Talking to other RVers using CB, FRS, Ham radios

[Jean n Steve]

I turn it on every time I drive and I get...nothing. Guess I should Google and see if there's an RV-preferred channel. Nineteen is empty. Of course I don't know how well the system even works, so...

[TXiceman]

I have an old CB and magnetic mount antenna under the back seat and have not used it in about 10 years. I do not know if it even works and I have not missed it.

I am a licensed amateur radio operator and will turn on my VHF/HF/HF radio if I need help or entertainment.

The last time I was on the CB, channel 19 was over run by foul-mouthed truckers and many running illegal power. To get decent road times, I will initiate WAVZ on the cell phone.
Ken

[Calicajun]

We use our Ham radios 2m/440 in both the truck, wife's car and TT. There are not as many people on the air nowadays but usually find someone to talk to most times.



Craig
N6TNK

[rbertalotto]

We should go back to the old days and put a sign on the back of the camper....”Mon Ch 13”....other RVers might see it and call you up.

[dustyone]

I use a cb as much as possible. I use a rat tail. Ha ha on my truck and trailer. 102 stainless steel whips. 13 is the unofficial channel for rv'ers. I do have a sticker that says cb 13 on the back of my tt. I use a uniden bearcat 980 ssb in truck. It can scan channels on cb as well as scan weather channels. I like to camp in areas that have no cell service. So cb works for DW and I. I know that the cb is of a bygone era but it is still used.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by gordofuchs

Anybody else out there that use a CB, or should I just throw my radio into the trash ?

Gordo Fuchs
Cleveland, Ohio

I always use it. The plethora of idiots on the radio and foul language have caused most truckers to turn it off or turn the volume way down. Conversation is more likely when there is a problem.

[edatlanta]

Originally Posted by paddykern

Icom 51A is a great radio.
I'm a cheap B@$tard and won't turn on my cell data so RF for me only.
Seems they don't update the repeater list very often so nearest repeater option is somewhat limited.
Monitor 146.52 and APRS frequency.

Digital voice uses so little data. I run a Wires-X Node 18 hours a day and my monthly usage is less than 2gb. Now it isn't a popular node like America Link, but it is what I like and it works great.

[edatlanta]

Originally Posted by AbdRahim

I always use it. The plethora of idiots on the radio and foul language have caused most truckers to turn it off or turn the volume way down. Conversation is more likely when there is a problem.

There are a lot of truckers that are now hams and operate with various digital modes. The beautiful side of digital ham is you can talk on one frequency/digital node/room/reflector nationwide. 5 mile range? Not with ham digital and a good internet wifi connection (either cell phone wifi or a Jetpack type witi hotspot).

[edatlanta]

Nice quiet Saturday morning sipping coffee and surfing AND listening and talking to other HAMS on the radio. Currently I am Wires-X room 28933 Alabama Link and also D-Star reflector 55C (waiting on our usual morning qso group).

Anyone want to join in? I usually monitor Alabama Link most of the day.

Alabama Link is also available on YSF and FCS as well as numerous other modes.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Lifemember

I have a 2 meter and a CB in the MH. I have the CB on but squelched up high and can only hear about a mile down the road listening for traffic problems. I do talk on the 2 meter on .52 except if I am in a high traffic conditions.

That is how I have my CB set up. I don't want to listen to, or talk to someone miles away, just get instant notification of a crash, or road blockage a 1/4 mile ahead, so I can slow down and be an onlooker instead of a statistic.
CB radio is rather quiet these days,and I seldom hear any rough language, when I do, my radio has an off button.

[RonLC]

Many truckers today are either Russian or Sikh. They don't use the CB as much as a cell phone head set to talk to others of their ilk.

[Madwinger]

Archie Here, KA7MMA in Bountiful Utah. The DW and I are just starting our 5th wheel adventure and I need to put an antenna in my new to me TV and get the mobile installed. I do monitor 146.52 at home and have helped with directions and or questins in the area so if your comming to SLC or going out to the north give me a shout. We will be monitoring 146.52 on the road but I will not key up unless my stopped while towing. However Im not apposed to pulling off the freeway or pulling over to chat.

Archie

[Jim Schings]

I have VHF/UHF/HF in the RV, but only use VHF on the road. I am always at 146.52 listening. I have a decent size vinyl on the back of the RV with a ham radio logo, my call sign (AI4SR) and 146.52Mhz on it. That being said, I have only had 1 other RV and 1 car call me. Actually I have only heard maybe a dozen people in total on the 146.52 calling frequency. But, I will keep listening.
BTW, I still do some Vinyl work, so if you would like to do the same, Let me know the basic color you want. $5.00 will cover the postage and materials.

[GuyG]

Originally Posted by Jim Schings

I have VHF/UHF/HF in the RV, but only use VHF on the road. I am always at 146.52 listening. I have a decent size vinyl on the back of the RV with a ham radio logo, my call sign (AI4SR) and 146.52Mhz on it. That being said, I have only had 1 other RV and 1 car call me. Actually I have only heard maybe a dozen people in total on the 146.52 calling frequency. But, I will keep listening.
BTW, I still do some Vinyl work, so if you would like to do the same, Let me know the basic color you want. $5.00 will cover the postage and materials.

Same here, Jim. I've got a license-plate-size sign in our rear window with my call sign and .52 freq. In three years, I've had one other Ham reach out. And I happened to not have my HT on at the time. He pulled alongside and was waving his mike at me. Had a good visit. I have made some local contacts while in a CG.
73
Guy