Who if any one still uses a CB?

[robertkathy]

like the title says who if any one still uses a cb radio?

if you do which model and why

[WinnieView]

Installed one in the first motorhome many years ago but haven't done so since.

[Hikerdogs]

Originally Posted by robertkathy

like the title says who if any one still uses a cb radio?

if you do which model and why

We have one, but it rarely gets used. About the only time we've used it in the last 10 years is when we went on WIT sponsored caravans. It's still used by the caravanners for information and call outs on travel days.

As a FYI we left a couple weeks early for a caravan last fall. We turned on the CB just to see if there was still anyone out there using them. We heard almost no radio traffic. About the only place we heard any chatter was through Indiana and Ohio. Even then it was marginal. Only a few transmissions where there had been accidents or traffic jams.

[busyguy]

Just picked a new one up at an estate sale. My old one quit and I never used it anyway, except for info on traffic jams. The new one has the weather channel so that is the only reason I bought it.
Drove over the road for 25 years and don't need to listen to the truckers talk on them, if they still do.
Busyguy

[u04601]

Use one when Jeeping off-road. I carry a CB, Dual-Band HAM, and GMRS radios when off-roading.

[JaguarAZ]

We travel often with my brother and our friends in a caravan. We all have CB’s as that is the best way to stay in touch constantly on the road. I use a Cobra 29LX and it works well. Motorhome have an antenna problem since the bodies are fiberglass and not metal so you need an antenna that doesn’t require that. The antenna of choice is a Firestick.

[jerrybb]

I just installed my old one in my new-to-us Suncruiser. I don't plan on using it at all except to talk to friends when in a caravan. The coach is pre-wired with an antenna so it wasn't that big a deal. There's usually no one out there I want to talk to, and all the traffic info I need is right from Google maps.

[G jeffers]

I have one in the MH, one in my Jeep I tow. My 2 brother in-laws have them in their MH's. We all blabber alot haha and yes I was a truck driver.

[navybuff]

I installed one in our Forza and it works well...BUT, when the inverter is on (which is all the time while traveling), it is useless, the electronic noise from the inverter wipes out the receive on the CB...

[saddlesore]

Yup have one.. still use it .. Altho the "new breed" of truck drivers would rather listen to their tunes or sumpin.. but there are enough old guys to keep entertained.. unless I'm running with a few OS loads, then all is well..


Galaxy DX-959 Peaked & tweeked with a set of tall boots if needed...

[Jpony56hd]

We're visiting our daughter in Granite Falls Washington. It's in the mountains with spotty cell phone reception. Theirs a Gravel quarry just down the road and I noticed a Blue sign on the way out of town "Truckers use Channel 8". Maybe I'll listen tomorrow and see if it's how the truckers communicate up here.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Jpony56hd

We're visiting our daughter in Granite Falls Washington. It's in the mountains with spotty cell phone reception. Theirs a Gravel quarry just down the road and I noticed a Blue sign on the way out of town "Truckers use Channel 8". Maybe I'll listen tomorrow and see if it's how the truckers communicate up here.

They use the radios for dispatch,scale shack and loader... I retired from SPD in Smokey Point/Arlington Wa. just a few miles ...also while I think about it.. There is a durn good Mobile RV Repair guy near you...PM me if interested....

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by robertkathy

like the title says who if any one still uses a cb radio?

if you do which model and why

Well robertkathy,
As you can see and read, lots of opinions. This is one of those things that, if you know and have any experience with C/Bs, for whatever you've used them for in the past, you can make a decision based on those experiences. If you've used them in motorhomes while traveling, or, off roading, or any other types of situations where some form of communications is needed or used, then that will help with your decision. Some, don't care for them and don't ever plan on using any.

While others, still think they are of value. We have one in the coach and one in the Jeep. I just recently installed a 2M HAM radio in the motorhome and also, one in the coach. This covers all the bases. C/Bs for the most part, have a very limited range. It can be as low as a half mile or maybe as long as a mile or possibly two. Much of that depends on a whole bunch of variables.
C/Bs are rated at a max of 5 watts. While ham radios, especially "mobile" versions like I just installed, are upwards of 50 watts. The one I just installed in the coach is 65 watts. That's a lot more power for punching through certain situations and or around obstacles etc. Most 2-way radio systems are "line of sight" anyways. But, it ALWAYS helps to have more power. It's all a choice thing. C/Bs are not very expensive. And, it's a simple form of communication between friends etc. while traveling. You don't have to get the phones out and all that. Pick up the mic and talk.

Hams are the same but, are considerably more expensive. But, as stated, they have a lot more power. But, one thing. HAM radios require a license to operate, while a C/B doesn't.
Scott

[winniman]

If you travel in groups they are still handy. My uncle had a jeep with a cb in the jeep. He also had one in his rv. It was handy to communicate back and forth while off roading as well. When we travel south, we talk back and forth between the rvs. They are sometimes handy to get road conditions from the truckers coming toward you. They still have a purpose in my opinion. I remember when I was a kid, you had to have a licence to have a cb, and display your call numbers on the back window of your vehicle. This was in Ontario. Seems ridiculous now. Every five year old kid has a phone that is connected to the world.