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jamescook's avatar
jamescook
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013

CB or Ham Radio good to get in contact to other RVers?

Hi,
next May, we want to start on a 4 months trip though the United States with our own RV (shipped from Germany).

Do you think is worth to have a CB or ham radio installed for this trip? (I would get a technician class license, if ham makes sense)

I'm talking about close range communication, like chatting while passing on a highway. I don't like big antennas on my small Sprinter Van. Getting in contact with other RVers and residents is our main focus for this trip, not visiting the touristical hightlights.

Regards
Peter
Seeking Advice

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  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2013
    you will encounter more RVs with CB's than with ham equipment so purely on that basis i'd opt for the CB since 1986. however, I can count on less than one hand the number of chats I've had with other RVs on CB. I've tried calling countless times on ch 19, 13 and other channels with nary a response. RVs traveling in the same direction we are, RVs on the side of the road with the blinkers going, even RVs with storage bay doors open or TV antennas up...nada. but...I have yakked with any number of truck drivers and the CB excels at getting real-time traffic information.

    we're both hams and also have HF/VHF/UHF equipment in the RV. the ham equipment is great for passing time either while in motion or when parked at the campground. with the right equipment and antenna you can chat with folks in other states, other countries and other continents as you tool on down the road.

    good luck.

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