Community Forums

Dennis Fineran · 07-15-2008, 05:51 PM

I was driving down a winding 2 lane mountain road when an RV entered the highway in front of me. One of his awning support bars was swaying out whenever his RV leaned. I honked my air horn at him and motioned (which he may not have seen). He must have thought I was wanting to pass him, as he stopped at the next turn-out (too small for me to also stop). I honked again multiple times as I passed. He just pulled in behind me. At the first larger turn-out I pulled over and honked again and he stopped and we were able to tell him about his problem. He was thankful for our warning.

The question is: Is there a standard way of providing a warning to another RVer of a problem (especially when you cannot pull up along side them)?

Dennis Fineran · 07-15-2008, 05:51 PM

I was driving down a winding 2 lane mountain road when an RV entered the highway in front of me. One of his awning support bars was swaying out whenever his RV leaned. I honked my air horn at him and motioned (which he may not have seen). He must have thought I was wanting to pass him, as he stopped at the next turn-out (too small for me to also stop). I honked again multiple times as I passed. He just pulled in behind me. At the first larger turn-out I pulled over and honked again and he stopped and we were able to tell him about his problem. He was thankful for our warning.

The question is: Is there a standard way of providing a warning to another RVer of a problem (especially when you cannot pull up along side them)?

Ray,IN · 07-15-2008, 05:58 PM

Yes, your's is another example of the usefullness of CB radios for RVers. I endure the crude,coarse, sometimes vulgar, language of truckers just because it is the only link to other drivers around me, who just may help me sometimes. CB channel 13 is supposed to be the RVers channel, but it is usually dead quiet, so I monitor ch 19 on the road.

georgetown350 · 07-15-2008, 08:52 PM

Write in large bold print on a piece of paper and hold it up for the rver.

" DID YOU SEE THE MOVIE RV? "

MtManLee · 07-16-2008, 03:00 PM

Only way I could have done a cb on my rv was to drill a hole in the side of the body to install an antenna. Decided to pass and sold the cb.

GaryKD · 07-16-2008, 04:07 PM

Lee,
Do not fear the hole drilling. I've done many with 100% success and no leaks. Go here to see a picture of my CB antenna.

Lorna · 07-16-2008, 07:07 PM

I usually try to write one word on a piece of paper (like "antenna") and point as I go by. Sometimes it works. Now if everyone would just learn to close their entry steps!!!

Lindsay Richards · 07-17-2008, 12:22 PM

You can get on of those thru windshield conectors. I had one on my previous RV. Not sure how they work. I have included a link to their site at Camping World.I usually have my on and you can pick up some great traffic info and also find out about fuel pricing.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/Power-Max-Thr...lie-CB-Antenna/13608

Gadget Man · 07-17-2008, 01:59 PM

Hi Dennis,

What time did you & Jackie end up leaving Idyllwild? We missed you at the bottom!

The CB idea is a good one, but I've found that a great majority of other RVers don't have one or if they do, they don't have it on. I had one in my last MH and only turned it on if I wanted to get traffic and/or weather updates from the truckers. As Ray eluded to, the language can be terrible, especially if you have kids like I do. I haven't yet installed one in my current MH, but I plan to eventually.

I think you did the best you could Dennis, since you were not able to pass the guy on that narrow and windy two-lane road. It was nice of you to go through the lengths that you did. Some folks would give up after the first attempt. Good job!

Craig

Grumpytrkr · 07-17-2008, 04:50 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ray,IN:
Yes, your's is another example of the usefullness of CB radios for RVers. I endure the crude,coarse, sometimes vulgar, language of truckers just because it is the only link to other drivers around me, who just may help me sometimes. CB channel 13 is supposed to be the RVers channel, but it is usually dead quiet, so I monitor ch 19 on the road. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hay, I resemble that remark

Yes, truck drivers, for what ever the reason, can use some really nasty language on the radio. I often wonder what happen to the "We CB 13" that the Good Sam Club was pushing. They had window decals, yellow ones I think. I guess it just fizzled out.

Nathan Focht · 07-17-2008, 05:06 PM

I have had a couple times that I have warned others of an issue. I have also have a few chances to be warned by others of something I had causing trouble. To me the best thing is to blow the air horns to get the attention. Then have the hazards on and flash lights or touch brake (if in front).

The hazards will help signal that you are concerned about something and not just laying on your horn.

thebings · 07-20-2008, 06:00 AM

Hello Gary, I like the picture of your antenna. I have been contemplating which antenna to buy and if I should buy a NGP antenna. Is your antenna a NGP type and are you happy with reception? Second question, what is the Pressure Pro External Antenna that I see mounted under your MH.

Don
'98 34J Bounder

Ol'Joe · 07-20-2008, 07:29 AM

CB Ch 13 notwithstanding, what we need to do is develop a set of standard hand signals that all of us living the RV lifestyle would recognize as indicating a problem. I don't think it would be that hard. We probably have dozens we have already use without thinking when we noticed something wrong with someone else's rig. Have you ever pointed up to someboady's TV antenna as he was leaving a park? I Have. These hand signals should be easy to offer, one hand type that a driver could throw out a window and be unique enough to get the point across. Even just a few to indicate a tire, roof, awning, problem etc. would be great. I betcha it wouldn't take long to get a great set of signals from this bunch of dedicated RV'ers. We could offer them here as a starter and then maybe one day we could get a small handout printed as part of every rv operators manual. Am I wishing for too much? whaddaya say?

Bill Davis · 07-20-2008, 08:00 AM

Here in California, and I am sure it is true elsewhere, we have a hand signal that is used often in traffic. It is easily done, and is understood everywhere. In fact, it is often returned, showing that what we are trying to say is clear. A simple gesture, but one that gets the point across with little effort. I heartily recommend its' use.