I use to be a real CB geek, Double R (Ramblin' Rebel) in the days when CB was hot, had all that SWR stuff set and I could get almost a good 10 miles out of a steel whip antenna. Ran a base and validated tallking 50 miles and always ran barefoot. But the best you can expect out one at normal circumstances is about 5 miles at best on a good car CB, and it seems that the CB on the Vision runs around 3 miles or so. Of course you have to consider line of sight, hills, trees, and buildings all play a part. I've talked a good two miles with great reception and output, and I think you'll do well. If you are getting any better than that, your doing great.

I keep my squelch set at 10 unless I need to try to squeeze out that distance and then I'll drop it to open squelch with minimal engine noise. Engine noise is always to be expected on a stock setup, but you could spend a little money and do some upgrades to make it a little better. I've not put the swr meter on this one but I suspect that it is close to what it ought to be. I get a little curious as sometimes I hear constant chatter, other times nil. Coming back from Atlanta I was running with the trucks and I wouldn't hear a peep and I'd do the radio check until someone said something. Finally I would get the radio check and then it would go silent again. I think it is just because they don't chatter like they use to.