Community Forums

Rickndebw · 12-30-2016, 09:26 AM

Should we get a good CB radio? Heading out in a few day through some cold passes. I've read some people's posts that they listen to truckers regarding weather and hazards.

Pickelhead · 12-30-2016, 10:03 AM

You will hear some garbage talk, but yes it is a good idea. Just make sure you get a good radio and ant. and that the SWR is set correctly.

Longshoreman · 12-30-2016, 10:14 AM

With today's gps having traffic flow and volume and weather alerts I would spend my money on a dash cam gps for about the same price and a smart phone in most locations will do most of what you need

RPreeb · 12-30-2016, 10:19 AM

Don't see a need for it myself.

Rickndebw · 12-30-2016, 02:01 PM

Thanks very much

Unplanned Tourist · 12-30-2016, 02:38 PM

If a trucker gives you road condition info, it will be good info. Some mountain passes are out of cell range, and I don't trust GPS reports. CB's are cheap insurance I feel.

Jake21 · 12-30-2016, 04:50 PM

Always have mine on when traveling. It has helped me many times. "Brake check North bound", "alligator in the go lane" to name two.

Jake

UFO Pilot · 12-30-2016, 05:02 PM

We do a lot of our travel in groups of 3 to 5 RV's and we use the CB's to keep in touch with each other. When traveling alone I never turn it on as I rarely hear anyone talking. If you buy one I would avoid the all in one models as they seem to be the weakest. That is my experience, yours may be different.

Ed S · 12-30-2016, 05:07 PM

Mine is always on......I am not thin skin so I can handle some of the naughty talk. Some is even funny. lol

UFO Pilot · 12-30-2016, 05:09 PM

I rarely hear any talk, naughty or otherwise.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-30-2016, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I rarely hear any talk, naughty or otherwise.

Driving through Wells, Nevada, you can listen to the advertising on your CB ch. 19 for a few miles either side of town. You can guess what they are advertising I'm sure

Nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more.......

purrin along · 12-30-2016, 06:15 PM

We just have a hand held one, to check to see why traffic has come
to a stop.Truckers heading in the opposite direction usual help out.

BandSA · 12-30-2016, 06:31 PM

Definitely get one. Single Side Band and a Wilson antenna. I got one last year before I went on a road trip to Washington state. Definitely saved our selves time and effort (two vehicles going in same direction). When traffic started to slow down in Des Moines I was able to talk to others and got information that told me what lane to get in to get through. Earlier this year, it saved my bacon also going up North, again in traffic.

The single side band will allow you to get out further in your calls and the benefit of having 80 more channels. The Wilson antenna is simply one of the best antennas that you can get _to_reach out there. Normal is 5-8 miles, with SSB should be 2-3 miles further. (Others on here, please correct me if I'm wrong on this!)

Unplanned Tourist · 12-30-2016, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandSA

Definitely get one. Single Side Band and a Wilson antenna. I got one last year before I went on a road trip to Washington state. Definitely saved our selves time and effort (two vehicles going in same direction). When traffic started to slow down in Des Moines I was able to talk to others and got information that told me what lane to get in to get through. Earlier this year, it saved my bacon also going up North, again in traffic.

The single side band will allow you to get out further in your calls and the benefit of having 80 more channels. The Wilson antenna is simply one of the best antennas that you can get _to_reach out there. Normal is 5-8 miles, with SSB should be 2-3 miles further. (Others on here, please correct me if I'm wrong on this!)

Pretty close to normal range to expect. I have talked to someone 20+ miles away, but on ideal situation like open line of sight and hill top to hill top.