Do truckers use the CB anymore?

Well first off antennas do not make power they only radiate what the radio makes. I would reccomend amybe a couple of different choices, I use a 5 1/2 foot francis been using them for years, depending on the tractor I would run a single antenna for the most part, you can rum 2 (co phased and you must use a co-phasing harness uncut with 2 antennas)..Run your power cables to the battery making sure that there is a fuse located within the battery box. I just purchased a new radio myself, but will not reccomend the one I purchased to a new operator, ( I have a HAM license so I run a 10 meter radio). Anyway what area area you in Im here in SoCal near Mojave, The only reason I would need to know is to reccomend someone to install it for you.

 

I guess you could say I am based out of Appleton, WI. I pick up and drop off there regularly. I keep a mailing address in Michigan, but home is wherever my rump rests. I do know someone that has a friend in Appleton that will install stuff for me. Sounds like I just need to buy the cable now. I have a Cobra CB, I believe it's the 129. Only reason I can see upgrading my radio itself is if that would get me the ability to connect to my headset via bluetooth (the only ones I have seen that do that are those RoadPro ones, and I won't buy anything from that brand, it's crap), and/or to get one that will let me flip a switch to utilize an externally mounted PA speaker to either talk, or play fun holiday music when participating in a parade or something. So having a HAM radio, is that just like a CB? Does it mean you can get one with more power to reach out further legally?

 

In my area we use it a lot having said that, we normally talk to those we know, but we are on 19. I simply cannot imagine a truck with out a CB. I'm sure mine won't run without one.

 

I have to agree. I can’t really imagine driving a rig without a CB after nearly 36 years. Be like having a Christmas tree without ornaments, or having a cat that barks, just don’t seem right….

 

Yea , It gets you more of everything, more bands, more power. The antenna on run on my HF radio is a tarheal screwdriver II, cover from 80-6 meters, kind of big compared to a cb 5.5 francis.

 

I switched to a day cab 4 months ago and missed my cb at first but after seeing how the guy that shares the truck with me leaves things I'm not going to put one in.

 

I may or may not have growled at someone on mine today. Poking along in the far left lane doing 50... SMH

 

I remember a time when you could pretty much read the trucks, and know which lane to be in at a wreck simply by looking at which lane the trucks were in. Other than an occasional lost JB.Hunt or Corn Flake, the drivers had heard the news and got in the proper lane before reaching the traffic. No reading the trucks anymore though, it’s like a bunch of lost souls…..

 

Dont leave home with out it.

 

My thoughts are that it doesn't do any good to have high wattage antennas unless you also have high wattage radios and/or amplifiers to need them. Of course, if the extra dollars for high wattage antennas that you don't need doesn't matter, then it doesn't matter.