All (almost all) CB's are FCC regulated to tranmit a max of 4 watts. Some handhelds output less. If you want to improve range the best way is with a good antenna and where you mount it. 

Xyzer's right.  It is all about antenna quality and placement.  The further you can get an antenna from a large flat surface of metal, the better.  Pickup cab roofs, and similar surfaces are bad for CB reception.  It sounds funny, but I know somebody who drastically improved their reception by relocating their antenna from the roof of their pickup to the backrack/rear window protector.  Did you ever notice how a lot of semi trucks have the antennas pointed at an angle forward, away from the cab?  That is the reason.  The only problem with really good antennas, is sometimes they get quite long.  I had a 9 foot whip for a while.  The range was awesome, but it would hit stuff quite a bit, and I had to latch it down when parking in the garage and going though fast food drive-thrus.

CBers,

I haven't had a CB since 1978.  Never go anywhere without my mobile phone these days.  I am very interested in what you use the CBs for. I assume that it is to keep communication open in areas without cell coverage. Can you elaborate for me? I might need to look into another toy.

Thanks.

roll on

Here's what ya need buddy,

  Go to your local radio shop and get ya a good Galaxy, they are top notch radios.  You can get some with built in linear's or boosters, take mine for instance... 40Watts output... oh yeah, baby, I don't like to repeat myself!  You can hear this cow truck comin' long before you can see me.  It even has custom blue lights installed in the face.  Built in "echo board" with reverb and talk back.  Go with Wilson Trucker SW-2000 antennas, duals if ya can, one on each mirror is my favorite set up, on the big truck and my pick-up.  Don't forget, no less than 18 ft. of coax between your radio and the antennas. and don't "coil" the excess all together it will cause a "choke" in the coax. Use RG/59 coax.  I like the clear sheath on the silver or gold braided cable just cause it looks good.  A good radio will have a built in SWR meter--use it-- make certain and "match" or tune your antennas to your radio and coax!  And to top it all of spend the $50-60 and get yourself a good Astatic 636-L mic.  Don't get a power mic.  You won't regret it and if you're gonna splurge on all the rest, the mic. is gonna be the least of your costs, but will make ya sound like a Professional Truck Driver....whoop whoop!!!  Be prepared to spend about $500.oo but it's worth it!!  You'll be runnin' with the big boys in no time.  Serioulsy, though I'm not trying to brag or be cocky, but with that electronic stuff you realy do get what ya pay for, so if you're gonna use it a lot and want it to do ya a good job, spend some money and get quality stuff.  That's my real suggestion.

I have a Cobra 75wx and a 3' Firestik.
Just want to get weather and traffic.