CB Radio confusion

I'm new to trucks, and ive seen alot of guys running a CB radio, but I still dont know exactly why.

What is the benefit of having a CB radio, and whats a good set up to use?

Thanks!

 

Once upon a time in the mid 1970's CB radio was very popular. Not so much anymore, however, usage varies considerably with geographical area.

It's still used by truck drivers. People put them in their trucks because they can talk to other trucks while off-road or in the nearby area. They are also low cost.

I scanned the band recently and all I heard was unintelligible nonsense on a few channels. But that's when skip was happening. The other channels were clear.

If I was doing a CB install I would buy a Larsen NMO 27b antenna, NMO mount with coax and a Uniden CB radio for $32.00 from Walmart. I'd mount the antenna above the roof line for maximum ground plane. Total cost around $100.

 

That CHEAP A$$ radio is the most useful communication device for trail rides, Meet & greets,following in any # of vehicles to a "Wheeling/camping spot".....PLUS they are still LEGAL TO USE in all states while driving...

Asking what CB and antenna around here is like asking for a tire brand....get ready for anything.....

I drive for a living and Uniden,Connex and Magnum are widely used while our local 4x4 groups like the Cobra 75wxst .....

 

Oh, so it wont really serve me any purpose lol im just looking for some less expensive mods I can do

 

If you're just looking for something to do try looking here:

Cheap / Free Mods thread

 

I didnt know why people had CB these days. Then the first weekend I had my 4x4. I was 4 miles out on a trail to small to turn around. I didnt have a map and the trail kept getting harder and harder. Tried to use my phone to pull up a map but no reception at all. I felt naked. I was at least two miles from the last car I had seen. I didnt like the feeling. I installed a CB later that week.

 

^ Nick, how often do you turn on the CB? Do you listen and scan around? Do you hear any traffic or anything interesting? Give us a report of what CB traffic is like in Northern Cali.

 

That was my point....

If your Tacoma is for personal use only , a CB would be of what use ???

The CB in my "Mack Office" is constantly being used even with our "Push-to talk" phones...The CB is quicker as I can talk to multiply folks on a job site without calling everyone seperately and on 4x4 trips or larger events they create safety not issues ....

I did use my smaller radio for our long distant trips BUT with age that has gone "Bye-bye" as our GPS/Smart phones can give me all of that information without my wife or grandkids listening to Channel 19 BS.

Save your pennies for more $$$$ mods or even a 2 meter radio,even Cali must have repeater towers where a "Ham" could bounce signals

 

I turn it on during road trips sometimes. Lots of truckers talking about traffic, hauls, and ammo shortages. I've only had it 2 months. The last time I went off roading with the NorCal group only one other guy had one.