Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM CB Radio — The Full-Size Trucker CB, Now Dual-Mode

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM is the traditional-styled edition of the CB radio that has been the industry standard OTR trucker rig since the 1970s. Same full-size chassis, same layout, same classic Cobra chrome-accent look — updated with dual-mode AM/FM operation across all 40 CB channels following the FCC's 2021 rule change. If you learned CB on a 29 LTD, this is the radio you already know how to run.

Every Cobra 29 LTD Classic from CB Radio Supply ships with the factory dynamic 4-pin microphone, DC power cord, mounting bracket, and mic clip. Add the recommended Pro Tune and alignment at checkout and it leaves our bench dialed in to Cobra's service-manual spec before it goes out the door.

Who this radio is for

• Truckers and OTR drivers who want the traditional full-size Cobra 29 LTD form factor — front-mounted controls, big knobs, and the exact chassis layout they've run for decades
• Pickup and Jeep owners with room for a full-size CB in the dash or overhead console — the 29 LTD's long chassis has room for larger switchgear and a proper meter
• Buyers who prefer the traditional Cobra styling — the Classic uses the standard Cobra chrome-accent front panel, while the Cobra 29 LTD Chrome is fully chrome-plated. The internals are identical.
• Drivers upgrading from an AM-only CB who want dual-mode AM/FM capability without changing their antenna install — this radio is fully backwards compatible with older AM-only CBs
• Buyers replacing an older 29 LTD — this is the same chassis and control layout, so the mounting bracket, power cord routing, and control muscle memory all carry over

What's in the box

• Cobra 29 LTD Classic AM/FM CB radio
• Factory dynamic 4-pin microphone with coiled cord
• DC power cord (pre-fused)
• Universal under-dash mounting bracket and hardware
• Microphone clip
• Cobra owner's manual and warranty card

Radio features and specs

• Dual-mode AM and FM operation on all 40 CB channels (FCC-approved 2021)
• 4 watts output (FCC Part 95 Class D maximum)
• FCC Part 95 certified — license-free CB operation in the United States
• Instant Channel 9 for emergencies
• Blue LED backlit channel indicator
• Talkback feature (hear yourself on the speaker while transmitting)
• Dynamike microphone gain control
• Switchable noise blanker and noise limiter
• Built-in SWR Calibration Control and multi-function meter with antenna warning indicator
• PA (public address) capability with external speaker jack
• RF Gain
• Front-panel 4-pin microphone jack
• SO-239 antenna jack (rear)
• External speaker jack (rear)
• Chassis: 8.6″ deep × 7.6″ wide × 2.5″ tall (full-size trucker CB form factor)
• Two-year manufacturer's warranty from Cobra

Available upgrades and options

• Pro Tune and alignment service — bench-tuned to Cobra service-manual spec before shipping
• Echo or Connex board upgrade
• Talkback upgrade
• Schottky diode receiver upgrade

Cobra 29 LTD Classic vs. Cobra 29 LTD Chrome

The two 29 LTD editions share the same chassis, same electronics, same 4-watt output, and same dual-mode AM/FM performance. The only functional differences are cosmetic:

• Classic (this radio): traditional Cobra styling with chrome accents — the look most drivers grew up with
• Chrome: fully chrome-plated front panel and knobs — show-truck aesthetic

Same warranty, same RF performance, same accessory compatibility. Pick on looks.

Cobra 29 LTD Classic vs. Cobra 25 LTD Classic

The Cobra 25 LTD Classic is the compact sibling to this radio — same look, same brand DNA, but on a narrower chassis for tight mounting spots. Two functional differences worth knowing:

• Chassis width: the 29 LTD is approximately 7.6″ wide; the 25 LTD is narrower at about 6.4″ wide. Same depth (~8.6″), same height (~2.5″) — the 25 LTD fits narrower mounting spots where the 29 LTD's wider chassis won't
• SWR meter: the 29 LTD Classic has a built-in SWR Calibration Control and meter; the 25 LTD does not — 25 LTD owners need an external SWR meter to tune their antenna

Backwards compatibility

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic is fully backwards compatible with older AM-only CB radios. AM mode is the default, and the FM upgrade adds cleaner-sounding audio when both radios in the conversation support FM. If you're the only truck on the channel with an AM/FM radio, everyone still hears you fine in AM — nothing about the FM upgrade breaks the CB you and your buddies have always used.

Install and tuning notes

The 29 LTD Classic has a built-in SWR Calibration Control, which is a genuine convenience for antenna install and periodic checks. That said, SWR should always be verified at the antenna during install — a proper antenna tune with an in-line meter is the reliable measurement. The built-in SWR feature is a great fallback for on-the-road antenna checks after the initial tune. 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.

Radio license note

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic is a Citizens Band (CB) radio operating on the 27 MHz band. It is FCC Part 95 certified and license-free in the United States — anyone can operate it legally without an FCC exam. This differs from 10-meter amateur radios, which require an FCC amateur radio operator license.

Compatibility with common install locations

• Fits the traditional CB slot in most Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, and International cabs
• Fits most older Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota pickup dashes with the included under-dash mounting bracket
• Compatible with any 50-ohm CB antenna system (4-foot fiberglass, mag-mount, 102″ whip, mirror-mount)
• Works with any standard 4-pin CB microphone (Cobra, Astatic, RK56B, Roadking, etc.)
• External speaker jack for external CB speakers or PA horn

Warranty and FCC compliance

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic carries a 2-year manufacturer's warranty from Cobra Electronics. It is FCC Type-Accepted for CB use in the United States. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all FCC rules including maximum power limits (4W AM / 4W FM). Use only with a properly tuned 50-ohm antenna system.

Cobra 29 LTD Classic — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cobra 29 LTD Classic peaked and tuned?

No. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic ships brand-new from the manufacturer, un-modified and FCC-legal. Customers can add our Pro Tune and alignment service at checkout to have the radio peaked, tuned, and bench-tested before it ships.

Does the Cobra 29 LTD Classic have FM?

Yes. This is the updated dual-mode AM/FM edition of the Cobra 29 LTD Classic, following the FCC's 2021 rule allowing FM on Class D CB radios. It transmits and receives on all 40 CB channels in both AM and FM modes.

How much power does the Cobra 29 LTD Classic put out?

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic outputs 4 watts on AM and 4 watts on FM, which matches FCC Part 95 regulations for all Class D Citizens Band radios sold in the United States. Higher output requires an amplifier or an FCC amateur radio license.

Does the Cobra 29 LTD Classic need an FCC license?

No. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic is FCC Part 95 certified and can be operated without a license in the United States. Anyone can transmit on the 40 CB channels legally without an exam. Amateur radio (10-meter and other ham bands) is what requires an FCC operator license.

What's the difference between the Cobra 29 LTD Classic and the Cobra 29 LTD Chrome?

Both radios share the same 40-channel AM/FM chassis, 4-watt output, dynamic microphone, and feature set. The Chrome is fully chrome-plated across the front panel and knobs; the Classic uses the traditional Cobra styling with chrome accents. Electronics and RF performance are identical.

Does the Cobra 29 LTD Classic have a built-in SWR meter?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic has a built-in SWR Calibration Control and multi-function meter with an antenna warning indicator. This is a genuine convenience for antenna checks. SWR should still be verified at the antenna during the initial install using an in-line meter for the most reliable measurement.

Is the Cobra 29 LTD Classic backwards compatible with older AM-only CB radios?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic can talk to any older AM-only CB radio on the standard 40 CB channels — AM mode is the default and works exactly like any classic CB. The FM mode is only used when both radios in the conversation support FM.

Is the Cobra 29 LTD Classic a good CB radio for truckers?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic has been the industry-standard OTR trucker CB radio since the 1970s. Key features for truckers include a dynamic microphone, PA capability, RF gain, front-panel controls, instant Channel 9 access, and a built-in SWR meter for antenna checks on the road.

Does the Cobra 29 LTD Classic come with a microphone?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LTD Classic includes a factory dynamic 4-pin microphone with a coiled cord. Upgraded microphones (Astatic 636L, RK56B, Roadking RK5155, and others) are available separately on our microphones collection page.

What size is the Cobra 29 LTD Classic?

The Cobra 29 LTD Classic is a full-size CB radio: approximately 2.5 inches tall, 7.6 inches wide, and 8.6 inches deep. It fits the traditional CB slot in most Class 8 trucks and older pickups. For tighter or narrower mounting spots, the compact Cobra 25 LTD Classic uses a narrower chassis (~6.4″ wide vs 7.6″).