CB Radio

[DLane]

Does anyone still use a CB radio for communications with truckers and other RVs while on the road? It seems that they were used more in the past before cell phones became so popular, but you can't contact strangers on the road with a cell phone. My coach is equipped with a CB antenna so I could hook one up if it is still useful.

[DLane]

Does anyone still use a CB radio for communications with truckers and other RVs while on the road? It seems that they were used more in the past before cell phones became so popular, but you can't contact strangers on the road with a cell phone. My coach is equipped with a CB antenna so I could hook one up if it is still useful.

[Lug_Nut]

I have one, a factory original install. One of the issues on many RV's is poor antenna grounding plain. Mine transmits about as far as you can stretch the cord, that is the vehicle you are communicating with must be beside you or closer. This was also a problem on other makes, Monaco, Fleetwood, etc.

But, I agree. CB seems to be fading away. When we travel with other coaches, we all use FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. They work well and are Amigos approved.

Peter

[Route 66]

Like the Doctor, I have little use for my CB, however It has come in handy a few times. I am glad I have it.

I only turn it on when I have a need for it, as the chatter, profanity, and nonsense on Ch. 19 is of no interest to me.

I've used it when traveling with friends, and when I want hear about traffic problems.

[Max Hubrich]

DLane,

I mounted a new Cobra in my rig. I also added a 5' whip antenna, mounted off the passenger side rear view mirror.

I get a good 1-2 mile (maybe more in flat country) reception in any direction. I hate the dribble and the language on the air waves (We're both grown and have heard that language before)-- but I use it often to listen to, and ask about road conditions ahead. I think in an emergency situtation it would be invaluable. Always somebody close by to help, and some truckers have power booster setups that can reach halfway around the world (only kidding). Oh, one more thing-- there is no more having to tune the radio to the mounted antenna, like in the old days-- Just install it, turn it on and go!!

I can post a picture if anyone is interested in my mount and antenna. I supported the whip with two small brackets (I made) mounted into the windshield seal retainer sleeve. I didn't want the whip beating up the coach.

Good luck all,

[Chickadee]

Hi All: We too have a CB and like many, don't find we use it all that often, however, it's a GREAT feature especially when traveling with another couple or two who are also CB equipped. I think it'd be kind of fun talkin to other RV'rs as we're travelin down the road. Trouble is, I haven't figured out the system to find out if there are any other RV rig jockeys in the neighborhood as we're moving down the road. Short of monitoring and listening to all that crap on Ch. 19, or monitoring and listening to silence on Ch. 13 (supposedly the RV Ch.), how would ya'all put out a call for others who might be around you??? Ya know, this RV community should come up with (invent) a universally recognizable standard way for rig owners with CB's to connect with and talk to each other. Not only would it be fun, but it sure makes those long hours behind the wheel fly by when your talkin to fellow RV'r. Does anyone have an idea??? Steve & Lynette

[oemtech]

I agree with the other posters. I use it to get info on traffic and to use the weather channel.

You can view my install on my website CB Install

[Norm Payne]

When we travel alone I seldom use the CB. When we get in a traffic jam I turn it on to get information.

But when we led a caravan into Mexico the CB was invaluable. All rigs but two had CBs and we put them in the middle of the pack. I found my CB works good for 1 1/2 - 2 miles on level ground and I could talk to the tail gunner. When we got spread out too far we would pass information back through the caravan and then back up to me.

Everyone in the caravan said they felt comfortable being able to communicate by CB.

[Radioman]

You'll get lots of opinions on CB. It's not what it used to be but we use it sometimes to get local directions or info on where to get diesel plus when the traffic jams up you'll get a good clue about which lane to be in for easiest travel(or whether it's better to take the next exit and detour to avoid a long delay).

The language can get colorful at times, but it's nice knowing the radio is there if you need help from a trucker - for instance, checking to see how long the fuel lines are at a truck stop. We're glad we have ours.

[GaryKD]

Hi DLane,
I have a CB. Like posted previously the factory installed antenna and wiring are not the best performers. I listen to the CB when traveling. I find new friends can be made when letting truckers know when it is safe to move back to the right lane after they pass me. This is especially true when there is a line of traffic behind them. Most truckers have an incorrect view of RVers. Sometimes I think RVers may have an incorrect view of truckers. To solve the CH 19 problem, I have a headset (one ear only) that I wear. Only I can hear what is being said. To solve the range problem, I installed my own antenna and antenna wire. Firestik is the brand and it is a no ground plane antanna system. The SWR is very low. With the Cobra hand held CB it works outstanding. Go here to see the headset and here to see the CB and here to see the antenna.
Since the antenna photo was taken, I have replaced the 3' antanna with a 4' antenna. I did notice a difference in range.

[Dennis M]

I usually have the CB on with the squelch way up so I only hear those close to me. It has been very useful several times in avoiding traffic tie-ups at accident scenes. When an inter-state is blocked there will often be a base station in the area giving detour info. Also good to find the cause and length of traffic jams.

There can be a lot of mindless chatter, but when the situation gets serious the trucker do as well.

[mercerc44]

I use the same set up as GaryKD. You can also get an earphone that hangs over one ear at most truck stops. Use all the time when driving MH or Motorcoach so no one has to listen all the colorful language. I just call out on 19 to either another MH or a truck, some answer, some don't. Have had some great conversations. Truckers don't use them much anymore. They are on a cell phone most of the time when I pass them.

[Sharks]

We have a factory installed hand held Cobra and am glad we do. Like most only use to get traffic info or check on road & weather ahead. Keep my sqelch (sp) turned way up which helps to keep the trash talkers at bay. Cell phone has dead spots but CB is usually within reach of other CB. Be Safe

[Grumpytrkr]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DLane:
Does anyone still use a CB radio for communications with truckers and other RVs while on the road? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Truckers use CB radios for a lot of reasons. For example, a plant that I deliver to in Bradley uses channel 40. You can check in, and can be told when they are ready to load your tanker, all via CB. Another plant near Assumption, uses channel 18. I don't approve of the language, either. And, I will agree that some RVers don't respect truckers, and vice versa. I have a peaked and tuned Galaxy SSB unit in my pick-up truck, using a roof mounted Wilson CB antenna. And, not the magnet type. I actually drilled a hole in the roof. SWR's are almost perfect. In the Mack, I use a peaked and tuned Cobra with weather alert. I really like the weater alert CB radio. Galaxy doesn't make one that I'm aware of, however, I have a Oregon Scientific rechargeable weather alert radio with a travel feature that I carry in the pickup for trips. I can remember at one time that the Good Sam Club has stickers out that you could put on the back of your unit that stated "I CB 13." What ever happen this this, I don't know. I've talked to truckers while pulling my rv, and rvers while running up and down the roads. Maybe I can understand both sides of the issue. I have seen it someplace on the forum that somebody once stated, while talking to a trucker, that he, the rver is out here by choice, and that the trucker is out here because he has to be.