Installing a CB radio and CB antenna on your Pickup Truck, SUV or 4x4 can be one of the best decisions you make for your vehicle.
It gives your vehicle more functionality in terms of communication, plus it looks great! Many Pickup Truck, SUV and 4x4 owners have already discovered the joy of installing a CB radio and CB antenna.
That said, you've come to the right place if you still don't know which CB antenna to choose. This post will break down the six best mobile CB antennas.
By the time you finish reading, you should know which option is the best for you.
| EDITOR'S CHOICE | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tornado Stinger |
SIRIO CB/10M |
Mini Tornado Stinger |
Micro CB Antenna |
Mini CB Antenna |
Sirio Performer 5000 PL |
GENUINE K40 |
|
| Frequency | 27-28 MHz | 27-28 MHz | 27-28 MHz | 27-28 MHz | 27-28 MHz | 27-30 MHz | 26-30 MHz |
| Type | Base Loaded | Base Loaded | Base Loaded | Centre Loaded | Centre Loaded | Base Loaded | Base Loaded |
| Length | 158cm | 142cm | 90cm | 35cm | 67cm | 196cm | 142cm |
| Power Rating | 1000 Watts | 900 Watts | 1000 Watts | 100 Watts | 100 Watts | 1500 Watts | 500 Watts |
| Colour | Various | Black | Various | Black | Black | Silver | Black |
| Cable Included | No | 4 metres RG58 Coax | No | 4 metres RG58 Coax | 4 metres RG58 Coax | No | 5.18 metres Coax |
| Mount Included | No | MAG 125 PL | No | 7cm Mag Mount | 9cm Mag Mount | No | K40 |
| Fitting | 3/8 Thread | PL 259 | 3/8 Thread | N/A | N/A | PL259 | K40 |
| VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT |
The Top 7 Mobile CB Radio Antenna’s Review
1) Tornado Stinger - Best Overall - Editor's Choice
If you're in the market for an easy-to-use mobile CB antenna, then look no further than the Tornado Stinger. It's a base-loaded open coil whip antenna with a durable design. It requires no tuning.
Going with a pre-set antenna like the Tornado Stinger is an excellent choice if you’re a beginner since there's virtually no learning curve.
With a length of 158 cm and a flexible spring design, you won’t need to worry about your antenna causing any issues when passing through tunnels but be wary of any structures with low ceilings.
It’s one of the longer mobile CB antennas on the market and it will perform better than shorter options. In general, the longer your antenna is, the better performance you'll get out of it.
The Tornado Stinger Mobile CB Antenna is one of the most reliable antennas on the market. It's easy to use, affordable, and is virtually indestructible.
PROS
- High performance
- Strong and sturdy
- Choice of colours
- No tuning required
CONS
- Length could be obstructive
- Antenna mount required
2) Sirio CB/10M - Best Ready to Go Kit
The Sirio CB/10M The Sirio ML145 Mag Kit is a CB & 10m mobile antenna tunable from 27 to 28.5 MHz and offers protection from static discharges DC-Ground Supplied with a strong stainless steel spring 17/7 PH tapered stainless steel whip, standard connection PL259 and 3.6 metres of RG58 cable
PROS
- Ready to go kit
- Compact design
- High Power
- 3.6m of cable included
CONS
- Only available in black
3) Mini Tornado Stinger - Best for Durability
The Moonraker Mini Tornado Stinger is one of the top picks for Pickup Truck, SUV and 4x4 drivers. Many enjoy its simple, compact design, whereas others choose it for its exceptional durability. This antenna is built to last and withstand anything from harsh weather to clumsy drivers.
The antenna requires a mount. There are numerous mobile antenna mounts available on the market. You will be able to find a mount to easily install the Mini Tornado Stinger on either the trunk, bonnet, roof, gutter or mirror of your Pickup Truck, SUV or 4x4. You can then enjoy outstanding signal quality almost instantly. The electro-polished stainless steel material is resistant to corrosion, wind, or anything else nature wants to throw at it.
With a length of only 89cm, you can drive in places with low ceilings without worry.
If you're looking for a CB antenna built to last and easy to use, then the black Mini Tornado Stinger is worth checking out. It’s hard to beat with a price of only £13.99.
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Choice of colours
- Compact
- Affordable
CONS
- Antenna mount required
- Performance not as good as a full sized Tornado Stinger
4) Micro CB Antenna - Best Value
When choosing a CB antenna, many drivers prefer something compact and ready to go. Smaller antennas that provide good signal quality are an excellent choice since they are discrete and don't impose on the appearance of your Pickup Truck, SUV or 4x4. The Micro CB antenna is no exception as it's durable, reliable, and highly affordable.
With a length of only 35cm, it's by far one of the most compact CB antennas on the market. However, don't let its small size fool you.
The Moonraker Micro CB antenna is exceptionally dependable and long-lasting. It's a centre-loaded antenna, which technically makes it superior to base-loaded antennas.
Costing only £14.99, this antenna gives you everything you need without breaking the bank. Overall, the Moonraker Micro CB antenna is a top choice for Pickup Truck, SUV or 4x4 owners looking for a compact yet reliable transmitter for their vehicles.
PROS
- Ready to go kit
- Excellent value for money
- Durable design
- Super strong magnetic base
CONS
- Base cannot be used for other CB antennas
- Performance will be limited by its size
5) Mini CB Antenna - Best Compact
While some people don't mind a robust antenna sticking out of their vehicle, many drivers prefer something more compact and discreet . That's where the Moonraker Mini CB Antenna comes in handy. With a length of only 67cm, you can get all the high-end signal quality you need without taking up too much space.
The antenna also comes with an effortless magnetic mount that makes attaching it to your vehicle virtually effortless. It's the perfect choice for beginners that don't want to spend countless hours learning how to install their new antenna.
Furthermore, the entire kit is highly-affordable. You get a done-for-you antenna system for £14.99. The Moonraker Mini CB is worth considering for Pickup, SUV or 4x4 owners who want a dependable yet compact antenna.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Compact design
- Outstanding signal quality
CONS
- Base cannot be used for other CB antennas
- Performance will be limited by its size
6) Sirio Performer 5000 PL-Mobile CB Antenna - Best Gain
High power, high performance mobile whip antenna from Sirio, the Turbo-5000 will tune from 27-28.50 Mhz, so is ideal for either CB or Amateur mobile use. Superb construction and large base loaded coil for great DX power, this is probably the best mobile antenna you can use for those longer distance contacts!
Very popular SO239 type base connector, and the whip can be easily adjusted for best operating angle too.
PROS
- High power load
- Exceptional performance
- Incredibly durable
- High build quality
- Foldable antenna
CONS
- A bit on the heavier side
7) Genuine K40 CB Antenna - Most Iconic
Every K40 is exactly the same. Unvarying. Totally consistent. In materials, construction, and most importantly - in performance. They computer design each and every component. And then match and assemble them on a fully automated production line, with tolerances that you just can't get with old-fashioned hand assembly.
The result: Antenna performance that's far and away the best you can buy at any price. And that means whatever road you travel, you can use your K40 with that wonderful feeling of supreme confidence.
PROS
- Iconic Design
- Modern performance
CONS
- Requires specific K40 Mag mount
How To Choose a Mobile CB Antenna
There's just something about adding a CB antenna to your vehicle that's so satisfying. Not only does it give your vehicle a more brawny appearance, but it also improves its overall functionality.
There is a lot to consider when choosing the right mobile CB radio antenna for your Pickup Truck, SUV or 4x4. To make things easier, we've included this section to give you some extra help when choosing a mobile CB radio antenna.
Mounting Location
Where you mount your antenna makes a significant difference in signal quality. In general, the longer and higher your antenna is, the better performance you'll get out of it. At least half of your CB antenna should stick up past your vehicle's roof.
The main vehicle mounting locations for CB antennas are:
- Roof. Since the goal is to get your antenna as high as possible, the best place to mount it would be on the roof. Many CB antennas are designed to be attached to the top of vehicles. Not only will mounting your antenna on the roof improve signal quality, but it will also allow you to receive signals from all directions.
- The Hood/Bonnet. The hood/bonnet is another common place to mount a CB antenna. You'll usually see pickups, SUV’s or 4x4’s with hood/bonnet mounts if they have a camper or trailer attached. Moreover, the hood/bonnet mount is one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices. Some pickups come with an opening on the hood to mount antennas, but you might need to drill a hole if yours doesn't have an opening or have a mount already.
- The Bumper. Although this isn't ideal, some drivers mount their CB antennas to the back bumper. For starters, the bumper is low. Therefore, getting your antenna to stick out over your roof may be extremely difficult. That said, this might be the best option if you have a long antenna, like the Sirio 5000 PL mentioned above.
- The Toolbox. Some pickups have a toolbox which is another popular location to mount CB antennas. It could be the best choice in some cases, depending on what kind of antenna you have. Remember, the goal is to get at least a third of your antenna past your roof.
- The Stakehole. The stakehole mounting method is an excellent choice for pickup owners that don't have a toolbox and don't want to drill into their truck. Most pickups have stakeholes on the bed (they typically look like small square openings). That said, you need to double-check that the CB antenna you choose can be mounted into these holes. If not, you may need to do a bit of drilling to get a perfect fit.
- The Mirror/Gutter/Rail. Some vehicles have room for antennas on the vehicle mirrors, along the vehicle's roof gutters or on a rail such as a vehicle's roof rack. If in doubt seek professional CB installation advice. There will always be a mount to suit your needs.
Type of Antenna Mount
The kind of CB antenna you choose will determine a wide range of factors, such as performance, mounting difficulty, and signal quality.
Magnet mount antennas are the most common, and for good reasons. The primary benefit of using a magnet mounted antenna is easily attaching it to the roof of your vechicle. You can even stick a compact CB antenna to your roof and still have outstanding range and clarity. Moreover, you don't need to modify your vehicle.
As you will have noted above there are numerous CB antenna mounting positions and as a consequence there are numerous CB antenna mounts available on the market. As you're now aware, the higher the antenna, the better. So, choose your antenna mounting position carefully and then search for the best CB antenna mount.
Tuning
Antennas are there to provide you with an excellent signal for communication, but no antenna can work at its best if it isn't tuned correctly. Moreover, not all antennas are tuned the same way. Learning how to adjust and tune your CB system will ensure that you get the best performance possible every time you use it.
Some CB antennas come pre-set, so you don't need to worry about tuning. These are ideal for beginners or CB owners who don't want to tune and adjust their system constantly. That said, there are benefits to having an antenna that requires tuning.
For instance, the tuning process can help spot any malfunctions in your CB equipment. Furthermore, you can acquire the best signal possible with a manually-tuned antenna.
Installation
Whilst most CB radios have a straightforward installation process, others can require more effort. You should consider that the next time you buy an antenna. That's not to say you should limit your choice to only a few CB antennas. You can install virtually any CB antenna on a Pickup, SUV or 4x4 with slight modifications.
How To Set up a CB Radio
Now that you know all about the different types of CB antennas and where to place them, we can discuss the best ways to install them on your Pickup, SUV or 4x4.
To start, there are shops that offer CB radio installation. If you're in a time crunch or don't feel like installing it yourself, taking your CB radio system to your nearest CB shop is the best way to go.
However, installing it yourself is surprisingly simple with the right tools and a little patience. Moreover, you can save some money on the installation.
Here's a guide on CB antennas installation:
Step 1) Choosing a Mounting Location
Above, we mention that there are various places where you can mount your CB antenna.
The best place to mount it is on the roof, as it will give you a clearer signal, but you can also mount it on your hood, stakehole, bumper, toolbox, mirror, gutter or on a rail. Be careful where you place your antenna to ensure the best place for optimal performance.
Step 2) Mount Your Antenna
Mounting a magnetic mount is simple, you just stick it to your vehicle. Alternatively depending on your vehicle and antenna type, you may need to drill holes for the antenna to fit.
Step 3) Connect the Antenna to Your CB Radio
Your CB radio system will need a coaxial cable and the correct plugs in order to connect your CB radio to your CB antenna (i.e. a patch-lead). Connect the ground wire, if there is one, to metal after connecting the antenna to your radio system. Double-check that everything is connected before you start testing your CB radio.
Step 4) Connect the Radio to Power
Once your radio system and antenna are connected, you'll need to connect the radio to your vehicle's power supply. You can typically achieve this by removing the access panels in your vehicle and connecting the red + and black - wires to your vehicle. Before you reattach the access panels test to see if your CB radio has a power connection. If so, you're ready to start using your CB radio.
Alternatively, a simpler solution is to connect your CB radio to the power socket in your vehicle normally using a cigar/cigarette lighter plug connection.
Why Are CB Radios Useful?
In short, CB radios help drivers communicate with other drivers while on the road. While they can be used for work-related purposes or in an emergency, many drivers just enjoy having someone to talk to while spending long periods on the road.
Conclusion
Although there are numerous options for CB antennas on the market, you must choose the right one for you. The Moonraker Tornado Stinger ticks all the boxes out of the CB antennas reviewed above. It's reliable, easy-to-use and durable enough to last as long as you need it.
Remember to consider all the crucial factors such as antenna type, mounting location, and tuning when you're looking for a new CB antenna.
You can find all these options and more at Moonraker, so please feel free to contact our team if you have any questions.