I used CB back the the 80's when driving a tractor trailer over the road job. I know they are not real popular with all the cell phone apps, waze, google etc but was wondering is it still a good way to find out traffic tie up, and other such stuff.. also what brand radio used is considered best.. I remember my Midland SSB was the deal back then.. hooked up to a 150 watt plate amplifier i could talk to china. them were the good ole days for sure..

I use one under my truck front seat with the squelch turned all the way up. This is just for listening to the truckers in very close proximity to me for road conditions and other useful info.Hard to have one of those turned on with kids in the truck... Still pretty strong language...In all my years of RV'ing I don't think I have ever heard a RV'er on it...When we travel in groups we always keep connected with cellphones. Also have used the FRS radios some...KBX5218 (I think)Roy Ken

I have used for many years, and still do.

I still have one but haven't used it since cellphones had good coverage on the interstates.Now with the smartphone and navigation apps plus traffic apps, I get traffic details as I travel and can stay in touch with others we travel with.I guess I'm keeping the CB for two reasons- I met my DW over the CB in the 70's and if a major disaster happens it's an alternate means of communications.

Ours is always on as it has a weather radio function. 75% of the time the volume is down (weather alert overrides) the other 25% the volume is up, but so is the squelch. It is handy in traffic tie-ups for finding correct lane or alternate routes.Came from Radio Shack.

Dennis M M wrote:Ours is always on as it has a weather radio function. 75% of the time the volume is down (weather alert overrides) the other 25% the volume is up, but so is the squelch. It is handy in traffic tie-ups for finding correct lane or alternate routes.X2

any one currently using CB radios when traveling??

40 Replies

Hank85713
Explorer
Jun 06, 2015
I run the coax thru the rear doors don under the cab and up to either the truck box or the top of the cab if towing. PUll excess cable out for roof or place under rear floor mat if on truck box. Virtually invisible except when on roof.
Slowmover
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
carl2591 wrote:
Wilson firestick on amazon.
http://tinyurl.com/nzgwawr

still seem to be a good one according to reviews.

How about the hood mount type.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3D7PE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1NAYB1PXIHSX0

Bedlam wrote:
The Firestik and K40 used to be top rated antennas. I think they are still made, but don't know if any changes have been done to them in last 30 years.

The two particular ones I referenced are, on a magnetic roof mount, a much better choice. I have a hood mount and it is not comparable in terms of performance. The worst of my half dozen antennas on the roof is far better than the best while on the hood. And the hood mount is carefully done (grounds, etc).

The mag mount can have coax run out through a pickups rear cab vents.
john_bet
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
I quit using mine in '87 when I got rid of the vehicle. Have not used or seen the need for one since. I probably have driven close to 400k since then for work and rving.
carl2591
Explorer III
Jun 05, 2015
Wilson firestick on amazon.
http://tinyurl.com/nzgwawr

still seem to be a good one according to reviews.

How about the hood mount type.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3D7PE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1NAYB1PXIHSX0

Bedlam wrote:
The Firestik and K40 used to be top rated antennas. I think they are still made, but don't know if any changes have been done to them in last 30 years.
marcsbigfoot20b
Explorer
Jun 04, 2015
One thing I noticed is that HID headlights put out some serious noise on the CB.
Bedlam
Moderator
Jun 04, 2015
The Firestik and K40 used to be top rated antennas. I think they are still made, but don't know if any changes have been done to them in last 30 years.
Slowmover
Explorer
Jun 04, 2015
campigloo wrote:
I don't mean to hijack either but I have been thinking about getting one. What about the antenna? I really don't want to drill holes in my truck and I don't want a 40' antenna whipping around. Any recommendations?

Sirio 5000

Or

Wilson 5000

Either in magnet mount for rooftop

And, for those wanting an external speaker, the Cobra S400. A huge help to any radio given its low expense.

Telex-Turner RK56 microphone (or Astatic 636). Ranger SRA-198 best inexpensive mike

Antenna, mike and speaker will make a real difference. A radio that has been frequency aligned, an antenna and coax showing low SWR, and a speaker with inexpensive DSP will altogether be a far better rig.
bqcooker
Explorer
Jun 04, 2015
When we camped as I was growing up in the 80s, we caravaned and we all had CBs. I thought it was still standard issue for RVers!!! I've actually thought about getting one for my ride also. Comes in handy to talk other than a cell phone for quick info for exit and fuel info.
carl2591
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2015
i know all the apps for traffic but sometimes you get faster adn better info from the truckers. plus the apps need a good full time signal and can use a bunch of data if not careful.

I think CB's are a cool way to chat with others running down the road. I talked with a guy some years ago for over 4 hrs flying down the road with me 15 or so ft off his trailer heading to TX getting over 32 MPG in my 1976 Toyota Supra. regular hwy MPG, 25ish.

Cant wait to get back "on the air" was assigned number from FCC, KQK0924 when I was a trucker and my handle was "Red Man". Actually it was the "Long legged lady leg licking Red Man from Eastern NC.." :) had a few interesting stops from lonely women after hearing my handle.
gmw_photos
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
I used one back in the 1970's during the 55mph days.

Then, it sat on the shelf in the garage for years, so I put in the truck a few years ago when I got the RV. I had to chuckle, because when I turned it on, it was like a step back in time....the same most useless drivel being talked about....truckers complaining about the slow cages, and not making enough money. And then I also go to be ( apparently ) entertained by some fool that keyed his mic so all could hear his favorite country western song. Yep....just like the '70s' Smokey and the Bandit all over again. Ugh..... I turned it off, and removed it again when I got home. It's back on the shelf in the garage.