CB Radios for Pickup Trucks: Radio, Antenna, and Mount Guide

A good pickup CB setup starts with a radio that fits your cab and an antenna mount that suits how you use the truck. Think about your available space, overhead clearance, whether you need a removable antenna, and how you will check SWR after installation.

Choose a radio that fits your cab

	Full-size radio: The Cobra 29 LTD Classic and Uniden PC78LTX FM offer traditional controls if you have room for them.
	Weather features: The Cobra 29 LX and Uniden Bearcat 880FM include NOAA weather reception.
	Compact radio: The Cobra 25 LTD Classic, President Thomas FCC, and Cobra 19 MINI can make sense when dash space is limited.

Measure before you order, and allow additional room for the bracket, microphone plug, rear connections, and cable bends. Browse all mobile CB radios.

Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.

Choose the antenna and mount together

Antenna length and mounting location work as one system. Consider nearby bodywork, racks, toolboxes, garage entrances, and the antenna's installed height, then follow the manufacturer's placement instructions.

You can also browse mounts by vehicle for Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge, and Toyota.

Popular antenna types for pickups

• Magnetic antennas: Convenient when you want a removable setup.
• Fiberglass antennas: Available in a range of lengths for different mounting locations.
• No-ground-plane antennas: Designed for applications where a conventional ground plane is not practical. Follow the specific installation instructions.
• Whip antennas: A long option where clearance and mounting strength allow it.

For more detail, read how to install a CB antenna on a pickup and configurations for mounting an antenna on a pickup toolbox.

Set up the system correctly

1. Plan the coax route. Avoid pinching it in doors or hood gaps, and keep extra cable neatly secured.
2. Follow the grounding requirements. Conventional stud mounts, magnet mounts, and no-ground-plane antennas have different needs.
3. Connect the radio. Use a suitable fused power connection and follow the radio manual.
4. Check SWR before regular transmitting. Reception alone does not show that the antenna system is correctly matched. Firestik recommends working toward readings below 2:1 across the CB channels.
5. Recheck after changes. Test SWR again if you change the antenna, mount, coax, or mounting location.

Need the full process? Use our CB antenna tuning walkthrough, and shop SWR meters if your radio does not have one built in.

Pickup truck CB FAQs

Where should I mount a CB antenna on a pickup?

There is no single best location for every truck. Choose a location that suits the antenna, gives you the clearance you need, and meets its grounding requirements. Then confirm the finished installation with an SWR meter.

Can I mount a CB antenna in the truck bed?

Yes, a bed-mounted antenna can work if the mount and antenna are suitable and the system is installed correctly. Pay close attention to grounding and SWR, since a poor ground connection can cause high readings.

Do I need to tune the antenna if I only listen?

High SWR is a transmitting concern. If you plan to transmit, check and adjust the installed antenna system first.

Do I need a license for a CB radio in my pickup?

No individual license is required to use an FCC-certified CB radio in the US, but you must follow the FCC's CB rules.

Not sure what fits your pickup? Contact CB Radio Supply with your truck's year, make, model, and how you plan to use it.