What cb radios do you guys run? What's your favorite antenna and why?

I considered a few radios but I'd like to stay with something compact and affordable. Something that will fit in the old ash tray location on my 1995 tracker.

I considered a small cobra then my friend suggested a president andy 2. Small and compact with weather channels.
https://www.bellscb.com/products/cbradios/president/President_Andy_II.htm


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Springer-Stinger-CB-Aerial-Side-Mount-Kit-for-Vans-or-4-x-4-Trucks-/322284290402?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Thinking I can run these and should be plenty. I had a larger older cb radio in my 4dr. I didn't like it because it was missing the scan function and weather channels.

What radio should I pick or what do you guys have experience with and would recommend?

Have you considered something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Remote-Mount-Weather-SoundTracker/dp/B008HGE46U/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=compact+cb+radio&qid=1636553766&sr=8-20

With this you don't have to find a place to mount "the radio", just a location you like for hanging the mic.  There is that Cobra, and Midland also has a version of it.  The Midland version you can actually power with batteries and have a fully portable unit.

As far as antennas, I have learned my lesson on magnet mounts!  Don't do it!  I even had a good quality mag mount antenna, not a cheap-o special, but a name brand.  If you are doing any off roading with low clearance branches and such, it does not stay stuck on very well.  Is the antenna you showed a window mount?  I have to get a new radio for my rig, and when I do, I still have not decided what I am doing for an antenna.  If by then I have build a rear bumper, I may just mount it to the bumper.

Have you considered something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Remote-Mount-Weather-SoundTracker/dp/B008HGE46U/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=compact+cb+radio&qid=1636553766&sr=8-20

With this you don't have to find a place to mount "the radio", just a location you like for hanging the mic.  There is that Cobra, and Midland also has a version of it.  The Midland version you can actually power with batteries and have a fully portable unit.

As far as antennas, I have learned my lesson on magnet mounts!  Don't do it!  I even had a good quality mag mount antenna, not a cheap-o special, but a name brand.  If you are doing any off roading with low clearance branches and such, it does not stay stuck on very well.  Is the antenna you showed a window mount?  I have to get a new radio for my rig, and when I do, I still have not decided what I am doing for an antenna.  If by then I have build a rear bumper, I may just mount it to the bumper.

I have considered those units but I hear the speaker isn't the best. I haven't purchased anything yet I want to research for a week or so before I buy. I'm trying to do the whole cb for about $120. Cb radio, mount and antenna.

My 4dr had a magnet roof antenna with awesome reception but it would knock off and almost broke my rear glass.

The side mount should work for me because I have a 2dr with removable hard top. If I mount it on the front behind the hood or on fender, I will use a shorter antenna vs if I mount it in the rear near the tail lights level.

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/products/firestik-side-mount-cb-antenna-kit

These mount on the body. So you drill a hole and mount.

I've seen jeep antenna mounts that bolt to the rear tire carrier and underneath the hood. I considered making a bracket but these side mounts with antennas can be cheap.

Check out this video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYztrSvjAg4

I know this is not a lights thread, but that mount could be used for an antenna.  I am not sure that I really want lights mounted where those are, but when I saw this video using it for an antenna mount was what came to my mind.

I have an shorty mounted to me spare tire holder in the back like your last pic. I have heard that you really need a horizontal steel plane for the antenna to work the best. Without mounting on the front hood, I don't know how to do that. Seems to work OK but I only use it when trail riding with friends - on channel 16. LOL 4x4=16

It depends on the antenna design - most verticals are 1/4 wavelength whips and do need a ground plane, there are different types of ground planes, not all of which require a metal sheet - consult the antenna manufacturer.

I like the idea of a mount where the spot lights mounted.

So I've been researching radios , cb antennas and came across gmrs radios. They use fm waves to transmit vs cb radio am waves. I hear the cb radio signal is weaker due to the 5 watt regulations. The fcc regulations on the gmrs is 50w. So you can transmit alot further on the gmrs. I included this link below full of information.

 https://www.therangerstation.com/overlanding-and-off-road/cb-radio-vs-gmrs-radio/

Pros and cons to both but I think I'm going to spend a little more and go with a gmrs radio. Just in case I'd like to communicate as far as possible, talk on private channels, and easily communicate with handheld radios.

https://parts.unitedrv.com/products/micromobile-farm-radio-bundle-mxt115ag?currency=USD&variant=33555632423000&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZYwsrxvZJnwYEW5xXpg55rlFzkm3_O59cuLxN4FCZ44wp9LEHeqbVAaAl6KEALw_wcB

What do you guys think about the gmrs?

https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/cb-replaced-by-frs-gmrs-two-way-radios/

Hey there... going with the FRS/GMRS is definitely the way to go. I actually don't really know of anyone installing and using AM CB radios anymore (except truckers). Even the handheld units will outperform a CB. BUT it does matter what your local group is using. If they are all on CB still, you will not be able to talk with them. So, I'd suggest a discussion with your wheeling buddies first. ...and sway them towards getting the FM radios. They are cheap and way better!  Good luck, Eric

I like the idea of a mount where the spot lights mounted.

So I've been researching radios , cb antennas and came across gmrs radios. They use fm waves to transmit vs cb radio am waves. I hear the cb radio signal is weaker due to the 5 watt regulations. The fcc regulations on the gmrs is 50w. So you can transmit alot further on the gmrs. I included this link below full of information.

 https://www.therangerstation.com/overlanding-and-off-road/cb-radio-vs-gmrs-radio/

Pros and cons to both but I think I'm going to spend a little more and go with a gmrs radio. Just in case I'd like to communicate as far as possible, talk on private channels, and easily communicate with handheld radios.

https://parts.unitedrv.com/products/micromobile-farm-radio-bundle-mxt115ag?currency=USD&variant=33555632423000&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZYwsrxvZJnwYEW5xXpg55rlFzkm3_O59cuLxN4FCZ44wp9LEHeqbVAaAl6KEALw_wcB

What do you guys think about the gmrs?

https://jeepjamboreeusa.com/cb-replaced-by-frs-gmrs-two-way-radios/

I actually don't really know of anyone installing and using AM CB radios anymore (except truckers).

When I first saw the thread, back the day it was posted, my reaction was "do people still use CB"?!?!  Not being familiar with what is actually used, I decided to "lurk & learn".

I am waiting on my on/off rocker switch and I will install this president mckinley into my 2dr. Going with a fender mount or behind the hood underneath the caps.