Kenworth T680 & T880 Custom CB coax step by step install and antenna grounding.

DIY for CBers.
Step by step walk through of how to install coax and ground the antenna on my 2016 Kenworth t880 with 5' Firestik 2

[@trucker18944]

Good work. I also do all my own custom cb work and wiring. It's fun once you get the hang of it and know what you're doing after doing it enough times. Yes, it also saves you money from the cb shops

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Copy that , #9 in the Keystone

[@jamesstafford9067]

Awesome video Mr Rich, just bought a new radio, thanks for showing how you ran power and coax.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Just don't make the mistake of running a low coil antenna on that truck, like a wilson 2k. The coil needs to be above the mirror.

[@rocknrolloutlaw6113]

Good tutorial step by step for a non mechanical person like myself. Thnx for the upload bud!!!

[@brianoneal4600]

This helped me out so much! Didn't have time any time I was near a CB shop to get my swr looked at. 21 T680. Factory had it around 8.5-9.5 So never talked on it. Removed 1 antenna and it got down to 1.5 for a few days then jumped back up. Got the Wilson coax with the removable end, new Wilson antenna, and sanded everything down. Longest part for me to figure out was running it between the joint in the mirror, and fishing the coax up top. Its easier if you fold the mirror in to get in between them. Then for the fishing part, you'll have to remove those trim pieces, and kind of pile it on top of the little cubby (I did passenger side and wasn't much different). Got my SWR at 1.00 on CH19 now, sounds a lot better as well

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Good deal, glad I could help.

[@chriswilly2208]

Thanks. Always great to know where to pull on plastic parts instead of breaking them. Very helpful. If only I had the energy.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The KW is really not bad. I have another video doing my Freightliner, and that was a pain, and the plastic feels a lot cheaper and flimsy. Thanks for watching

[@rabbibacongrease88]

I like the ground strap idea that was pretty cool.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks, it may work either way. The strap and no paint removal, or paint removal and no strap. This way there should be doubt it's grounded.

[@paulshamblin6260]

Hate the antenna setup on these trucks. Nice work. Thx

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The factory stuff is junk, in this video is a great setup. The only other thing I wish I could have done was RF bonding on that truck, but don't work with that company anymore.

[@michaelford5885]

Nice ...good job , it doesn't look hard a little time consuming but not hard !

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It's probably the easiest truck I've done yet. Thanks for watching.

[@hector2294]

Love your video. Very informative. My brother has been trying to get his cb to work. He has a t680 and he keeps having issues with it like a bad ground at the antenna mount. I'm assuming that he might have to do something similar to what you have done. He already ran a new coax but he did not use a strap or clean the paint on the base either. I'll forward this video to him. Thanks again!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The grounding really only helps some of the send and receive, but really helps to reduce static in these trucks. Thanks for watching and hope it helps him.

[@ferojeda2039]

@@jrichtruckincbtips hello there how did you run the coax through the mirror i can't put it back ☹ I tried but when I fold the mirror it bites the coax

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@ferojeda2039 don't fold the mirror.🤣 I just ran it through in place of the factory coax.

[@rev9fan1]

I have an 06 W900 and my CB is a Stryker SR-447HPC2 and i have a few issues, first off i changed all my interior lights to LED, when I key up my drivers side dome light and center dome light light up every time i talk, and i get a ton of feedback through the stereo when the radio is on. Also if i have all my exterior lights on the Db meter is almost pegged out and i have to turn the squelch to 12 o'clock. I have a single wilson 2k trucker 50th Anniversary edition, and the clear see through 18ft coax with copper shield from the truck stop. The antenna is mounted to the mirror bracket as far out as possible, my SWR is 1.0 on 40 and 1, and 1.1 on 20. I tried hooking the CB straight to the battery and it still does the same thing, i have read on the internet that if you unhook the antenna then its not electrical related, its electromagnetic field or interference going in through the antenna. Well i unhooked the coax from the antenna and the Db meter goes flat, what could cause this or whats the remedy?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Wow! That's a lot. I'm thinking it's a coax or ground problem. A quality coax from a CB shop or getting a good ground from the antenna to the frame. Thanks for watching.

[@RotherVandross]

I'm having trouble getting the 4 screws out of the factory mount. Any suggestions

[@bradehle7479]

Happen to have the part number or length on the ground wire?

[@Harleyrider1340]

How did you rout the wire through the mirror so when it folds in that is doesn't pull the wire I watched another video and the guy said you have to take the mirror apart...

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Just slide it through but leave some slack

[@joshmoreland3823]

hey can you tell me what the width and length is on the ground straps you used? i have a 19' T880 and am planning on running new coax and putting some ground straps as you did. im just going to run a single antenna on the drivers side.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

If I remember correctly the ground is 1/2" wide x 20" long. You can order it on Amazon ACDelco EGS20 is the one I used. $12.60 Your good with just 1 ground strap. Thank for watching.

[@rev9fan1]

Hey question, I just bought a T680, if there is corrosion on the mirror already, I know you said use die electric grease, but won't that eventually just wash away, and the exposed aluminum with corrode and eventually cause issues after a while?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It could, but takes a couple years. You should be checking connections every 6 months to 1 year anyway.

[@Bighink]

What did you use to mount your cb where the center sun visor goes? Is it custom or after market? Can you make me one or tell me where to get one?

[@rjmonger123]

I have a T880 and I'm going to run my own coax, seems simple enough. However, I would assume the t880 doesn't have a battery terminal on the fuse box?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

No it doesn't. If the truck has "jump start" points under the hood or on the frame you can go there. Otherwise it to the battery box. And, it's really not that bad.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

I had Mack triaxle with a steel plate bolted to my batt box w/ a magnetic WILSON 5K , LEMME TELL YOU I TALKED AROUND THE GLOBE 🌎...OL NUMBER9 AROUND philthadelphia ! Keyed down , juss let go RAJÒ

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

That's awesome! 👍

[@chrisrowe9663]

hey! those brackets holding your cb up where the middle visor goes, thats awesome I need those what exactly are they an where did you get them??? please!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I made them from 1" flat aluminum you can buy at home depot. They are cut to about 4" each and bent at 1". So, 3" down 1" over, then a little shaping and smoothing to fit in the hole. Think I drilled the holes at 1/4" for a little wiggle room.

[@chrisrowe9663]

@@jrichtruckincbtips thanks for the response!

[@kelseywedge7167]

Great job

[@jamesbaker8937]

I drive a kw t680 but I mounted my cb antenna behind the cab and wind ferring do you know a good place for a ground spot

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I'm guessing you mounted it to the grab bar? Don't think you're going to get the best performance behind the fairing. Need to make sure the back panel is aluminum not fiberglass or plastic. If it's aluminum I wouldn't worry about running a ground strap from the antenna to the frame, that would be like a 7' ground and not necessary. However bonding the cab to the frame will help a great deal. You can watch my latest video, as I've recently moved my antenna to the rear of the cab. And I go over RF Bonding the cab to the frame. It's a lot of work, but worth it. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGeze6yta8-baK8

[@jcbell0974]

do you have a part number for that grounding strap? just about ready to do this but need that grounding strap and the grease.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Use the AC Delco EGS20 from Amazon. Also watch this video, this is next level grounding that makes a world of difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGeze6yta8-baK8

[@scotthansen429]

Thanks for the pointers I got my swr at a good point. Have you had any issues with dirty power or odd noises coming through your recive audio ?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

No, that was a great setup. The only noises I got was static from a 12v plug in phone charger.

[@jjpsfwtx]

Where your CB power goes through the pillar, did you add that or was that a factory hole with the grommet? Ultimately I want to do this my Work truck but without having to get the coax soldered, use a Cable with the end on it to go through the pillar ?. Great tutorial video

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The hole with the grommet is factory. You can make the hole in the grommet as big as you need, but need to seal it up to minimize the dust and dirt getting into the fuse box. If I remember correctly, you can't get the Pl-259 through the mirror arm, I know Wilson makes a screw on end, but I haven't had good luck with those. Thanks for watching.

[@jjpsfwtx]

@@jrichtruckincbtips Thank you very much ! Appreciate what you do. Enjoy your videos

[@March808]

What kind of power cord are you using?? Your videos are a lifesaver dude👍🏼

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

It's just 8ga flexible power and ground wire from Amazon. Thanks.

[@ctvanovr]

Hey J, I need help running a power wire from the battery up to my radio in a Kenworth t680 sleeper truck. I have it ran from the battery up to the door post but can't find a way to run it behind the cubby hole over to the radio. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. I Love Your videos....keep up the good work.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Thanks for watching! You just run the power wire the same way I ran the coax in this video. Unless you're truck is really new it should be just the same. Toward the end of the video. I show a small hole at the top of the cabinet that a wire can go through. Then push the wire in between the head liner and cabinet. Hope this helps.

[@dougasbattlejr9048]

Thanks 🎉 💯

[@marktraxler6203]

What did you use to power your radio? I have a galaxy 98VHP and need to use a direct link to the battery. I have a 2022 T680. Anything you recommend would be helpful. PS,,,,, I’m not very mechanically inclined, so the easiest way would be appreciated. Lol

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I used 8 ga power and ground cable for car audio, I got from Amazon. I ran the cables along with the coax (like in video) then went down to the frame and to the battery box. You'll need to add large ringlets to the wire at the battery. And you can add quick disconnects like the Galaxy 98 has from Amazon here's a video of that.kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbTmn1uZcyDgLs

[@michaelzuniga6839]

What FedEx are you at I worked washing FedEx Trucks ha you said you was at a truck stop never mind Thanks for sharing

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Yeah, no Fed Wrecks for me. Thanks for watching.

[@zoavaughnwymbs-ball1800]

I have a T680. How did you manage to fish both coax and ground strap through the mirror?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

The coax only had 1 end on it. There is plenty of room it just take a minute. Thanks for watching.

[@brandoncrimes3608]

What size coax is best

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I prefer RG8X

[@samdenton2618]

We’re did u get them cb mounts that hang below that compartment were small radios go

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I made them from a piece of flat aluminum stock available at home depot.

[@samdenton2618]

@@jrichtruckincbtips hell u should make them and sell them on eBay I bet u can make some cash with it just sell the bolts and brackets. I been looking for them myself

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Maybe I could if I had a ton of spare time, but someone would come along and copy them within a month. Hell IDK. I can give you the measurements tomorrow. You just have to make a bend, drill 2 holes, and shape the sharp edges off for each bracket. The bolts used are the existing bolts for the center visor.

[@letsdigdirt2634]

What’s the best way to hard wire cb to battery what do I to make it work???

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Depends on what truck! In this video on the T880 I run directly to the batteries. I used 8ga wire I got on Amazon (I think 25' or 50' each of red and black can't remember). You will need a couple large ring terminals at the Battery. You can add quick disconnects so you don't have to keep chopping you cb harness. Here is a link on disconnects kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbTmn1uZcyDgLs. Depending if your truck has a fuse box with power lugs you can go there. I did this on a Pete 389 and my Freightliner which you can see in this link. To give you a better idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXyQc6aCe5qCkNE What kind of truck is this? Thanks for watching!

[@letsdigdirt2634]

J Rich international lone star

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@letsdigdirt2634 I can't find anything helpful online. If I had access to a Lonestar I'd love to do a couple videos on it. Unfortunately I don't know anyone that has one.

[@FloridafishingwithRick]

I know this is old but can you fish the new coax thru with having the end already on it? If I seen correctly yours was cut on one end?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

I don't think it would go through the arm of the mirror. It could, but don't think it will. Also you will have to cut a larger hole in the grommet. Thanks for watching.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

GROUND?

[@tylermassingale348]

my stock antenna are long gone what was the length of the stock fiberglass antenna?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Stock is 4 foot 5 or 6 foot is better. I run 6 foot Skip Shooter's. Check out my other video on the best antennas for the Kenworth. Thanks for watching.

[@rabbibacongrease88]

For best performance measure from the ground up to your stud and subtract that distance from 13:6

[@williamglinsman5204]

Part numbers or links for the ground straps

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

18" x 1/2 on Amazon

[@williamglinsman5204]

@@jrichtruckincbtips is that for both straps. Mirror arm and under the hood?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@williamglinsman5204 just the 1 in the mirror is needed

[@384Whistler]

Your coax ran right along your power wire through that gromet is a problem.

[@leisercruz28]

Did you use a fuse outlet for power??

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

No, my cb has 2 - 30 amp fuses on the power harness. I ran 8 ga power and ground directly to the batteries.

[@leisercruz28]

Ok cool. The power harness on the truck I drive is very low

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@leisercruz28 yeah, most trucks run 5-10 amp fuses. And, can't handle more than a 50 watt radio. Just better to straight to the battery or if the trucks fuse box has a power lug go there. If you look up my cb install in my Freightliner Coronado you can see how I went to the fuse box. The KW T680 and T880 doesn't have a power lug on the fuse box.

[@brandoncrimes3608]

What kind of ground straps you use

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Inside the mirror is 1/2" x 18" everywhere else is 1" cut to length.

[@brandoncrimes3608]

10 4 thanks driver

[@brandoncrimes3608]

I drive a t880 2019 and I have a Stryker antenna and I want to put it on the mirror mount

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@brandoncrimes3608 just get the grounding done like I show, and get the coil above the mirror and tune from there.

[@brandoncrimes3608]

And do I need a certain coax for the mirror mount?

[@RHPJR]

Do you have any issues with your dash lights going out when you key up? I’m running a Stryker 497 when I key up with lights on I loose dash lights. However if I put my Connex 33HP in I don’t have any issues. Only thing is I haven’t run the ground straps yet. T-680 is the truck I have.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

No. I don't have that problem. Are you getting your CB power directly from the battery? Do you have an external amp, kicker, linear? Checked the SWRs lately to rule out bad coax or antenna? Try grounding your antenna(s). Something is definitely wrong the 33hp is 40+ watts, 497 is at 90 watts, my Galaxy is at 125+ watts without issue. Seems like you have too much power that's feeding back to the truck. If this goes on there is a chance of fire.

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@RHPJR I am no CB guru by any means, but sounds like a good setup. Hopefully the antenna grounding will correct the problem.

[@iamkazie9401]

@@jrichtruckincbtips part of the reason why I didn't take a new T 880 I've been offered one for the last 3 years. The main reason though is that going into landfill everyday here in Chicago and Indiana ( I drive for MBI inc.) I prefer stick over automatic. BUT SHEESH all that work for a proper antenna mount and coax. HOPE you don't mind I've shared your video with many of my co-workers who are in 880s and are aggravated with the antennas especially up here with all the corrosion from road salt. I believe you said your power comes from your battery? If so do you have a picture of the hook up at battery? What guage wire used? what model Galaxy? I run a a 16 year old Galaxy 99 and sometimes a connex 3300hp about 8 years old. I just use the power terminals in the overhead in my 2007 t 800 thanks again for sharing!!

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@iamkazie9401 No problem share away. I used 8ga. wire from Amazon and large ring terminals at the battery posts. Sorry no pic that truck is gone. Yes it seems like a lot of work but it's really easy compared to the Freightliner I have or a Pete 389.

[@BBQJOE]

@@iamkazie9401 I probably pass you everyday if you're still hauling for MBI.. I drive for F&M.. Found this video cause I need a new coax I'm this 880..

[@jjpsfwtx]

What length ground strap do you recommend ?

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

In this video I used a 18". Thanks for watching.

[@rickjudgejr1435]

Not sure how you made ground when that's aluminium

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

So ground works with plastic and fiberglass and not metal?

[@rickjudgejr1435]

@@jrichtruckincbtips no it doesn't. That is the stupidest thing I ever heard

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

@@rickjudgejr1435 yeah, it's about as dumb as thinking you can't run ground or power for that matter through aluminum. 🤷

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Grounding plastic???

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

where am I grounding plastic?

[@DynoDieselWagon]

@@jrichtruckincbtips round 2

[@jrichtruckincbtips]

Don't think so.