ham or cb radio

CB radio is cheap and invaluable for trips. You don't have to leave it on all of the time. Also, you have many channels to use for caravaning with other people that the truckers never use. The FRS is very low powered, and if you have a mile or two unobstructed view, they are okay, but CB will let you get around some corners and through some obstructions so you can com around 2 to 5 miles. If you are operating more than the 5 watts, you are operating illegally and the fines are huge, so turn of the amps. So it is easy to escape the low class filth that you can encounter on 16. I don't drive anywhere without the CB available. Ham radio, and I've been a licensed operator for 40 years has minimal use for traffic issues. When the traffic is stopped for miles ahead, the truckers in the opposite travel lane are a fountain of information that can help you find alternate routes or at least know how long you may be sitting before your lane gets moving. CB has bailed me out too many time to count, even in the last 10 years. Cell phones are worthless for nearby traffic issues. There are some smart phone apps that can be of help, but usually are many minutes if not hours behind your real time needs.