CBs

[GeocamperAS]

Are CB's still as popular with the non-trucker?
Do you use one? And why?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[Air Cruiser]

We do use one.

We started some years ago when we travelled with our friends in our old cars to car shows and/or doing vacations in the old cars together.

We continue to use one when we are travelling pretty much anywhere, especially when we are out and about with our AS. We have benefited many times listening to the truckers talking about what was up ahead for us in our lanes, including a couple of times when there were bad accidents which backed the traffic up for miles and miles. We knew about this before our GPS would have mentioned it, thus we could start searching for a closer exit.

Also, when travelling with others, you can discuss a need to stop at a rest stop or for food and everyone can hear the same conversation at the same time.

When we changed tv's, we were without a CB for a while and really missed it.

Deb

[r.swanson]

i run a texas star in the camper and a cobra 29 in the tv

[sandlapper]

Traveling solo we moniter 19, the trucker channel ,so we can know what's going on around us. We can't talk 10 miles but the info usually covers that much.

Also, if something has gone amuck back there with the trailer a trucker will generally let you know. And there are benefits from having a weather alert also.

When we travel with family and friends we all use 14, the official unofficial RV channel. We can have real time conversations about lane changes, rest/fuel stops, routes, and enjoy chatting.

It just makes sense to be able to have contact with the people traveling around you.

John

[Skater]

I used to be a huge fan of them, but unfortunately every time I've turned it on in recent years, there's been some jerk going off, cursing up a storm - not really what I want to listen to for hours on end. I never installed it in our truck and don't really miss it. I realize if I ever make it to an International rally or something like that I'll probably need it, but I'll worry about that then.

[NWGreyhound]

I have had a CB radio in my TV since the early 70s as have all my camping/caravan friends. With smart phones today they are probably not as necessary as a CB but when following each other all day long they sure made for instant communications about pit stops, lunch, who's picking tonight's campground etc.

maybe I'm admitting my age here but I find them very usefull.

Lou

[noreen&sal]

After so many years over the road, for me the CB is required equipment. But if grandchildren are in the truck it's usually turned off. Sal

[hissilver]

We used ours extensively in the early 80s. It was somewhat helpful. Today, when traveling with friends, we use one cell phones for the same purpose.

[Protagonist]

I've got a handheld. Never use it with my Airstream because in my part of the country, the only people on the CB seem to be redneck yahoos who don't even know what FCC stands for, let alone have any understanding of proper radio procedures. Given a choice between them and static, I'd rather have the static.

My handheld CB (with weather alert) is part of my "hurricane kit" for when storms are bad enough to hunker down at home, but not bad enough to evacuate. I've also got a handheld marine VHF radio for the same purpose; you're not supposed to use it ashore, but after a storm it's doubtful that the FCC would be cracking down on violators, and in a coastal city like New Orleans, more people own marine VHF than own CBs.

That said, I still carry my handheld CB with me when I travel in my Airstream. As the saying goes, better to have it and not need it…

[sandlapper]

Along with the dash mounted radio, we carry a hand held also which we use to back in a site. It is the DW's job to guide me in, with only 3 directions: left, right,stop.

Works great for us and I like it better than those "walkie talkies".

John

[Jammer]

In recent times it has been my experience that cell phones are more effective for communicating with others sharing the journey, mainly because CBs will not work reliably over long distances.

I still have CBs but rarely use them. The main advantage they still have, today, is that they will work in remote areas where there is no cell phone coverage.

[cwf]

CB's. wow. Well I have two, handheld and mount version. Also, GMRS by Icom. Have not used in a long time. GMRS has security that makes it hard to talk or listen if one set improperly. Also requires both to practice discipline.

CB crummy broadcasts. But best when need Calvary help.