Any Members in Arkansas?

Yea I’ve been reading about ham but it seems a little much if all I’m doing is riding around trails with people.

 

We use CB channel 16 and/or walkie talkies for those that don't have CB radios.

 

I would agree. The big reason I'm wanting to get into it is because my dad and some friends of his are planning a trip to AK into the Arctic Circle. I'm planning on taking my truck as a support vehicle. My CB has been great for trail riding.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/enigma8246-build-thread.326069/#post-9205221

 

Yea. Agreed. If I was doing some sort of “expedition” I’d be all for ham. And may get one In the future. But for now, just wanted to be prepared for the trails if I hit them with you guys in the future.

 

I've been very happy with my Cobra 18WXSTII. It's a fairly basic CB but great for trail riding.

 

Ham...usually simplex.

 

I have a CB but want a ham

 

Man, that is tempting. I put on 3 All Pro bed rails and they sit low enough to ruin rear visibility, especially with the tent loaded. I have the CVT Mt St Helens hardshell RTT and its longer than the bed so I get hangover with lower rails. Yours still sits lower than cab high, so would still have hangover, but would def improve visibility. Hangover and visibility...starting to sound like a bad night of drinking....

 

I've been looking pretty hard at this one, seems functional and a great value, small and will install in the middle console.

$40 Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio. Pro-Series, Compact Design. Public Address (PA) Function. Instant Emergency Channel 9, External Speaker Jack, Large Easy to Read Display. - Black

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-40-Ch...18448416&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=cb+radio&psc=1

I have a question tho, is it difficult to 'tune' radios once installed? Anyone have an SWR meter or did you use an alternate method? Firestick or other antenna?

 

LOL, yeah, it does sound like a rough night. Visibility is good with this height, but yeah, you would have a hangover . . . I have the CVT Mt Bachelor because I have daughters and a wife that don't camp, just me and the dog. The top sits above the cab a bit, but not enough to cause an aerodynamic MPG issue on the highway, virtually no difference with it on or off. I use a hitch rack for my MTB, so a hangover would probable interfere.

Long wait for my CBI rack, though, won't ship until end of March. I guess that gives me time to prep and plan the first camping trip.

 

End of March?? Wow, you are a patient man. Any alternatives for tents or other means to sleep? I'd be hard pressed to miss what will hopefully be a great month of weather. I'm ready for warm and sunny.... And I got the All Pros so I could carry my kayak over the RTT on a hitch rack & cab yakima rack. Its a perfect set up except for the visibility. Keeping it low profile def helps MPG in my case, but those hard shells are pretty aerodynamic.

 

$90 Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio & Mobile CB Radio – Walkie Talkie with 40 Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts, Long Range, Compatible with CB Antennas

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-8...452403&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=midland+75-822

This is what I use with a 4 ft. FireStick, just stopped by a CB shop on my travels and he tuned it up no charge...limited output (about 2 miles) but I can receive for about 5 miles.

 

I have a couple of other tents, a small and light one for backpacking and a cheapo dome tent, so I could make something work if I had to. My first trip of the year is usually around the time of the Syllamo's Revenge MTB race in April (I don't race it, just support any crazy friends that have a higher level of self-hatred than me), so I may be setup by then.

 

Great, thanks for sharing. I've been running solo forever, so never took the time to install a CB, but the older I get, the more foolish it seems to tackle some of the terrain and fords I used to do alone, and my 2011 isnt as capable as my '99 was, sorry to say. I am really wanting to try the Bohannon run on Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou, and have it all mapped out on Gaia. I may go up and scout it hard this next weekend and look at different accesses It looks like a pin striper, has several fords and could be a total bust, but I've physically looked at both ends and can see at least the in and out from both sides are there. No idea whats in the middle or if it even exists except on the map. Might prove to be a really fun run and scenery is guaranteed. Will let you guys know, or if anyone is interested, let me know. Can send more details.

 

I have an SWR meter and tuning a Firestik with the tunable tip is usually easy, providing you get the washers the right way on the base. I switched to a 102" whip antenna and it measures much better on the SWR meter. I feel like I can receive signals from Mars. Sending is limited to the 4 watts in the radio

 

That one doesn't have a speaker so you'd also have to mount a speaker somewhere.

 

My son and I may be taking a drive up to Jasper Saturday to grab some grub at Ozark Cafe and perhaps locate a trail or two. If you're free and feel like getting out, come on out.

 

Weird coincidence that this is the conversation on the Arkansas thread - I’m picking up my shell Monday and I’ve been thinking about a radio option for comms between trucks. I think I’m gonna eventually have HAM and CB.

 

I had planned to as well, but weather doesn't look like it's going to cooperate. hope you guys have a great time, let us know how trip goes.

 

Just made an offer on a '94 FZJ80..fingers crossed