CB Radio

flattop40 · Mar 31, 2009

Was just curious as to how many still use their CB Radios. I have been doing this since nov/07 and have never come across a situation that I felt I should have had one. I grew up with them in the house in the 70's and couldn't stand them.

I would assume they are mearly for entertainment this day in age IMO but is there any real need for one? Only thing I can think of is if there was a traffic tie up you could be warned about it ahead of time but whenever I get into one I get off at the next exit and let the GPS auto reroute me. I don't speed so I don't need to know where police are.

Yesteryear · Mar 31, 2009

We bought a Galaxy DX 929 when we first started expediting. Was fun at first but it seemed like every time we turned it on the drivers were being nasty. I don't think we have even turned it on in the past 8 0r 10 months or so.

cruzer · Mar 31, 2009

I use mine for skip I like being in louisiana and talking to someone in michigan or california,it's always different depending on where you are.It's 900watts with the booster on so I can talk to them like there in the truck with me.

flattop40 · Mar 31, 2009

Yesteryear said:
We bought a Galaxy DX 929 when we first started expediting. Was fun at first but it seemed like every time we turned it on the drivers were being nasty. I don't think we have even turned it on in the past 8 0r 10 months or so.

kinda what I figured.

Turtle · Mar 31, 2009

I don't use it much, but it does come in handy now and again. There have been several times where an accident up ahead would have meant getting into the traffic tie-up just after the exit I could have taken to avoid it all. It's come in handy to move into a specific lane to avoid gators, or in one case, a ladder in the road. It's good to be able to find out what the road conditions or weather is up ahead, how much longer you have to deal with rain, snow or fog, and even if there are deer grazing on the side of the road. It can come in handy for locals in an unfamiliar area when looking for a truck stop or a place to park that's not in the Garmin, especially areas to avoid. At some pickups and deliveries having a CB makes it quicker and easier to get in and out. It's easier to get weighed at the Flying J if you have a CB. And of course, it's always important to know who ain't got no panties on.

fastman_1 · Mar 31, 2009

The only time I used mine when I was Arriving at a Pick up or Drop Off where the dock used them to tell you where you needed to be.

guido4475 · Mar 31, 2009

I use my cb to make sure I am not in the same truckstop as Dougtravels.I dont need anymore competition as to who else has pink panties and a nightgown on....

bluejaybee · Mar 31, 2009

I usually have mine on, but turned way down. If I hear a bunch of conversation going back and forth, I will turn it up to see if it pertains to any warnings I may need to know about. I get tired listening to grown men talking filth and wanting to bring demise to 4 wheelers. So, yes, a CB can be useful, but can also be a nuisance, unless you like all the dirty jibber.

DougTravels · Apr 1, 2009

guido4475 said:
I use my cb to make sure I am not in the same truckstop as Dougtravels.I dont need anymore competition as to who else has pink panties and a nightgown on....

The question is Who Doesn't?

ebsprintin · Apr 1, 2009

I use mine mostly for weather conditions ahead. I've also used it to give other drivers a heads up they might be having a problem with their vehicle. Like, "...your roll up door is working its way open and your freight is working its way out."

eb

TJ959 · Apr 1, 2009

Mine is never on. I use it when it's needed at a drop or pickup and that's about it.

scottanhelen · Apr 1, 2009

We rarely use ours we will turn it on if we think there may be traffic problems or problems with the road. It helped us one time when the interstate was closed due to snow and we did not know that. It does help let you know which lane you need for road construction or accidents. Other than that it stays off.

guido4475 · Apr 1, 2009

I understand where everyone is coming from.But when I pass up another expeditor I usually will wave or try to get them on the cb to tell them what a nice truck they have, etc.So it is a little embarrasing when I do that and there is no response.I always have mine on, but not real loud.just enough to where I can hear in the background what is going on.And I dont know if it is just me, but I am a happy freindly guy, so when I pass someone up, I always look at them and wave. but it seems for the most part I get looks like I am from outer space or something.Where are the happy people at?I guess I need to start flashing other expeditors to get a smile out of them!!!and hopefully a laugh!!

TeamCaffee · Apr 1, 2009

We do not turn ours on unless we are doing as escort load. That is the only reason it is still in here.

When someone drives by and waves the Mic at us we will turn it on and say Hi! but that is about the extent of it.

Scuba · Apr 1, 2009

Years ago I used to play chess on sideband from my home in CT and the other guy was in Alaska cb’s were fun back then. Now it’s morons playing there radio and keying up so everyone has to listen to their poor taste in music. Or it’s the cb Rambo who is going to kick everyone’s butt. Thank god for xm radio the only time I turn the cb on any more is to find out what lane I need to be in when there is a traffic jam or when the roads are icy to listen about the conditions ahead of me.

guido4475 · Apr 1, 2009

Yes, I could never understand the mentality behind why people insist on playing their music on the cb.I think it may be the new breed out here, but not for sure.

highway star · Apr 1, 2009

I'll always have one for the reasons that have been mentioned. I run it with the RF gain turned down. Sometimes it is turned off.

Album version of "Inagoddadavida" anyone?

inkasnana · Apr 1, 2009

We only turn ours on when we get into stopped traffic to find out what is going on and what lane to get into, or if it's needed at a ship/con. Otherwise it's just garbage that is being broadcast and our Sirius radio has much better programming.

One night while we were trying to leave W. Memphis there was an accident on the I-40 bridge over the river and east bound traffic was stopped for over an hour. We had not yet made it to the actual bridge over the river before traffic stopped and it was funny listening to a couple drivers who were up on the bridge. They were freaking out because every time a truck went by going the other way the bridge would shake. They were sure the bridge was going to fall into the river at any minute. lol That was an entertaining hour listening to the C.B.

Dreamer · Apr 2, 2009

Guess I'll be that minority in Expediting.. LOL>

It's not 'needed' I suppose... but I wouldn't drive without one. I've had one in just about every vehicle I've owned for over 25 years, plus the base at home. I still enjoy it.

Sure, you got the idiots, but if I get somewhere and that's happening, I just turn it down until I get past the idiots

As a solo driver, it fills up time for me... it's on low enough that it doesn't interrupt my music, but if I hear something interesting, the music is off.

Many times, I drive with just the CB... I like talking on it to other drivers, and will usually say hi to other expediters as I pass... but 99% of the time, they're not on.. LOL.

When my wife rode with me, I left it off more.. but by myself, it's always on. I've passed many a mile talkin on it.

Dale

Moot · Apr 2, 2009

Dreamer said:
It's not 'needed' I suppose... but I wouldn't drive without one.

Dale

I'm with ya Dale. Mine is always on, volume turned down low and squelch turned up. I have the innate ability to pick up on important stuff and screen out the b.s.; even while listening to music, a recorded book or stumbling around my mind.

The C.B. has warned me of accidents, construction back-ups, road debris and deer; given me weather info, directions, short-cuts, seat cover alerts and entertainment.

For me a C.B. radio is similar to a spare tire, I could run without one, but I don't.