plate is made of extremely heavy-duty and durable material. This is what makes the antenna resistant to even the strongest of winds, providing truckers with undisturbed communication on the road.
In case you’re worried about the Solarcon antenna not being compatible with other types of radios, then you’re in luck. The manufacturers over at Solarcon have kept versatility in mind while designing this fiberglass antenna. Not only is it compatible with small-scale radios, but is the perfect type in case you have a more advanced or commercial radio.
Another noteworthy feature of this antenna is its incredible reception apparatus that can easily control up to 5,000 watts of power. Moreover, it is also safe and protected to be used for up to 14,500 volts of power as well.
The best thing about this antenna is that it provides incredibly clear communication no matter where you are. This is all thanks to its wide-range wire, which offers wide reach while also providing you with numerous channels to browse and go through.
PROS
- Heavy-duty base plate that is wind-resistant
- 24-inch long antenna for maximum range
- Offers a large number of channels
CONS
- A bit pricey
If you do not mind a slightly pricey antenna as long as it offers you clear communication, a wide range of channels and a heavy base-plate all through a 24-inch antenna, then the Solarcon – IMAX-2000 CB antenna can be the best option for you.
#4 PRESIDENT New York Magnetic CB Antenna
In addition to having a sleek and modern design that adds a touch of professionalism to your truck, the CB antenna by President Electronics has a number of noteworthy features to offer.
Although the shorter 2-inch design might not be the best for more distant ranges, the antenna makes up for this shortcoming with an impressive way of picking up transmissions that are within a three mile radius.
The antenna does so with absolutely no interference and only clear-cut communication for those remote locations.
Additionally, you will be saved from the hassle of tuning and setting up your antenna. It comes with a pre-tuned SWR with a range of 1.1/1.
For truckers who are worried about having to drill holes into their vehicle in order to fit the antenna, we have some good news. This President CB Antenna comes with a strong magnetic base that is easy to mount on your vehicle without worrying about it coming loose.
Another thing worth mentioning is the compact design of the antenna. It can easily be retracted back in case you need to go for a shorter length while passing through underpasses or simply when you need to park your truck in a garage.
You will not have to continuously remove and install the antenna repeatedly. This is of huge importance as it can be distracting and tiring to get out and take care of the height.
With a bandwidth of 80 channels or 800 kHz, you can safely drive through even the most remote locations while keeping an ear out for any unprecedented weather conditions.
PROS
- Compact and lightweight
- Strong magnetic base
- Large bandwidth of up to 80 channels
CONS
- Coaxial may be thinner than most antennas
- Does not offer a very wides range
If you are looking for a more compact antenna that does not offer a great range, but is still guaranteed to give you clear transmission on the road, then do not hesitate to consider buying the PRESIDENT New York Magnetic CB Antenna.
#5 Stryker SR-2K CB Antenna
Next in line for one of the best CB antennas for truckers capable of handling high power is the Stryker SR-2K CB antenna. It has a high power handling capability of almost 3600 watts that is impressive and far more than what the average antenna can offer.
The best feature of this CB antenna is its versatile length option. If you purchase the 10 inch shaft length, you get the alternative 5 inch antenna as well. So, in case you are not satisfied with one length, you have an alternative with you to switch out whenever you want to.
This CB antenna is the best for off-road routes all thanks to its low loss coil feature. The coil does a very good job of ensuring communication is clear and neat no matter where you are.
Additionally, the antenna comes with a set of screws that make installation as well as tuning the antenna as easy as a few twists and turns. Not everyone might like this since most people opt for magnetic antennas but if you feel that the road is going to be very messy or the winds can be unpredictable then we suggest that you choose the screw option.
The Stryker antenna offers an SWR of less than 1.5 that can help you achieve excellent signal transmission.
This means that you will not face any disturbances while communicating with other truckers on the road.
Worried about any damage that may come to your antenna? The Stryker SR-2K guarantees you durability with its 2-year warranty that can be availed at any time all thanks to the incredibly helpful customer service.
PROS
- Dual shaft lengths can be great for users
- Easy to tune with a low SWR
- 2-year warranty means peace of mine
CONS
- Does not have a magnetic mount feature
With a 2-year warranty and dual shaft lengths, the Stryker SR-2K CB antenna is the perfect choice for truckers who switch between off-road and busy routes on a daily basis.
#6 TRAM 703-HC CB Antenna
With a magnetic attachment feature, this CB antenna is perfect for truckers who tend to drive through rough roads. This is all thanks to not only the power 3.5 inch magnet, but also the shock-absorbing springs attached to the base of the antenna.
Both features are of use and perform outstandingly well when it comes to keeping the antenna in place with little to no effort.
Providing an initial SWR of 3.0 that can be adjusted to fit within the 1.1 on 40 criteria that is preferred by most truckers, the Tram CB antenna offers a wide range and clear communication even for its smaller size.
The antenna itself is made of high-quality, rust-free stainless steel that makes it quite durable.
It comes fitted with a 17-feet, Pl-259 cable that makes installation easy.
Once you get your hands on the Tram CB antenna, you will not have to opt for another option, its ability to cover all available CB frequencies within a 10-mile radius is impressive.
PROS
- Rust-free antenna hence very durable
- Covers all available CB frequencies
- Very easy to install
CONS
- N/A
If a durable and long-lasting CB antenna is what you want for your truck then, without a doubt, the TRAM 703-HC CB Antenna can be a great choice for you. This is one of the best CB antennas for truckers and works quite like a charm.
The Best CB Antennas for Truckers: Buyer’s Guide
These were some of the best CB antennas for truckers but not all might be right for you. They differ in terms of size, prices, and other features.
As a buyer, it’s important to know what factors to keep in mind when purchasing a CB antenna for truckers so that you can get exactly what you need.
To ensure that the CB antenna your purchase fits all your needs, we have come up with a buyer’s guide to help you get exactly what you are in search of.
1. Size
The size of the antenna is directly proportional to the quality of transmissions that you can send or receive.
A large antenna can cover larger areas. However, there is a high chance of the antenna losing its durability due to a larger surface area and more wear and tear.
On the other hand, a more compact-sized antenna does well for those who prefer shorter ranges. It is also far more durable and weather resistant. At the end of the day, there’s a trade-off, and you must decide what’s more important for you.
Also, the term bigger can be a little vague; for some people 10 inches can be enough and for some a 15 inches antenna might not be enough. You have to understand the conditions you typically drive in before you pick a CB radio antenna.
The size largely decides the range, so pay special attention to this factor.
2. Source of Power
Most CB antennas in the present day are powered by batteries. This is a great advantage as these antennas are easy to install.
However, for a better communication experience, most professional truckers go for corded antennas as they are more consistent in terms of performance.
3. Price
It is necessary to remember that when it comes to CB antennas, expensive does not equal better.
You can opt for a cheaper option and still get the same features that you would with a more expensive alternative.
Be sure to check your budget and then go through our list of the best CB antennas for truckers to find the antenna that has all the features that you want and also fits within your budget.
Best CB Antennas for Truckers: Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best CB antennas for truckers. Every single trucker has his or her own preference when it comes to CB antennas.
The best one in our opinion is the WILSON 305-38 Magnet Mount Antenna, which features a powerful mounting magnet as well as a 24-inch long antenna for greater range.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner wanting to test the waters with your first antenna, then the PRESIDENT New York Magnetic CB Antenna comes ready to use out of the box with all tunings in place.
For a more compact antenna that is also built to stand strong despite bad weather conditions and rough roads, the TRAM 703-HC CB Antenna is a good choice.
Take your time while choosing a CB antenna that fits your criteria.