time for a new cb?

[tippykid98cztom]

my buddy and I are both running cobra 19 dx IV(cheap ones from walmart) radios in our rangers both with 8.5' antennas. they work pretty good when we are parked next to eachother but we lose eachother at around 100ft away. should we buy better radios or what? thanks!

 

[exbass94]

Do you have your antenna tuned? Is it properly grounded? I have a cheap Walmart Cobra and I have no trouble hearing people miles away. The antenna is the most important part. Make sure the coax is kept away from other wires and don't coil up excess wire in a circle.

 

[strvger]

x2

 

[4x4junkie]

You've got serious problems if you're only getting 100ft.
Get yourself an SWR meter so you can check to see if your antennas are operating correctly.

Like was said, check your antenna grounds, and make sure your coax (or your antenna mount) doesn't have a short in it, and that it's properly connected to your radio.

 

[tippykid98cztom]

thanks for the input. just went out and bought a uniden PC68LTW and im pretty satisfied!