Other Channels, Bands and Freqs OTR Drivers Use ?

First off, this is not intended for what is legal or not. Let me decide that. FCC rules and regs are for another thread or different site all together and no, I'm not going to run two radios in my truck.

I am a licensed HAM but primarily spend my road driving hours on AM 40 with Ch 19 on 90% of the time for bear reports, break checks and occasional friendly chat, however rare they are these days. Sometimes it feels like I'm just talking into space with no reply. Not even a 10-4 or thanks, etc. I will say time on 19 during the "Water Mellon 500" is a real hoot.

As an Over the Road Driver I just started running an older tuned Galaxy DX99V (upgraded from a 29LTD) and would like some input as to where to look for people to talk with outside Ch 19. I mainly run east of the Mississippi and sometimes Texas. Lot's of time up on 80/90 east of Chicago to NY, down thru PA, W.VA, VA, GA, AL and back up thru TN, KY, IN to do it all over again.

If you know of a band, frequency or channel that is used by drivers or even mild mannered HAM's just looking to pass some time, please let me know the details, SSB, LSB, Freqs., etc., and a general locale and I will see what I can find along the way. I remember some HAM language but just want some basic contact along the way.

I will double check certain freq. like military, etc. before using any recommendations since I pass AFB's now and then.

I just want to chat away from Ch 19 on those longgg stretches of road between here, there and often times, nowhere. I cross the Appalachian Mountains most every week.

Also, any skip potential bands, freq's, etc. when I'm up in the higher elevations would be great.

I don't know it all, that's why I'm asking.

Thanks !

 

Thanks for the info so far !

Please feel free to add what you know related to the topic.