Why not a RV CB Channel?

[clarkgriswold]

I did a quick search on the forum and noticed that most agree that CB channel 19 is best for gathering road conditions, etc but of course you have to 'filter' through the language. I'm also aware that channel 13 is used by Good Sam members and 9 is used as the universal emergency channel.

What seems like a reasonable thought to me is for RVers to have a universal CB channel. In that way you could contact a passing RV, communicate with fellow RVers in your group while travelling or in a campground, gather and pass information while in a campground such as during storms, etc. I am curious if I'm the only one who believes that there is nothing to be lost in suggesting such an idea? What are your thoughts?

[Wayne MD]

The thought is there, however: Pranksters and gangster will take over and the swearing will become outrageous as are other channels. If we could only find a channel that doesn't allow vulgarities and that's real hard to find. You don't find this type behaviors in channels on Ham freq's, so why in C/B? FCC just cannot patrol these C/B channels .

[clarkgriswold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne MD The thought is there, however: Pranksters and gangster will take over and the swearing will become outrageous as are other channels. If we could only find a channel that doesn't allow vulgarities and that's real hard to find. You don't find this type behaviors in channels on Ham freq's, so why in C/B? FCC just cannot patrol these C/B channels .

Perhaps if the channel is just shared between RVers. Obviously I wouldn't expect perfect exclusion on the channel but I'm optimistic that with so many other channels to choose from maybe it would be 'respected' as much as 19 is avoided.

[bdaball]

If the Sammers are already on 13 that may be the best place to build upon. I had never heard that before.

That being said, If I were needing help concerning traffic etc I think I might filter through the language barrier on 19. There is strength in numbers.

[AL]

Hi All,

I have not had a CB in my RV for a few years, but from 1978 - 2000 I had one in my vehicles and used CH 19 when traveling! The first time I heard about Ch 13 was when I saw a Good Sam sticker with CB 13 on it. So I switched over and tried to chat with them no answere, so went back to 19 and gave them a call still nothing,LOL! However I have thought about putting one back in and tryig it again! And with that said, here is a blast from my past. This is KACN 6917 the lifeguard keep the bears off your tail and the rubber on the road!

[tvman44]

You don't find that type of behavior much on the ham frequencies because hams self police and don't put up with that. I also believe the FCC pays a little attention to the ham frequencies.

[clarkgriswold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvman44 You don't find that type of behavior much on the ham frequencies because hams self police and don't put up with that. I also believe the FCC pays a little attention to the ham frequencies.

I agree. I started in CB in 1974ish and then went to HAM (with code required) in the 80's. I will say that it is amazing how the HAMs self govern more or less without much assistance from the Gov. I hope that never changes!

As for using Channel 13 for all RVers....I don't see that that is such a bad idea.

[AFChap]

Seems I recall when I started RVing I was told Channel 14 was "the RV channel," but I never heard any traffic there. I have used 19 to avoid accident backups and (before GPS) find an alternate route. If a foul-mouth gets on the air I turn it down or off for awhile. I also have a HAM 2-meter rig in my MH.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne MD You don't find this type behaviors in channels on Ham freq's, so why in C/B? FCC just cannot patrol these C/B channels .

The FCC doesn't really "patrol" ham frequencies either, the hams do. The fact that a CBer does not have a license and the FCC does not monitor them makes it a clear playing field for bad language and etc. Amateur Radio Operators have studied and taken test to obtain their license and don't want to loose the privilege to enjoy their hobby. It has been the same throughout history, give away privileges and they get abused, work for privileges and they normally don't get abused!

It is so easy to get a Amateur Radio License today that I encourage all RVer's to obtaint their license. Morse Code is no longer required for any level of license. To obtain the Technician license you can purchase a book with all the questions to the test which is about 500, read each question and the CORRECT answer only about 3 times then take a simple 25 question test. 95% of those who study this way will pass the test the first time. Hand held radios are as low as $129 NEW. It will open a whole new world to you and allow you to communicate in a civil manner.

[Wayneey]

The current Amateur Radio licensing requirements do not include having to know morse code for any level of license.

For those interested, the entry level license, Technician Class, requires passing a 35 question test. Operating privledges include all VHF/UHF Amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz), with limited operations in certain HF bands.

Take a look at Licensing, Preparation & Exams for more details.

2M FM is a great alternative to the CB channels!

Wayne
N6LDS

[clarkgriswold]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayneey The current Amateur Radio licensing requirements do not include having to know morse code for any level of license. For those interested, the entry level license, Technician Class, requires passing a 35 question test. Operating privledges include all VHF/UHF Amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz), with limited operations in certain HF bands. Take a look at Licensing, Preparation & Exams for more details. 2M FM is a great alternative to the CB channels! Wayne N6LDS

I've had my license since early 80's (with code) and I'm beginning to think it would be a wiser choice to urge RVers to get HAM. I think I'll go ahead and put a CB in my RV since it's already wired for it. Then I'll take my 2m HT with me. Sounds like a plan. And who knows....maybe I'll hear an RVer on CB 13!

[wa8yxm]

Far as I'm concerned 13 is the "RV" channel, I keep one radio on 13 full time, ONe on 19, and the rest... Well those are ham radios.

To be honest, NONE of the radios disturb me much when I'm driving, I think squelch has opened on the chan 13 radio like twice in six years. The 19 radio perhaps 3 or 5 times a year.. The ham radios.. I've actually chatted with folks on those

[kartvines]

Haven't used one since the 70's when a license was needed, [wish I still knew my old #] discovered that the PO had one in the rig but disconnected, last week end I rewired it and was not able to hear anything on any channel, I know it works because when I switch over to PA that worked, and when I key the Mic it the light comes on , so I have to assume it must be a problem with the antenna.

Granted it has been many years since I was a regular user so maybe I forgot more than I know so if anyone can provide me with some key things to check to see it the unit still work, it would be most helpful.

If it is a antenna problem I will merely disconnect it again, because I refuse to drill another hole.

With cell phone a CB is nothing but a toy these day but thought it would be a hoot using over the highway to help prevent white line fever.

[Sundance3200]

We listen to 19 as we approach a city and if traffic slows down. We will monitor 13 while traveling but not much is said on it. I have talked to other rv's as we travel if they display a 13 on the rear of the rig.