Thinking about COBRA 75WST or Cobra 19DXIV with a 4" Firestik II...I've found these model numbers thru others who use them here on YT. Just wondering if anyone knew if one was better than the other or have any suggestions to alternatives. They are about 50-60 dollars different in price. I would be using it for communicating on trail rides, road trips, or getting stranded if it ever happens-it could.

So far I've also found I'll need channel mount kit #MK-274. Am I missing anything?? Thanks.

 

I have the Cobra 18 WX ST II, single DIN size and mounted firmly in there. You need a 90 degree bend to make it fit right though due to space behind the unit. I love it, still need a mic holder though. Quite a few guys here run this unit.

 

I've got a 75 WX ST, seems to work fine, though it's the only one I've had so I can't compare it to anything else. I bought that one because with the remote mounted unit I can unplug the mic and no one knows I have a CB, well apart from the antenna of course. Also with a VHF/UHF ham radio already taking up the space where the ashtray went I was running out of room for a regular size CB.

 

I've got the 19, its super compact. I also installed on on my dad's Tundra. Cheap and perfect for communicating during Baja trips.

I'm almost certain the output wattage/power for both the units is the same 4 watts. So, technically, you're paying for the look and weather band on the 75.

Here's the 19 in the ashtray. I've pushed it in a good 1/2" since I took this picture.

 

Exactly where i have my cobra, and the pa output is pretty good on it.

 

If you can swing a bigger size I love the Cobra 25 classic. It can be tweeked, peaked and roger beeped.

 

funny you should bring this up now...i have been waiting to get the cb in the truck for the longest time now, and took a shot in the dark with fry's (looking online) and found the 75wx for $85 new. that's what it's going for on ebay! they don't advertise it as the 75wx; they think it's a "gmrs". i'm going there today, so i'll report back with what i found.

i'm mounting a 4' firestik in the back. i've also got a mount that i don't think is being sold anymore... it's the ss-174s(hort). i don't know how you're going to mount the antenna exactly, but if it's in the hood channel, this would be a super clean low profile look- i even went out to take pictures for ya!

 

Awesome! This is the reason why i love YT, all the great info and even pics help with where to mount. I really like using the ashtray, cus space is limited and I'm using both pockets where the stock radio goes with deck and dvd screen.

Does having the weather band matter??

Nuthuts96-lemme know how it all works out, if you don't mind maybe I'll swing by and check it out, I'm just over I-5.

That roof mount is tight!

..and so with the antenna some models say they are tuneable--does this matter much at all, it is gonna be my first cb. Aside from the hood channel is there benefits to mounting antenna in the rear hatch channel?

 

Tuning the antenna will improve your TX/RX and reduce noise... The higher you can mount the antenna the better reception you will get also having the flat metal of the roof/hood below the antenna helps too...
If you mount in the rear hatch channel be careful that the mount antenna does not interfere with the openning of the hatch.

 

i read somewhere (maybe here) that the best place to mount an antenea was either on the cab or on the toolbox dead center of both.. i would mount mine on the toolbox. imo

 

The best place to mount the antenna is smack dab in the middle of the largest flat piece of metal on the vehicle, ie the middle of the roof. Of course this means drilling a hole in the roof, which most people don't want to do. I had mine on the front driver side fender whch gave good transmission behind me, and to the passenger side. Now I have it on the passenger rear corner, which gives good transmission in front, and to the driver side.
Whichever place you put it the higher the better, 2/3 should be above the roof.

 

I have a GALAXY 99 that dead keys 1/4 watt and swings 50watts but if I were to get another radio I would go with the COBRA 29 LTD very good radio and can be peeked and tuned to put out real well plus you can get side channels installed and have the ability to have more private conversations if your friends have the side channels too.

heres my set up

 

Yeah I took the plunge and drilled the roof No regeats, well except the time I forgot drove into the garage with it on.

 

I used to use a mag mount on my uncle's company Tundra and a window mount on the company 94 4Runner. both where exellent reception and both left no scars or holes when removed.

 

If it is done right and you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the years of resale value, why not drill the roof?

 

Yeah, I don't have a pic but there is a little cap that fits on it when the ant is off. Its a quick release 1/4 turn and its off. The little cap goes on the same way and sticks up about a half inch.

I've heard that the magnet mounts can blow off at 70 mph and cause some other problems.

 

For the people who have channels with the weather bands, how do they work? Is it pretty up to date? Will it let you know if a storm is rolling in? I think the only time i would use this would be during some snow wheeling in the winter.

It seems like you have to decide over the weather or pa. I think they both would be cool if worked properly. I think the only thing i would use the pa would be for taunting friends when wheeling, yelling at bad drivers, and such.

 

If you go up to the PETRO in CORNING you can find the COBRA 29WXT I think it is that has both weather and pa.(pa is just a plug on the back side of the radio like a headset jack) As for how the weather works it just recevies from the NATIONAL WEATHER station and yes it will give you up to date reports for most areas in the U.S. so you don't drive into a storm unprepaired but you can not talk to them just hear there broadcasts.

 

Yea thats the only thing that has me stumped on which one to get. I like the Cobra that goes right below the stereo. I would get that one, just because i use my ashtray for change and stuff.

 

I have a Cobra 29 Nightwatch I bought back in 1999.
It like the Cobra 25 can be tweaked, peaked, and Roger Beaped like mt_goat mentioned above, and indeed it is.
Mine is cranking out 25 watts.

The 29 is bigger than the 25, as the 29 has the built in SWR meter.
I ran the CB in the 4Runner mounted to the glovebox, and it is mounted the same way in the FJ.

It looks like it would interfere with the passenger, but it does not at all.
The mic has been relocated to the left side as to not have the cord dangle at the passenger.