On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is a CB radio when roving with a big group?.. Im trying to decide if i should invest in one or not??

 

HUGE, if you want to be able to communicate with the others, especially if you have a problem.

 

HUGE. They're very important for communication within the group. A CB will also save your sanity if you're at the end of a group and everybody stops you'll know why. CB's are cheap and easy to install.

 

HUGE. Don't be that guy on the trail everyone dislikes because you can't communicate whilst in the comfort of your interior. Especially when it's cold outside nobody wants to keep shouting commands back at you. Plus, they're fun on the interstate. And cheap, I adore my set up of a simple 40 channel 4 watt with a Firestik. $40 worth of stuff, that's it.

But, if you want a really sweet setup. I have a Cobra 29 LTD Classic peaked and tuned from factory 10 watt to around 40. That baby gets out for sure. Also has an aftermarket mic.

 

Well then my second question is where have you installed you antennas? I thought about one that is a magnet that attaches to the roof, but i figured it would get bumped around off road with limbs and what not..

 

I have mine attached to my spare tire carrier.
My first set up I made a bracket that bolted to the carrier and extended around the tire to provide easy access. Coincidently that bracket is for sale.
My current set up is a small piece of angle iron bolted into one of the holes where the spare carrier used to mount.
I run a 5' FireStick on a spring, attached to a quick disconnect.

 

If everyone in the group has a HAM then there would be little benefit.
If you're in the middle of a large group with CB's there's some benefit but not a lot (depending how spread out you are, the further spread out (miles) the more useful) and I'd say there are better things to spend money on.
If you're on point or are tail end charlie of a group using CB's then it can be quite useful and worth the investment.