FIELD REPORT / JEEP / 13 December 2025
An Albrecht T-27 at the rear, a cable that's too short and a new route through the Jeep. My CB radio installation in the Wrangler.
I want the antenna behind the spare wheel. That's the starting point for my Wrangler CB radio project. Connecting everything turns out to involve more work than I expected: fitting the bracket, finding a cable opening and replacing a cable that's too short.
The plan sounds simple. It's the little details that take the time. I still enjoy the job, though. It helps me get to know the Jeep a little better.
The antenna goes at the rear
I've bought an Albrecht T-27 for this setup. I want an antenna that doesn't stand out too much. Behind the spare wheel seems like a good place. First, the wheel has to come off so I can reach the mounting area.
It's worth checking the tools before starting. I need the locking wheel nut key as well. The Jeep's onboard tools are beneath the boot floor cover.
First, I fit the antenna base to the bracket. Then I check its position on the Jeep. The antenna must stay clear of the rear window, and the tailgate must still move freely.
Getting the cable through the tailgate
The antenna cable needs to run from the rear into the cabin. I use an existing opening and work my way to the rubber plug with a plastic trim tool. This part takes a little patience.
The cable has to come out in the right place. It also needs enough slack for the tailgate to open. Pulling it tight won't work here.
The first cable is too short
As I continue routing the cable, I find that the supplied lead is too short for my planned route. So it's back to the rear. I replace it rather than trying to reach the radio by any shortcut I can find.
The next attempt goes better with roughly seven metres of cable. My advice after this: check the entire cable route beforehand. The straight-line distance from antenna to radio isn't enough.
A change of route at the roof
At first, I want to run the cable forward along the roof. When I look more closely at the trim, I reach the airbag area. I abandon that route. A radio cable isn't worth interfering with something that has to work properly in an emergency.
I choose the lower route along the door sills. The trim doesn't make things easy everywhere there either. The installation takes more time than I'd planned.
The cable mustn't rub, get trapped or interfere with the airbags. Just because it's hidden under trim doesn't mean it's routed correctly.
First reception
At the end, the radio is connected. I can already hear a station in another language. I'd like to go for a drive to try the reception, but first I need to tidy up and refit the parts I've removed.
I'm pleased to hear that first station. After all the routing and refitting, there's finally something coming out of the radio.
My verdict
The antenna is now where I wanted it. Getting there meant removing the spare wheel, fitting the bracket and running the cable through the Jeep. Having to replace the cable and change the route was annoying. At least I know better what to look out for next time.
Despite the detours, I enjoyed the job. For now, this is my account of the installation and that first reception.
Where have you mounted your CB antenna on the Wrangler, and which cable route works for you?
- Alan Electronics: Albrecht T-27 with FME – Manufacturer's product information.
- Bundesnetzagentur: CB radio – Information on using CB radio in Germany.