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Jun 1, 2013 | 08:05 PM

ncycenas

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Joined: May 2013

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CB radios

What are the pros and cons to a cb radio?

Jun 2, 2013 | 12:41 AM

Sycostang67

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 5,489

Likes: 13

From: Kuna ID

They can come in real handy if get in a tight spot. When I was younger I heard someone calling for help on mine. A couple of guys had got their jeep stuck on a snowy mountain road and my friends and I were able to go help them. I know cell phones are more prevalent now, but still can't get coverage every where you go. I'm finally getting ready to put one in my 93, had the antenna's on for a couple years but have been lazy in getting the CB installed.

Jun 2, 2013 | 06:23 AM

bashby

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 7,437

Likes: 4

From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

Cons, limited range, signal is linear, not many people have them besides truckers.

Jun 2, 2013 | 06:51 AM

norfolknova

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 757

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From: 7th realm of hell, Va.

Pros, listen to the truckers and know where the police are sitting on the interstate, and learn about traffic back ups on the interstate, great if two vehicles traveling together both have them you don't have to keep dialing a number

Matt

Jun 2, 2013 | 06:56 AM

rfdepew

Junior User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 77

Likes: 0

From: Erie, PA

Pro:
1. Ability to know what's going on ahead of you down the road ahead of you. lets you get off the exit before a road blockage of any sort.

2. You and your buddies are out 4 wheeling allows you to communicate with out dialing a phone.

3.If traveling helps with directions if you do not have a GPS and think your lost.

4. Bear reports

5. Hottie Spotting

, not as good a view as a big rig trucker gets

Con:
1. Antenna hits parking garage roof

2. Draws amps, depends on how many watts your above the legal limit .

you are

3. Listen to Truckers Complain about everything under the sun

I always travel with one on the company car and most likely always will as I am from that generation of CB users

Jun 2, 2013 | 12:36 PM

raystankewitz

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,146

Likes: 17

From: Central Indiana

My 0.02 USD worth . . .

There are pros and cons to CB radios.

Pros;

1) Emergency/alternate form of communication. Cell towers aren't' everywhere yet.

2) Can be used to keep track of another car/truck traveling together.

3) Traffic reports on the highway.

Cons:

1) A good setup is only good for 10 miles, max unless you're on sideband or you have an illegal linear amplifier ("Pill") in your rig.

2) Best spot for an antenna on our trucks is on the roof. Feel like drilling a hole in your cab?

Feel like hitting said antenna on every low branch in the neighborhood? I've already lost a Larsen 2M/70cm to a low branch on a California Live Oak in the tract behind my place.

You could use a short antenna, like a FireStik FS 2' or a very flexible Wilson or Firestik FireFly 3' on a spring. That my route at the moment.

3) Our Gen 7-8-9 cabs aren't laid out the best for CB (or HAM) radio installations. Recommended radios are Cobra 75 All-In-Hand or the Midland 75-822 that's a handheld that converts to mobile use.

Ray

Jun 2, 2013 | 08:58 PM

garthneddy

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 1,271

Likes: 9

From: Franklin, IN

Ive only ever used em on the trail, but its really handy to have when ou wheeling. No hopping in and out of your rig to talk to the other drivers or trying to yell down the trail.