Ford Ranger CB Static (Detailed)
Hello! I have a 2003 Ford Ranger. Because I drive on packed highways every day, I decided to install a CB radio. I've had a few issues so far and I'm at a standstill here. The static, which I believe is mostly from the alternator, absolutely demolishes my performance while I'm on the road. I'll list everything I've tried and yall can tell me what you think.
THE ISSUE:
Alternator whine and possibly the electrical system itself. When I'm going 75mph on the highway, the static kills out any RF I get. I’ve confirmed that people talk and can hear me - I just can't hear them.
When I sit near a truck stop with my truck turned off, I can talk endlessly for hours. But if I turn it on, the electrical static noise starts up and gets worse when I drive.
THE SETUP
- Radio is a Cobra Mini AM/FM 40 channel radio
- Positive is wired directly to the battery, Negative is attached to a bolt in the cab (which I confirmed is a good ground connection)
- Squelch is decent, you can turn it up or down but it's not the issue. SQ is set to about 6 before
- Antenna is a Firestik 3' Firefly
- Antenna is mounted directly to my toolbox, a rubber washer and electrical tape separate the inner metal/coax from making contact with the mount
- Coax is routed from the Antenna, between the cab/bed, goes under the truck for about 1/2 a foot, then runs into the cab and up to the radio.
- I bought a couple ferrite chokes in the hope that that'd help, but it didn't.
- SWR is fine, I tested it
- Toolbox is grounded to the bed. Bed is grounded to the Frame. The hood and cab/body panels are also grounded well.
- Tested my alternator with a multimeter, it works great. My battery is also brand new.
THE TRIALS
- I've switched my antennas location to the center of the toolbox and even the roof.
- I've researched for months and can't find anything that works.
- When drivers are within a very, VERY close distance to my truck on the highway, I can hear them talk through the static. But miles away? Don't count on it.
- I've messed with the ASQ, SQ, RF Gain, and everything.
- I once turned my truck off at an intersection. The static completely went away, my SQ was off, and it was dead quiet. A car passed close to my truck and I could hear it on my radio as it passed.
Hopefully that's enough information for all of you, I'm open to any suggestions or additional questions you may have.
Thanks in advance!