CB Question

[rjw1]

We are going to Alaska this year and need a CB for trip. I have not used CB in 30 years. Do you still use "handles" and "breaker" comments. I have heard channel 19 and 13. I need help on how to use CB????????????
Thanks
Bob

[DandS]

Have heard some truckers still use "handles" but most don't. Channel 19 is the trucker's channel and is the one I usually monitor when on the road for road condition info which they are pretty good at providing. Channel 9 is the official contact channel and 13 is the so-called RV'ers channel although I've never heard or talked with anyone there. With limited distance for contact, CB should only be used as a backup means of communication in my book.

[GaryKD]

Hi Bob,
Welcome to iRV2,
Your caravan host will tell you which channel to monitor. If you have a Newmar factory installed CB, reception may be okay, but transmitting may not go very far. By very far meaning < 1/4 mile. There is no need for a handle or name. Good luck on your trip. I'm looking forward to going in a couple of years.

[wa8yxm]

I do admit that the last few CB chats I've had I don't think we used any kind of names or handles.. Most of the illegal CBers have moved off to illegal frequencies, This is a good thing.

One thing I would recommend on a trip like that is at least one Ham Radio license and rig in the caravan.. When all else fails.. Odds are the Ham can make contact with someone. Might be in Moscow, or Rome, Or Grand Caymans (Well only one licensed ham there) but.. Contact can be made and assistance requested.

Oh yes.. I've chatted with all the above.

[Skipper 05MA]

I second GaryKD"s comment on the range of the Newmar installed CB. I'm on my second unit in this coach and both the send and receive range is about as far as you can throw a rock. If I had it to do over again I would get a real CB and a real antenna.

[GaryKD]

The problem with the Newmar factory installed CBs is the antenna system. The radio is fine. I use the same radio and it works outstanding. Newmar installs a ground plane antenna system. Unfortunately, they do not install a large enough ground plane. If one has this and wants to change, keep the radio and install a no ground plane antenna system (wire and antenna). Go to Do I need a no-ground-plane antenna? to read about no ground plane antenna systems. Go to Tech-Docs Index to read the answers to different questions about CB radio. Go to Firestik Antenna Company Home Page to see what products the Firestik antenna company has to offer.

[whem2fish]

i personaly run the no ground plane firestick with a 20 year old uniden.distance maybe 3-5 miles have fun
dave

[Dennis M]

We have a good pair of antennas and good range, but I usually keep the squelch cranked up so all I can hear are vehicle basically in line of sight. Too many "motor mouths" just yammering away sometimes.

It is valuable for road condition info, accidents ahead, etc. I usually leave it on so the weather band will broadcast any alerts.

[rjw1]

Thank you for taking your time and responding to my question.
Appreciate feedback

[TXiceman]

As far as I know, 9 was never the "contact" channel. 9 was Emergency channel.

Ken

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman As far as I know, 9 was never the "contact" channel. 9 was Emergency channel. Ken

10-4 good buddy, that's what I remember also.

[TXiceman]

Yep, 10-4. We'll see y'all on the flip side and don't agitate the bears.
Keep the shiny side up.

You shake 'em and I'll rake 'em.

Remember riding in the rockin' chair, bears in the air, county mounty and full growed bears?

Ken

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman As far as I know, 9 was never the "contact" channel. 9 was Emergency channel. Ken

Sorry, left out the word "emergency" , my bad. "CB channel 9 has been designated by the FCC as an emergency contact channel."

[Dennis M]

How many of you remember what the "Montfort lane" is? And why it was called that?

Only thing left from the '70s CB lingo that I hear is the "bear" reference. That is still pretty common.