4 best cb radio for truck driver

CB (Citizens Band) radios for truck drivers are essential communication tools used by long-haul truckers and other drivers in the transportation industry. These radios help truck drivers stay connected, receive important traffic and weather updates, and communicate with each other on the road. Here's what you should know about CB radios for truck drivers:

  1. Purpose: CB radios are primarily used for short-distance communication, typically within a range of a few miles. Truck drivers use them to stay in touch with their peers, report road conditions, and receive information about accidents, traffic jams, and weather conditions.

  2. Fixed Mount CB Radios: Fixed mount CB radios are permanently installed in the truck's cab. They typically offer more power and features compared to portable CB radios, making them suitable for professional truck drivers who need reliable communication over long distances.

  3. Features: Common features of fixed mount CB radios for truck drivers include channel scanning, an adjustable squelch control to filter out unwanted noise, RF gain control, and a built-in speaker.Many models also have a display for easy channel and frequency monitoring.

  4. Antenna: A high-quality antenna is crucial for a CB radio's performance. Truckers often install large, external antennas on their vehicles to improve the radio's range and signal quality.

  5. Channels: CB radios have 40 channels, including channel 9, which is reserved for emergency communications. Channel 19 is commonly used for truck-to-truck communication and information exchange about road conditions.

  6. Usage Etiquette: Truck drivers follow a specific set of rules and etiquette on the CB radio, such as using "10-codes" for common messages and maintaining radio discipline to avoid overcrowding the channels.

  7. Emergency Communication: Channel 9 is designated as the emergency channel where truckers can call for assistance in case of accidents, breakdowns, or other emergencies.

  8. Weather Updates: Many truck drivers monitor the NOAA weather channels on their CB radios to receive up-to-date weather information, which is crucial for planning their routes and staying safe on the road.

  9. Installation: Proper installation of the CB radio and antenna is essential for optimal performance. Many truck stops offer installation services, or truck drivers with technical skills can install them themselves.

  10. Regulations: CB radios for truck drivers are subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements, so it's important for users to understand and comply with these rules.

In summary, CB radios are indispensable tools for truck drivers, enabling communication and information exchange with their peers and providing access to important updates while on the road. Fixed mount CB radios are popular among professional truckers due to their reliability and enhanced features, helping drivers stay safe and informed during their journeys.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cb radio for truck driver on the market
  

Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio. Compact Design. ANL Switch and PA/CB Switch. 7 Watts of Audio Output and Instant Emergency Channel 9. - Black

Uniden

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Uniden Cb 2Way Cb Radio 40Ch Compact 7Wat

  • Uniden’s Professional Series PRO520XL Heavy-Duty CB radio offers a full 4 watts transmit power, with RF gain control, and 40-Channel operation in a compact rugged construction CB radio.
  • The PRO520XL has a front mount 4-pin electret microphone with extra-long coiled cord, S/RF LED meter, instant emergency channel 9, transmit indicator lights, Automatic Noise Limiter switch, Public Address switch, Volume control, Squelch control, and more.
  • Extremely popular for Industrial, Commercial, and Off-Road use. Easily fits in most any vehicle because of its compact size.
  • Built-in External Speaker Jack allows connecting to an optional external speaker, and you can use the Public Address function to be heard outside your vehicle with an optional PA speaker.
  • A superheterodyne circuit with phase locked loop technology assures precise frequency control. Included in the box: CB Radio, Microphone, Mounting Hardware, Mounting Bracket, User's Manual, and Two-Year Warranty.
  • 40-channel mobile CB radio with superheterodyne circuit/phase locked loop for precise control
  • Built-in automatic noise limiter and auto-squelch to eliminate noise and improve communication

User questions & answers

Question: Does the radio have a 12v plug or does it need to be wired up
Answer: And no there is no 12v plug or anything. Just has a positive and negative for wiring to your power supply of your choosing. And yes to needing to be wired up which is easier than you think.
Question: If I wanted to hook this CB up to the cigarette lighter socket, what kind of cord do I need to purchase
Answer: The CB has two wires built in so all you would need is a cigarette lighter socket adapter and wire it up. The wires are about 4' long so you should have no problems where you mount it. The wiring is very easy - that's the set up I have so I can unplug and remove the CB when I'm just driving around locally.
Question: Do i need to buy and antenna for this? Or does it come with one
Answer: It needs an antenna regardless? There is no internal one? Is it ok to leave the small antenna inside the vehicle? Like in the trunk or glove box?
Question: What is frequency output range?what is the wattage
Answer: The 520XL can also be taken to any CB shop and be "peaked and tuned" to over double the factory power. This is a very common practice that any trucker will do with his/her CB. This radio, peaked and tuned will deliver 8.5-9.0 watts with 17-18 watt peaks. This is more than twice the factory (legal) power, and adds significant range and clarity to your radio. As far as I am aware, there are no other compact radios on the market with the ability to be peaked and having the RF gain control in a compact unit is AWESOME. This radio is a gem. Buy it, peak it, love it.

Product features

Uniden Compact Mobile CB Radio with PA PRO520XL

Automotive products that support you on the road and off. This compact CB transceiver incorporates state of the art microelectronics into a sophisticated Euro-styled 2-way radio. The integrated PA system allows you to connect an external speaker and use the CB to make announcements.

President Electronics BILL CB Radio, 40 Channels AM, 12 Volts, USB 5V/2.1A, Up/Down Channel Selector, Volume Adjustment and ON/OFF, Manual Squelch and ASC, Multi-functions LCD Display, S-meter

President Electronics

Based on 292 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specifications: Supply:13.8 V Number of channels:40 AM: yes Channel selector:up / down Number of weather channels:7 Weather alert: yes Volume:Volume adjustment and ON/OFF Squelch:Manual squelch ASC: yes Display:LCD multifonction Frequencies display: yes S-meter:Digital Filter ANL: yes Filter NB: yes Filter HI-CUT: yes Scan: yes Beep Function: yes Roger beep: yes Key locking: yes Preset channel:EMG 1 and 2 microphone plug:front (6 pins) External loudspeaker jack: yes Size (W x D x H):4.02 (W) x 3.94 (D) x 0.98 (H) inches / 102 (W) x 100 (D) x 25 (H) mm Weight: 0.705 lbs / 0.320 kilograms Reception: Maxi. sensitivity at 20 dB sinad:0.5 microvolts minus 113 dBm Frequency response:300 Hz to 3 kHz Adjacent channel selectivity:60 dB Maximum audio power:2.5 W Squelch sensitivity:minimum 0.2 microvolts - 120 dBm, maximum 1 mV to 47 dBm Frequency image rejection rate:60 dB Intermediate frequency rej. rate:70 dB Drain:180 ~ 500 mA Transmission: Frequency allowance:200 Hz Carrier power:4 W Transmission interference:inferior to 4 nW (minus 54 dBm) Audio response:300 Hz to 3 KHz Emitted power in the adj. channel:inferior to 20 microwatts Microphone sensitivity:5,5 mV (elec.) / 2,2 mV (dyn.) Drain:1.7 A Modulated signal distortion:2 percent General: Number of channels:40 Number of weather channels:7 Weather alert: yes Modulation modes:AM Frequency ranges:from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz Weather channels:from 162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz Antenna impedance:50 ohms Power supply:13.8 V Size (W x D x H):4.02 (W) x 3.94 (D) x 0.98 (H) inches / 102 (W) x 100 (D) x 25 (H) mm Weight: 0.705 lbs / 0.320 kilograms Accessories supplied:power cord with fuse, 1 mounting bracket with fixing screws, Ultra light electret microphone with support

  • 40 channels AM, 12 Volts, USB 5V/2.1A, Up/down channel selector
  • Volume adjustment and ON/OFF, Manual squelch and ASC
  • Multi-functions LCD display; ANL filter, NB, HI-CUT, Scan, Beep Function, Roger Beep
  • Weather channel with Alert, Microphone Electret or Dynamic, Front microphone plug
  • Preset channel programmable, TOT (Time out timer), External loudspeaker jack

User questions & answers

Question: Can I take the bracket off? I’d like to squeeze this between my front seats. Would being squeezed between seat of both sides block the speaker
Answer: Use a external speaker like I did Amazon Has a lot too choose from been purchase with Amazon for year great company great customer service I will only shop at Amazon Fixing too order me another 10 meter radio from them for xmas too Mike from Mike happy holidays too everyone have a safe one and thanks Amazon for all your great service and products Amazon is number one in my book
Question: If I accidentally sit on the transmit button for an extended period of time is there an alarm that sounds or does transmission timeout
Answer: Don’t sit on the transmit button.
Question: Sir can you please advise as to the location of the speaker is it chassie mounted or in the mic
Answer: Chassie mounted.
Question: does it have a scan mode
Answer: It does have a scan mode. There are a lot of good features in this radio but the radio is pretty bad. I have seen a lot of good reviews and made my decision based on them. I wish I would have gotten something different. Waste of 100 bucks if you ask me.

Cobra 19DXIV Professional CB Radio - Instant Channel 9 and 19, 4 Watt Output, Full 40 Channels, LCD Display, RF Gain Control, Compact Design

Cobra

Based on 270 reviews Check latest price
  • 4 WATT POWER OUTPUT - Giving you the best range of communication with the maximum power allowed by law. If you consider yourself a professional driver, this is the CB for you.
  • INSTANT CHANNEL 9 AND 19 - Immediate access to Emergency channel 9 and 19 to ensure you're driving safely from the very beginning.
  • 40 CHANNEL ACCESS - Navigate the complete range of 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.
  • COMPACT DESIGN – With its efficient, compact design the 19DXIV can easily be installed into almost any vehicle. Everything you need is now in our smallest and easiest to install CB radio package.
  • CLEAR COMMUNICATION – RF gain controls pick up signals easily and clearly by adjusting receiver sensitivity to match the incoming signal, and an electret microphone allows for high quality outgoing communications.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this have a external speaker output for in cab
Answer: yes it does
Question: If I accidentally sit on the transmit button for an extended period of time is there an alarm that sounds or does transmission timeout
Answer: No but I wish I was that. Button
Question: current draw
Answer: Here are the following specifications for current draw: Transmit full modulation 1.4A - Receive Squelched 0.9A - Full Audio Output 1.2A
Question: Does Cobra sell a cigarette lighter power adapter to power unit
Answer: Cobra does not offer an accessory CLP adaptor. The power cord is attached direct to the radio. A CLP adaptor can be attached to the cable and be found online. Make sure the CLP is fused and is center-tip-positive.

Product features

40 CB Radio Channels

Scan the complete range of all 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.

Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone

Includes a CB Mic that was designed to last as far and as long as your travels take you.

Adjustable Dynamike Boost

This feature increases the microphone's sensitivity for increased voice clarity.

Instant Channel 9

Immediate access to Emergency Channel 9 to ensure you're driving safely from the very beginning.

Switchable Noise Blanker

Reduce the amount of static or unwanted electrical interference caused by your vehicles engine with this Switchable Noise Blanker.

RF Gain

Adjust reception sensitivity range for clear communication.

Driver's Product SWR Meter for CB Radio Antennas Heavy Duty Metal with SO-239 Input and Output with 1.5' Jumper Coax Cable - Black

Pro Trucker

Based on 73 reviews Check latest price

Product description

EASY TO USE, AND COMPATIBLE WITH ALL CB RADIOS WITH SO-239 CONNECTIONS, HANDHELDS INCLUDED!



Professional product design and calibration, the Driver's Product SWR meter is every CB'ers 1st choice! This SWR Test Meter has been designed and developed to be the best in the industry and offer the best calibration for your CB.



What's Included?



SWR Meter

1.5' Jumper Coax Cable with PL-259 Connectors



Features and Benefits Include:



CB Radio Frequency Range: 27 MHz

SWR 1:1 to 1:3

52 ohm impedance

SO-239 Input and Output Connectors

Heavy Duty Metal Case

Dimensions: 3 3/8 X 2 1/4 X 3 in



This meter measures only SWR readings and does not test for Wattage output from your radio. The heavy duty construction is guaranteed to last, and will not fail you like some of the plastic ones.



If you're looking for a true SWR meter that is guaranteed to give you accurate readings for your antenna set up, look no further. This meter is the best in class, and is not cheap like many of the lower end SWR meters on the market. Try this product today, and you'll be glad you did!

  • EASY TO INSTALL! Compatible with all CB radios that have standard SO-239 connection, handheld models included
  • Works on the CB frequency range of 27 MHz
  • SWR readings ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 and has a 52 ohm impedance rating
  • Heavy duty metal case with dimensions of 3-3/8" x 2-1/4" x 3"
  • INCLUDES 1.5' jumper coax cable with PL-259 adapters

User questions & answers

Question: How to use
Answer: I have had no issues... I ride my motorcycle with them 4-5 a week...

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