So I posted here before asking about a radio that I didn’t know about and everyone said make sure anything I buy has side band. So I have the opportunity to purchase two of these Realistics and one Cobra for $75CDN.
Do I figure out which Realistic works the best and then flip the other one and the Cobra?

I just got the Retevis MB1 radio and its accompanying magnetic antenna installed in my 2023 F-150. As the truck has aluminum body panels, I am using an adhesive steel mount on the roof to allow for the magnetic antenna to be attached. Most of the radio traffic I am able to receive has heavy static and I can barely make out voices. This is on all channels, 1-40.

Do I need to modify my installation? Is the aluminum truck roof the problem? Am I simply out of range for clear reception?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you!