Last Updated: August 13th, 2023

8 Best CB Radio For Jeep

8 Best Cb Radio For Jeep
Best Cb Radio For Jeep

A group jeep tour and a CB radio to keep in touch with fellow riders equal the perfect formula for a thrilling trip. However, when looking for the best CB radio for Jeep, you need to play caution to ensure you select the right one for your vehicle.

The perfect unit should have a compact design to fit in the limited Jeep space. It should also have a heavy-duty design to withstand off-road beatings. In this post, we’ll look at the top CB radios on the market that will work with your Jeep to ensure you stay connected to other explorers in your next Jeep tour.

Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio

Uniden Pro505Xl 40-Channel Cb Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Compact and durable CB radio
  • Public address function
  • Instant emergency channel 9 access
  • Large, backlight LCD display
  • Built-in signal RF power indicator
  • Channel Up/Down buttons
  • Mounting hardware included

This is the perfect choice for budget-minded people looking for the best CB radio for a Jeep Wrangler. Its incredibly compact design makes it quite easy to mount in your Jeep Wrangler—at the center of the dash, at the compartment right under your armrest, or above the rear mirror.

Despite featuring a compact design, this powerful VB radio gives you access to all 40 channels allowed for CB radios. It enables you to transmit as far as 2 to 5 miles, which is more than enough for smooth communication in your Jeep.

This radio is also incredibly easy to use. It features a large backlit LCD display that lets you easily read useful data both at day and at night.

It also features large knobs with lighting around them to make them easy to operate. The unit also presents you with a built-in Signal/RF power indicator to let you check the strength of the incoming transmissions.

Other great features you’ll find convenient in this mobile CB radio include external PA (public address jack), channel display, squelch control, volume control, and mounting hardware for easy installation in your Jeep.

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio

Uniden Bearcat 980 40- Channel Ssb Cb Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • NOAA weather channel alerts
  • SSB CB mode enabled
  • 7-color digital display
  • Noise-canceling microphone
  • Built-in SWR meter
  • Wireless mic compatible

Also made by Uniden, this CB audio also comes designed to allow you to stay connected when you’re having a long drive and need to keep in touch with your group riders and receive emergency and weather updates.

Like the other Uniden above, this is also a 40-channel unit that lets you access all the CB stations.

It allows you to instantly switch to emergency channel 9 to ensure you stay safe on the road. And with the push of a button, you can also access the NOAA weather channel to get weather notifications and alerts.

This radio is also easy to use right out of the box. It boasts a large, easy-to-read display to let you easily read it in any light conditions.

Note that this display has up to 7 colors to choose from, so you can customize it to fit your preferences. You can even set it to match the color of your dash.

Another thing that places this Uniden on top of its competition is its noise-canceling mic.

This magically reduces the annoying background noise so that you can enjoy crystal-clear conversations on your CB radio. The integrated SWR meter facilitates easy and fast antenna matching, further improving the quality of your broadcast.

Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio

Cobra 29Ltd Professional Cb Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Built-in SWR calibration
  • Integrated Bluetooth function
  • Antenna warning indicator
  • 4-watt power output
  • Instant channel 9 access
  • Easy-to-reach 9ft. mic cable

Cobra has been in the CB radio industry for over half a century. They’re well-known for producing top-notch units that appeal to both hobbyists and professional users.

This Cobra 29LTD is suitable for every jeep owner who wants to get the real bang for their buck. It provides you with top-end features at a truly reasonable price.

One of these features involves the SWR calibration that closely monitors your antenna system to ensure it’s functioning at full strength for maximum performance. What’s more, it has an antenna warning indicator that illuminates if it detects issues with your CB antenna.

You’ll absolutely love the built-in Bluetooth connectivity function! This lets you easily connect your cellphone to this radio so that you can answer all your calls through the CB radio mic.

Like the previously discussed models, this radio offers a complete range of 40 channels. It has a maximum power output of 4 Watts. Since this is the standard for a CB radio, you can rest assured you’re getting a dependable radio that will let you communicate hassle-freely with other riders.

Other features include instant channel 9 access, switchable noise blanker, and RF Gain for enhanced reception.

Midland 1001LWX 40 Channel Mobile CB

Midland 1001Lwx 40 Channel Mobile Cb

Highlighted Features:

  • Built-in weather scan
  • Adjustable RF Gain control
  • Automatic noise limiter
  • Easy to read backlight LCD display
  • Compact mobile CB radio

Midland 1001LWX 40 Channel Mobile CB, this 40-channel mobile CB radio also gives you value for money. It’s an e excellent radio for starters looking for a good compact CB radio for Jeep that allows it to easily fit in the tightest of space in your Jeep.

It boasts a super-clear LCD display with brilliant red backlight. This allows you to read the useful data regarding your radio on display in any light conditions. Thanks to the automatic weather condition function, this radio will instantly find the local weather channels to give you up-to-date weather notifications and alerts for your route.

Note that this pocket-friendly CB radio also comes optimized for clearer communication. It features an adjustable RF Gain control that lets you eliminate background noise so that you can have clear conversations.

Plus, it features an automatic noise limiter that improves reception for weaker signals, further enhancing the quality of sound.

Cobra 29NW Professional CB Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Fully illuminated front panel display
  • Variable dimmer control
  • SWR calibration
  • Antenna warning indicator
  • Instant channel 9/19 access

Here’s another good CB radio for jeep JK from Cobra. The radio also allows you to scan the complete range of all the 40 channels for full coverage of the CB channels. It has an excellent build quality that enables it to withstand the vibration in your Jeep when you hit off-road.

Like the other Cobra we discussed earlier on, this one also comes fitted with an SWR calibration meter. This ensures that your antenna system is functioning at full strength so that you can get the maximum performance out of your unit.

It also presents you with an antenna warning indicator, where a red light illuminates if the antenna needs to be checked or calibrated.

We also like that this unit comes with a fully illuminated front panel display to promote easy viewing of useful data of your unit in day or night time. Since this radio offers you instant channel 9/19 access, you’ll get all the necessary emergency and traffic news to ensure you stay safe on the road.

Stryker SR-955hpc 10 Meter Amateur Radio

Stryker Sr-955Hpc 10 Meter Amateur Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Brilliant 7-color backlight faceplate
  • Variable talkback control
  • Auto-calibrating SWR meter
  • Up to 6 roger beeps
  • 32-position dimmer control
  • Up-armored receiver works under the harshest conditions
  • PC programmable radio

This Stryker SR-955hpc was designed to retain all the desirable aspects of a CB radio while offering you single sideband (SSB) stability. Besides excellent SSB clarity, this unit also boasts unmatched construction quality, power output, high-level frequency stability, and other high-end features.

Jeep owners like that this radio comes with a selectable color display. Needless to say, this makes it incredibly easy to operate in all light conditions. It even comes with a 32-position dimmer control function to let you customize the amount of light coming out of this display.

The Stryker also offers you a clarifier that lets you choose if you want the fine control to be used on the receiver only or on the transmit as well.

Being a high-end unit, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this radio offers you up to 6 roger beeps. These beeps inform the speaker that you’re done speaking, facilitating convenient communication.

Also included in this radio is the variable talkback feature that lets you hear your own broadcast transmissions so that you can set your mic volume or mic gain accordingly.

President ANDY Compact AM CB Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Compatible with 12/24V vehicles
  • Compact mobile CB radio
  • NOAA weather channels
  • Channel scanning function
  • Multi-functions LCD display
  • Public Address compatible
  • Integrated roger beep

Our second last spot goes to the President AND CB radio. This is a compact unit packed with lots of cool features, making it for anyone looking for a good compact CB radio for Jeep at a moderate price.

This CB radio works with both the 12V and 24V vehicles, making it a more versatile option for jeep cars. It has an incredibly compact design that lets you hassle-freely fit in your Jeep’s dashboard, gloves, on the platform—everywhere!

It features NOAA weather channels to provide you with up-to-date weather information and alerts of the area you’ll be driving your Jeep in. It also features a backlit display that makes it easy to read both day or night.

The automatic noise limiter works tirelessly to block the background noise for better sound quality.

Because this unit has a public address function, you can always hook a PA speaker to amplify your voice if you want to speak to a crowd. Other cool features include roger beep, front microphone plug, talkback, noise blanker, and up/down channel selector.

Radioddity CB-27 Mobile CB Radio

Radioddity Cb-27 Mobile Cb Radio

Highlighted Features:

  • Instant emergency channel 9/19 access
  • 9-level automatic squelch control
  • Equipped with a removable mic
  • Easy-to-read backlight display
  • Works with external speaker
  • Channel scan feature
  • Built-in RF Gain control

Still looking for an affordable CB radio for your Jeep? If yes, consider getting this Radioddity CB-27 Mobile CB Radio.

The MAIN reason why we included this radio on our list is that it comes with an ULTRA-compact and portable design, making it the perfect fit for the limited cab space in your Jeep. It features a palm-size body that occupies quite a little space, making it easy to install in your small off-road Jeep.

It also features a highly probate design, with fully removable mic and lightweight design (feels 0.95lbs light), for easy packaging and carry.

To ensure the background static doesn’t plague your communication, this unit comes equipped with a flexible squelch control. This function has up to 9 automatic squelch, and up to 29 levels manual squelch for clearer communication skills.

Moreover, it features built-in RF Gain control to let you hassle-freely adjust the receiver sensitivity.

With this radio, you can quickly jump to the emergency channel 9 and 19 with the press of a button. The mic cord feels strong and stiff and will remain durable with repeated use. If you want to, you can connect this radio to an external loudspeaker to amplify the received audio.

Guide For Buying CB Radio For Jeep (Things To Look For Before Buying CB Radio For Jeep)

When shopping for the best CB for Jeep, consider the following factors to ensure you bag a great unit that dependably and reliably serves your communication needs.

Radio size

Size is crucial when looking for the perfect CB radio for Jeep. Different CB radios come with varying sizes and shapes. Because Jeeps have less space to spare, you should make sure you choose the most compact radio you can find on the market. This will ensure it easily fits in the available space in your car.

Backlit display (and illuminated control panel)

Another essential feature to consider when looking for a CB radio for your Jeep is the backlit LCD display. When driving your vehicle at night or in low light conditions, you want your radio controls to be highly visible.

You also want to be able to easily read the useful data on your radio display, right? Going for radio with this lighting makes it easy to use in various light conditions.

Built-in meters

A good, dependable CB radio for Jeep should also feature built-in meters that enable it to perform at its best.

One of these meters includes the SWR (standing wave ratio) meter that checks your antenna and radio system to ensure they function as expected. It provides the appropriate information to help you make the necessary adjustments for optimal radio performance.

Other convenient built-in meters to look for in a CB radio include signal strength and transmission meters.

Instant channel

Choose a CB radio that lets you quickly switch to emergency channel 9 or information channel 19 with a switch or button.

Having prior info regarding any emergencies, accidents, traffic jams, and more, is crucial for you when driving your Jeep over long distances. As such, you want to ensure you get a CB radio that lets you quickly flip from the current channel to the emergency channel 9 and the informational channel 19.

Weather channel alerts

Apart from emergencies, you’ll also want to ensure your CB radio can access the local NOAA weather channels/stations. This will enable you to get important weather reports updates in real-time and make the necessary adjustments in advance.

Channel scan

As you already know, the standard number of stations allowed for a citizen band (CB) radio is 40 channels. This means that you’ll need to navigate through all these channels in order to find the one you’re looking for.

That said, getting a radio with a channel scan function makes navigating these stations easy. It looks for various signals and establishes a connection between your radio and them (the signals).

Units that come with automatic channel scanner are even better as they let you scan for these stations without getting your hands off the wheel.

Other features:

  • Bluetooth: if you want to connect your smartphone to your CB radio, look for a model that comes with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • ANL: automatic noise limiter is a great feature that eliminates undesired noises to ensure high-quality sound output.
  • PA compatibility: this function means you can use your CB radio as a public address system transmitter. this will come in handy if you want to communicate with a large group of people.
  • RF Gain: it lets you filter the type of transmission your radio receives based on the single strength, thus improving the signal reception.
  • Squelch control: the control activates the radio speaker when there’s a transmission. This saves you from having to continually listen to the annoying static and weak signals.

How to install CB radio Jeep JK?

Once you get hold of your new CB radio, the next thing that will be bothering your mind is how to mount it in your Jeep so that you can start using it.

In this part, we’ll take you through the basic steps of correctly installing a CB radio in your Jeep Wrangler (JK).

Things You’ll Need:

  • CB radio for Jeep
  • Coaxial antenna cable
  • CB antenna
  • Antenna mounting bracket
  • Tapping clips
  • Antenna springs (optional but helpful; flexes in an antenna snapping or shattering attempt)

Step 1. Decide where to mount the radio

The first step of installing a CB radio in your truck is deciding where to mount it. Ideally, you want to place your radio where you can easily and comfortably reach it as well as clearly see what channels you’re on.

Step 2. Connect the antenna

Assuming you decide to use the antenna spring, start by mounting your CB antenna onto this spring. Then mount the spring onto the antenna mount you’re using.

Connect the coaxial cable to the antenna. Be sure to connect the ground wire to anything metal on your Jeep.

Now connect the coax to your radio (at the back). Ensure the coax running from the antenna to your radio has little or no kinks, as these can affect the antenna performance.

Choose a suitable location for the mic and use the provided screws for mounting the mic clip in place.

Step 3. Connect the radio to the power source

This step is pretty simple as it involves using a fuse tap in your Jeep’s fuse panel.

You’ll first need to remove the glove box to access the fuse panel. Then, locate the cigarette lighter fuse or open bank fuse.

Once you have the lighter plug in sight, locate its red wire and clip on the red wire from your radio with the help of a wiretap crimp.

Next, you must ground the black wire from your radio to complete the process. Find any metal screw attached to your car’s metal body panel and crimp the black wire’s end from the radio onto it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a CB radio for Jeep transmit?

A typical CB radio can transmit approximately 2-5 miles. Units that come with built-in SSB mode can transmit even farther distances of up to 20 miles.

Where does a CB radio go in Jeep?

You can mount a CB radio for Jeep on the dashboard, gloves, at the backside of the car, on the rearview mirror, on the platform, and so on. The perfect place for mounting the radio in your vehicle depends on the unit size. You also need to ensure you place in a place where you can easily and comfortably reach it.

How do you ground a CB antenna on a Jeep?

If you’re using the standard CB antenna, then grounding it is crucial for optimal performance. An improperly ground antenna translates to an un-tunable antenna. Grounding your antenna is as simple as connecting the ground wire to anything metal on your Jeep chassis.

Where can I mount a larger CB radio in a Jeep?

If you have a larger radio that you need to install in your Jeep, then we highly suggest that you consider mounting it above the rearview mirror to ensure it doesn’t occupy a lot of space inside your Jeep.

Conclusion

A CB radio can be an invaluable investment for your Jeep. When shopping for the best CB radio for Jeep, take your time to ensure you pick a unit that’s compact enough to fit in the limited space in your vehicle.

Also, ensure you get a rugged radio to withstand all the beatings associated with off-roading. Having outlined some of the top-rated units on the market today in this post, getting the perfect CB radio for your Jeep should be a breeze for you.

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