Defender92

Thanks for the responses guys. I think now it is just easier to buy one. I might try to tune one eventually just to get the experience. Looks like there are a couple with good reviews on Amazon.

Hey guys, I’m new to radios. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m in the process of building my base station. I’m good there. Got a Comet CA-712EFC antenna, LMR400 coax and a Kenwood to-8180 30 watt. I’m getting around 1.2 - 1.4 SWR. I just ordered a couple used tk-8180h 45 watt radios on eBay. I want to put one in my jeep and another in my electric Cushman cart (for shits and giggles). My question is now that I have an SWR meter I’m thinking about getting a generic antenna for my vehicles and tuning myself. I’d prefer stainless for corrosion resistance. By tuning my own antenna and using stainless am I losing much? Versus getting a pre-tuned GMRS antenna?? thanks, Brad also, at the end of the day is it just getting a good SWR reading or is there more?