Which channel (CB) to monitor

[xo1rider]

Reluctantly purchased a little CB radio and external antenna in preparation for our first caravan in September. I say reluctantly because I'm a retired pilot and after 30 years sick and tired of listening to two way radio chatter.

We hit the road tomorrow for a couple of weeks just wondering which channel most people monitor while on the road. I know channel 14 is used for most Airstream rallies and caravans but is one better than the other when just traveling randomly?

[masseyfarm]

Did you not get one with a scanner??

Ch 19 seems to be the trucker channel for general entertainment. But I use the scanner on low volume, and when something is happening on the highway, the increase in radio activity will warn you in advance.

Different regions may use Ch21 or other.

On the Island here, we use Ch 1 for general communication.

These 3 channels are generally the most used.

Dave

[AtomicNo13]

I believe most Airstreamers and RVers in general use channel 14.

[dwightdi]

In t he US: Channel 9 is for emergency notifications and is monitored by the police. WBCCI Caravans usually use Channel 14. The truckers are usually on channel 19.

[sandlapper]

Channel 19 is generally accepted as the truckers channel, the one to monitor/use if you want to keep up with the conditions around you. The truckers don't miss much. When we travel solo we use it . It is often a busy channel and can get a bit vulgar at times. It is also good if something is amiss with your trailer, the truckers will usually let you know.

When traveling with friends we use 14. Doesn't interfere with the professional drivers and we enjoy chatting back and forth. And it is invaluable for communicating road info.

You can always just turn it off.

[jcanavera]

When I used to carry CB we monitored 19 which at the time was what the truckers used. My wife used to hate the chat and I remember the time she told me to turn it down. At that point I couldn't hear the chatter and pre trailer days when the national speed limit was 55, I was in Iowa on a 2 lane US highway running about 70 just south of Mt. Pleasant Ia. I popped up over a rise and met a friendly Iowa state policeman who pointed me to the shoulder of the road. As I pulled over I cranked up the CB only to hear the warnings "bear in the air". Thankfully he wrote me for 67 so that I wouldn't have to appear in court and could mail in my $25 fine. My one and only speeding ticket that I have ever received.

Jack

[slowmover]

Single earphone works best for CB that passengers don't want to hear.