How many use HAM vs C/B for rig to rig etc?

FIRE UP wrote:
Ladies and Gents,
...Anyway, just wondering, just how many might already be using HAM radios for coach to coach, Jeep to Jeep type communications and how do you like it vs the old "C/B" stuff?
Scott

K4EAK here...

I've got both CB and 2m/440 in my motorhome (the latter is an Icom ID-5100 which also gives me D-STAR and cross-band repeat) (and a separate 2m/440 radio in my truck). Essentially all of my coach-to-coach communication is on 2-meter for a few reasons. First, I'm a member of the FMCA Amateur Radio Chapter. If you're not a member, you ought to join. It's a very active chapter, with periodic rallies (one is coming up in Amarillo in July that, unfortunately, I'll miss), a great newsletter, formal or informal gatherings at FMCA conventions, annual get-togethers at the Orlando Hamcation, and so on. Information is here: FMCA ARC. When the FMCA ARC members are around, we use 146.55 as the comm frequency.

Second, for long road trips, I've got a bumper sticker that reads "K4EAK 146.520 MHz" and will occasionally get a call from someone on the road. It doesn't happen as often as it used to, but it's still fun when it does.

Third, I'll often give a holler on the calling frequency when I get to a campground and will often get a call back, which as you would expect often ends up in an enjoyable chat. Or, call up the local repeater and chat with the locals, which is a great way to get local information.

Finally, about the only thing I use the CB for is tuning in for traffic information, usually when I'm at a dead stop and I'm trying to determine whether I should wait out the delay, or blow my brains out and end my misery. However, I'll also give a call on the 2-meter calling frequency and it's surprising how often I get a call back. There was a movement many years ago, which resurfaces every now and then, to make CB channel 13 an RV calling frequency, but I never had much luck with it and I've given up trying.

Incidentally, you didn't ask, but I also sometimes carry my Field Day portable box (IC-706MkII-G) with me, and erect a hamstick dipole to mess around on HF. I've got hamsticks for 10-, 20, and 40-meters and they work surprisingly well. Here's a little write-up from a FMCA-ARC rally a couple years ago that shows my HF setup: FMCA ARC March 2014

Hope that helps,
73 Skip K4EAK