Does anyone utilize CB radios for traffic info anymore?

[Riverbug]

Have thought about whether it would be worthwhile to install a CB radio for use on the road when there is a traffic jam or anything like that where it would be helpful to have real-time info. I've heard that even truckers don't use them as much because they use phones or just don't like to hear the nonsense chatter. Curious if others have experience with it?

I know there are apps like Waze or even Google Maps that show delays but you can't always tell what's going on, how long it will be, or if you should move into a specific lane, exit, etc...

 

[DougW9876]

It has been several years I used a CB, there was one in a motor home we bought. There was so much foul mouthed, insulting, inconsiderate garbage, or foreign languages on there that nothing useful could be said for it. No interest n using one ever again.

 

[ajg617]

I have one - (in the 1960s-70s I was on it all the time - base station and mobile) - which I purchased for the reasons you suggest. Tried it twice on a trip and it wasn't worth the money. High powered skip still drowns out all the local traffic. Not one useful piece of information from anyone about I-29 closure. Single Sideband might be an improvement but I'm not willing to spend the dollars.

 

[RV2600RB]

Good to know. FIL gave us a CB and an antenna. I’m going to pass on installing it in the truck.
I used one in the 70s and 80s though.
Rich

 

[Riverbug]

Thanks all, very helpful.

 

[Butcher]

30+ years going to work in the PNW, I've lost years being stuck in traffic. I have learned that 'Why' you are stuck and slow does little to ease the frustration.

I use Google maps and most always [I pick up and deliver all my clients cars in my auto repair business at no cost] I punch in the address before I leave. It tells me what to expect AND what's the best way to get there. Is Google 100%? No. If Google said to drive off a bridge, I probably would.

One time on the way to Florida to pick up our 5th wheel, I was in Montana and Google said to take the next exit off I90? WTF? I hesitated and took the exit. It was lightly snowing but I was now on the frontage road. I thought something was wrong with my phone. I looked to the left and saw a semi on it's side and the freeway was closed. I swear I saved an hour or two.

I'm sold 100% on some internet map system.

One thing in my state, CB/Ham radio usage is not considered distracted driving.

 

[Gronk1]

In the brief time I drove fuel tankers, we used a separate channel than what the regular truckers used. There was more useful information than the BS chatter of the general channel. It may be different now-that was back in the mid 90s.

 

[livinthelife]

Have thought about whether it would be worthwhile to install a CB radio for use on the road when there is a traffic jam or anything like that where it would be helpful to have real-time info. I've heard that even truckers don't use them as much because they use phones or just don't like to hear the nonsense chatter. Curious if others have experience with it?

I know there are apps like Waze or even Google Maps that show delays but you can't always tell what's going on, how long it will be, or if you should move into a specific lane, exit, etc...

I've found that many states have a traffic incident website you can access for accidents/construction/whatever delays. Not all, but many. I especially like California's Quick Map.

 

[kb0zke]

Thanks for starting this thread. We're headed to Alaska next year and I've thought about putting a CB radio in the truck. I'd like to get one that has AM/FM/SSB but so far haven't found one that has all three. I can find AM/FM or AM/SSB. Yes, some CB radios now offer an FM mode. Same 40 frequencies, but no interference (they say). I suspect that if I"m on channel 19 FM the trucker running an illegal linear that passes me would interfere.

I've been trying to figure out how to get power from the battery to the radio. The days of finding a convenient spot for +12v and a convenient ground are long gone. Everything is plastic now.

 

[Riverbug]

Thanks for starting this thread. We're headed to Alaska next year and I've thought about putting a CB radio in the truck. I'd like to get one that has AM/FM/SSB but so far haven't found one that has all three. I can find AM/FM or AM/SSB. Yes, some CB radios now offer an FM mode. Same 40 frequencies, but no interference (they say). I suspect that if I"m on channel 19 FM the trucker running an illegal linear that passes me would interfere.

I've been trying to figure out how to get power from the battery to the radio. The days of finding a convenient spot for +12v and a convenient ground are long gone. Everything is plastic now.

Regarding the 12V source and ground, it's still actually pretty easy. You can tap into a fuse (such as the radio) in the fuse block on your passenger side foot panel - make sure you are tapping in the correct side of the fuse though (reply back if you're not sure what I mean). It's much easier to remove the fuse block door and the trim panel; if you do that you'll see there is actually a ground point bolt right there. So, no need to go outside to the exterior frame. Everything is trimmed in plastic, but there's still plenty of metal framing to ground to. Good luck finding the radio you want.

 

[kb0zke]

Thanks, Chad. I'll have to poke around there one of these days. We're heading up towards Escapade starting Tuesday, and lots to get ready before we pull out.

 

[DougW9876]

Thanks for starting this thread. We're headed to Alaska next year and I've thought about putting a CB radio in the truck. I'd like to get one that has AM/FM/SSB but so far haven't found one that has all three. I can find AM/FM or AM/SSB. Yes, some CB radios now offer an FM mode. Same 40 frequencies, but no interference (they say). I suspect that if I"m on channel 19 FM the trucker running an illegal linear that passes me would interfere.

I've been trying to figure out how to get power from the battery to the radio. The days of finding a convenient spot for +12v and a convenient ground are long gone. Everything is plastic now.

The quick and easy way, if you are not doing a permanent installation, is to put a lighter plug on the power cord and plug it into the power outlet. If you are going permanent you might be able to use the power to the power plug since most of them seem to be on switched on the newer vehicles. Also, some of the USB outlets are fed by 12VDC and they internally make it 5vdc so the wire that feeds them might work.

 

[Butcher]

Not certain on domestic cars, but most of the stuff I am working on does not have a lot of circuit 15 wires [hot when the key is on]. Most everything uses a CAN signal [ie data is sent to a control module to tell the module to turn on]. Most everything that use to be a switch, is now a computer.

Circuit 30 [ie battery +] is pretty easy to find. I have yet to run into a cigar lighter that is a computer.

 

[traveldawg]

Thanks for starting this thread. We're headed to Alaska next year and I've thought about putting a CB radio in the truck. I'd like to get one that has AM/FM/SSB but so far haven't found one that has all three. I can find AM/FM or AM/SSB. Yes, some CB radios now offer an FM mode. Same 40 frequencies, but no interference (they say). I suspect that if I"m on channel 19 FM the trucker running an illegal linear that passes me would interfere.

I've been trying to figure out how to get power from the battery to the radio. The days of finding a convenient spot for +12v and a convenient ground are long gone. Everything is plastic now.

I couldn't agree more about finding power. I run a power cable from the DS battery through a hole I punch in the existing cable grommet in the drivers pedal area and connect it to a fuse block I put in and cable tie up near the emergency brake; then I have 12v power.

Alternatively you can use the pass thru wires on the PS side and connect the power to the PS battery to feed into the cab on the PS. Maybe even use one of the up fitter switches if you have them to provide power to one of the pass thru wires.

or.... just tap off a fuse in the PS fuse box in the kick panel area.

I still have a CB I installed. Admittedly they aren't used much anymore but sometimes it helps. It's interesting that in different parts of the country there is more or less use of them. Most times lately it gets annoying and we just turn it off.

 

[terryriddle]

Have thought about whether it would be worthwhile to install a CB radio for use on the road when there is a traffic jam or anything like that where it would be helpful to have real-time info. I've heard that even truckers don't use them as much because they use phones or just don't like to hear the nonsense chatter. Curious if others have experience with it?

I know there are apps like Waze or even Google Maps that show delays but you can't always tell what's going on, how long it will be, or if you should move into a specific lane, exit, etc...

I have used a CB radio for fifty years plus. Truckers tell you long before the traffic issues and I have found they know the area and ways to get around it. One once even realized I was on my CB and told me to follow him. He saved me hours of traffic and got on roads I had never been on. Recommend!!

 

[sirtate]

Thanks for starting this thread. We're headed to Alaska next year and I've thought about putting a CB radio in the truck. I'd like to get one that has AM/FM/SSB but so far haven't found one that has all three. I can find AM/FM or AM/SSB. Yes, some CB radios now offer an FM mode. Same 40 frequencies, but no interference (they say). I suspect that if I"m on channel 19 FM the trucker running an illegal linear that passes me would interfere.

I've been trying to figure out how to get power from the battery to the radio. The days of finding a convenient spot for +12v and a convenient ground are long gone. Everything is plastic now.

These guys sell a few radios that'll do AM/SSB/FM...
https://www.walcottradio.com/cb-radios-c-377_502_583.html

But you'll still hear MudDuck in the desert 'going back to the bench'...

 

[Butcher]

There are plenty of online maps. I use Google. It just works. I bet most truckers [even the old ones] are using some type of internet assistance.

 

[RV2600RB]

There are plenty of online maps. I use Google. It just works. I bet most truckers [even the old ones] are using some type of internet assistance.

Yup. Just look up at one the next time you pass. Majority have their eyes on the phone instead of the road.
Rich

 

[Truckerslife]

As a retired trucker, I can assure you, if your family will be in listening range of a cb, you DO NOT want to turn it on. Absolute vulgar statements are said on a regular basis. I took the cb out of my truck about 10 years before retiring because I stopped listening to it 5 years prior to that.

 

[Butcher]

My phone GPS tells me when to turn in advance. I don't have to look at anything. Whatever GPS system you like to use, I believe they are all much better than any CB radio. It's funny how all the phones in peoples cars are hooked up to big brother and they know almost instantly when traffic slows down. Phones are everywhere and there is that much data at every second of the day. You can't say that about CB radios.

But hey, that is just me. Accept all the data out there and make your own decision if you turn left or right.