Whip antenna for CB on a Suburban

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Fight Milk

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2023
Posts
24
Reaction score
24
Location
Columbus, Ohio
First Name
Kelly
Truck Year
1989
Truck Model
V2500 Suburban
Engine Size
350 TBI
Hey all,

I know there have been a few threads out there, but I was hoping to get a little more feedback/guidance, and pictures if possible.

Long story short(sih)... I bought an '89 V2500 sight unseen off of FB Marketplace and road tripped it back home to Ohio with my brothers during the covid era. We wanted to take scenic routes, and it was a Roadkill-esque type trip, so I bought the CB supplies and we installed it, but I never tuned it or used it (the Burb never let me down!). I had the 102" whip antenna mounted on the bumper, which I know isn't ideal, but it was about the best I could do with the limited tools available. I sold that Suburban to my uncle about a year later to help pay for school.

A couple of years back, I found an almost identical '89 Burb V2500 out of Colorado that I couldn't pass up. I want to keep this one, and I also want to eventually make it reliable enough to be more than a weekend warrior. I bought a Cobra 29LTD, 18' of cable, and a ball mount, barrel spring, and 102" whip.

As far as I can tell from what I've been researching, the 102" typically has the best performance, but of course that depends on how it's mounted. I mostly want the CB in case I'm out in BFE and have a breakdown or emergency with no cell phone service, so the longest possible range is desirable (as far as I can tell). I know it may be dated, but I've also always loved the look of the whip antenna on square bodies (maybe because of the CUCVs).

The middle of the roof is the best place to mount it, but being a 102" antenna, that could be problematic. Is my best option just on the side of the Suburban, accessed by the taillight? I assume the metal there along with the backing plate on the ball mount is sturdy enough? It's certainly not a mint condition low-mileage Suburban, but it pains me to think about drilling holes in it- it's pretty clean with bumps, and dents, but only a couple of small rust bubbles.

Any advice/guidance is appreciated.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

bigcountry78

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Posts
3,741
Reaction score
8,968
Location
Hickory, North Carolina
First Name
James
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
Yes, the rear quarter panel by the tail light would be the best location to put the ball mount. Like you said, it’s not ideal, but it’s the best location for that type of mount. And the 102” whip is the best antenna out there for cb, since that’s actually the ideal size for the wavelength that cb radio operates on. Me personally, I wouldn’t drill those holes, but it’s your truck. I’m also not sure how much I would rely on a cb in an emergency. There’s not a whole lot of activity in my area, but it may be different out your way. It’s definitely a period correct add on for the burb though, so you do have that going for you lol. You mentioned tuning, so I assume you know about SWR and the meter needed to check it?
 
Last edited:

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
9,259
Reaction score
15,783
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502
Nice truck, i had a 90' chevy burb r1500 the same color
 

PrairieDrifter

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2014
Posts
3,981
Reaction score
5,937
Location
North Dakota
First Name
Mason
Truck Year
84,79,77,76,70,48
Truck Model
Suburban k10, bonanza k10, k30, k20, c10, gmc 1/2ton
Engine Size
350, 350, 350, 350, 350, 350
Mount or make a mount on the edge of the rear bumper, then have a loop on the roof for when not in use. Otherwise I would make a reinforcement plate and slide it inside behind the sheet metal. By the twilight.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
44,745
Posts
966,963
Members
37,448
Latest member
Giff
Top