CB usage?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque
CB usage?
After looking at JR's police center console post, I got to thinking; now that everyone has a cell phone, does anyone use a CB anymore? I had one years ago, just in case, but haven't had one for quite some time and don't seem to need it. There are place where I don't have coverage, but I think you would need a pretty darn tall antenia and booster for the CB to reach anyone. Not sure if their usefullness has past and not worth the install and antenia placement.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 1
From: Hickory, North Carolina
I have one in my truck but I mostly use it when I am hauling trees in the xmas season or harvest season. traveling and towing is when I use mine. that's about it really, The locals talk alot on ch 17 but all you hear is.." how's my radio soundin" or some crap like that. I don;t think you can look to a cb radio for a stimulating conversation.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven, MI
I wouldn't be without one.
I frequently travel with 2 or more friends in a caravan pulling trailers to go camping. If we need to stop for fuel, potty, food, problems, etc we all know what is going on vs. having to call each person individually.
Also, when the traffic backs up for no apparent reason, it is nice to be able to ask the truckers what is going on, and how far the back-up is and if we need to find another route.
Distance can be a problem, if one strays more than 2 miles from the group, we have to resort using the cell phone.
I frequently travel with 2 or more friends in a caravan pulling trailers to go camping. If we need to stop for fuel, potty, food, problems, etc we all know what is going on vs. having to call each person individually.
Also, when the traffic backs up for no apparent reason, it is nice to be able to ask the truckers what is going on, and how far the back-up is and if we need to find another route.
Distance can be a problem, if one strays more than 2 miles from the group, we have to resort using the cell phone.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven, MI
What the heck is a standing wave?
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 1
From: Hickory, North Carolina
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
I had one in my ranger when I was in HS I still have it and a toolbox with dual whips but I haven't put it on my truck. I was temped to put it on and talk to our truck drivers. At work we use them all the time on the loaders, plant and to talk to the dump trucks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
Here in the Northwest it is nice to have a CB if you are travelling the logging roads up in the mountains. Many of these roads are too narrow to coexist with a log truck, and the truckers are pretty good about announcing their positions so you can pull over to let them by.
Once you get to civilization, the usefulness of the CB drops off unless you are using it for communicating on a job site or something. A few truckers on the interstate and trolls trying to get a response from a trucker angered by their obnoxious ranting as they try to get attention using their outlaw overpowered base stations.
Best and worst thing about the CB is that it is a "party line" and everyone within range can hear your conversation. Good if you need help or are broadcasting information useful to others. Bad if you are talking about something private or are a troll.
In places where there is no cell service, the CB can be a way to call for help. Most police departments monitor channel 9.
Jock
Once you get to civilization, the usefulness of the CB drops off unless you are using it for communicating on a job site or something. A few truckers on the interstate and trolls trying to get a response from a trucker angered by their obnoxious ranting as they try to get attention using their outlaw overpowered base stations.
Best and worst thing about the CB is that it is a "party line" and everyone within range can hear your conversation. Good if you need help or are broadcasting information useful to others. Bad if you are talking about something private or are a troll.
In places where there is no cell service, the CB can be a way to call for help. Most police departments monitor channel 9.
Jock
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
I use a big magnet mount and mine performs great. I only use it when I'm driving on the Interstate. The truckers are great about giving your trailer a good look and letting you know about any problems. Also, we've been able to avoid quite a few traffic backups.
I wouldn't travel without one.
I wouldn't travel without one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Eh... All the "cool kids" are using Amateur ("Ham") Radio. In fact, the Radio with the green display & big **** towards the back of JR's install is an Icom 706 (of which I've had two of). I still have one of 'em as a backup/portable radio for those "fun" trips to where ever the Guard takes me... Now I have an Icom 7000 in the truck, which has a nice color display and receives VHF TV. Looks like this mounted on a home-made bracket in the cubby, with NASTY weather coming in:
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
That is neat Joe, really like the weather feature. As for the CB, when my cell phone can tell me when theres an accident up ahead and i need to reroute around it, i'll retire it to the basement, i know, GPS
. Being a truck driver myself, its also nice to help out a lost driver find his or her destination along with any problems they might not be able to see, loose tarp, blown tire, open trailer door ect,ect. As for family vacations, i only put it on low (if i need to), the language isn't good sometimes with little ones in the back.
. Being a truck driver myself, its also nice to help out a lost driver find his or her destination along with any problems they might not be able to see, loose tarp, blown tire, open trailer door ect,ect. As for family vacations, i only put it on low (if i need to), the language isn't good sometimes with little ones in the back.