To CB or Not To CB

[KennyB]

We are getting ready for a long summer trip across the United States and back. We have a CB in our TV but it's kind of on the fritz. I'm in a dilemma as whether to repair/replace it or just take it out.<div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="d340f50" sourceindex="5">Is there any value to having a CB these days if you are traveling by yourself?

[Lloyd]

Unless you want to be entertained by the filthy language that comes over the CB, I think I would opt to take it out and save the money. I use to run a CB all the time, thought it was an absolute necessity. Today we have the cell phone if anything is needed. (much more reliable)

[KennyB]

The main thing I was thinking about was how handy it "use to be" for traffic alerts. A long time ago when I used it you would get a heads up about traffic problems well ahead of the incident so you could change routes. What's the best way today?

[Stan]

I had one in my last truck and used it to listen for "Smokies reports" but the language got to be just rotten. Now I am a bit older and drive a bit slower so I don't need it anymore. I did use it for a few emergencies on the road I happen to see, but I have On-Star so now I use that.

[KennyB]

I don't have OnStar, does it give you road condition alerts? If not is there a better source than CB? (I hope)

[Stan]

On-Star doesn't give you road/traffic conditions. You can get a GPS and subscribe to traffic alerts but I am not sure if that includes traffic/accidents/road construction outside of large cities.

[croberts]

I have one and use it exclusively to talk to other people we are travelling with. We usually use different channel.

[daystrom]

I have a CB in my TV. Yes the language is colorful but I think it is helpful when the highway is backed up to find out what is going on and which lane is closed or blocked. You can't get that with a cell phone or On-Star.

[KennyB]

Is there any sort of guide for what channels area best to monitor? It seems like there use to be some rules about traveling east to west, north to south, etc. It's been a long time since I've used my CB on the road.

[drcook]

Channel 19 is the trucker channel. I stick a 1 ear, ear phone into the back of the CB (or front) depending on where the jack is so I can monitor traffic conditions and my family doesn't have to hear the foul mouths (not that I don't need mine washed out with soap occassionally).



one time we had the CB with us I missed a 4 hour back up going through Fancy Gap



one time we didn't have the CB with us, we got stuck for 6 hours on I-95 when a truck carrying acid crashed and ate up all the lanes going southbound. the idiot LEO's over on the coast were still letting people on even though they new the highway was blocked. then the one exit to get off. they were letting a couple cars/trucks go at a time instead of moving them fast



yes at times it is worthwhile having one. you can never have too much communication equipment in our day and age

[Flyone]

I keep one in the TV all of the time, they are great when travling with others. I would suggest to have one--but maybe not keep it on all of the time. Switch it on when needed, if the lanuage gets foul, which it does, switch it off for a couple of hours. Best to have one just in case and to get updates.





Flyone

[rv-rick]

I have 4 mobile CB units which I've had for years. They just take up space on a shelf now.

I do have a handheld which I carry when traveling. I usually leave it off unless I want some information.

Most states have 511, which is traffic on your cell phone. That has come in handy several times.

I didn't buy a GPS with traffic because I rarely travel around big cities, and that is where the majority of the traffic updates are.Edited by: rv-rick

[fixit5561]

I have 3 CB's and used to be a truck driver so I do use one when traveling.



I also have a GPS with traffic updates on it, but it only works when close to larger cities and it is not that great because it doesnt tell you about the traffic backups until you are in them! LOL They may need to work on that one for sure.Edited by: fixit5561

[KennyB]

What CB channels are best to monitor when traveling? I seem to remember something about which direction you are traveling uses a different channel. I do know channel 9 is for emergency but that's about all I know.

[fixit5561]

Channel 19 is the truckers channel doesnt matter what direction you are traveling in.

[Robbie Ribbins]

Have 1 in the truck plus a hand held unit that we use when backing into a spot or hooking up. It would be nice if all crossroad owners had one and when we see another crossroad unit on the road we could switch over to a different channel like channel 13 and talk. Many times I have seen a crossroad owner and would like to visit, but unable to contact.