I’ve been driving for over 6 years and have never used one. I decided early on not to when one of my OTR trainers was arguing on it all the time. Hahaha. I’ve been thinking if I ever get really tired of trucking, I’ll get one just for the fun of it. I haven’t gotten to that point, fortunately.
I should add that I use The Weather Channel app, Waze, and Google maps for traffic alerts. I always have Google maps running in the background. I’m thinking about using Waze specifically during winter as it gives more details on the road than Google. The Weather Channel app has videos and maps showing how the weather is moving. Then many northern states (particularly in the northwest) have websites providing information on winter road conditions.
Are CB radios still worth it?
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by PE_T, Sep 15, 2019.
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What would you do in areas that you don’t have phone or data service? If you stray off the interstate it’s still not uncommon to not have phone service for an hour or more. Sure you can check everything beforehand, but having a cb will give you real-time info on conditions because most of us running those areas still use cb radios.
Some states like ID and MT run cb’s in the plow trucks and will give you instant info on mountain conditions, etc.
But if you’re the kind of guy that rarely gets off the big road then I suppose all the apps on your phone will be fine.exhausted379, LoneRanger, JadeLove and 10 others Thank this. -
You pull a Van? For flatbed I couldn't see not having one as you need it for lots of shippers to communicate with the scale etc etc...
brianv31, exhausted379, Bean Jr. and 9 others Thank this. -
That thing will save your life- No Phone APP will give you real time emergencies that pop up right in front of you!!!
Go get yourself a radio if you plan on staying in the game......A must Have.
Plus it allows you friendly conversation, On those Long drives.
You got all your tools now to fix your truck? Now go get one of the most important Tools- A Good Radioexhausted379, ChevyCam, MACK E-6 and 8 others Thank this. -
Most of our customers require CB radio
I like to know what's the problem with the traffic up ahead and possible detoursexhausted379, ChevyCam, MACK E-6 and 6 others Thank this. -
Get a Cobra 29 at least you can listen if their is traffic accident. They are good in snow storm and bad weather
Rooster2051, Lepton1, stayinback and 1 other person Thank this. -
CB radios are not the go-to communication devices of yore, but they're still a very valuable tool to have out on the road. Let's say you have a bad trailer tire, another driver could tip you off on the CB before it really starts smoking like a tar kettle and catches fire. But where CBs are really worth their weight in gold is in bad weather conditions that hit fast: pounding snow/rain, fog as thick as pea soup, flooded roads, etc. None of those newfangled technologies can give you instant alerts to unseen danger up ahead that just happened like the good ole' CB can. Some shippers/receivers still use CB channels for check-ins, hailing the security hut, and letting you know when you're empty/loaded at the dock, etc.
If you're a young guy/gal starting out, just get yourself a stock Cobra 29 or something along those lines. No need to get fancy or to get it peaked and tuned. You can even get one basically for free using your accumulated fuel points.Bean Jr., JadeLove, Rooster2051 and 3 others Thank this. -
My truck might as well have a rod hanging out of the block as not having a working cb, it is not going anywhere either way, period. That is unless it goes out while I am getting close to home.
I even carry a spare, especially when I am hauling oversize, have had to loan it to pilots multiple times.Lepton1, Rubber duck kw, Swine hauler and 2 others Thank this. -
NavigatorWife Thanks this.
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NavigatorWife, 88 Alpha, Opus and 1 other person Thank this.
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Lepton1, Swine hauler and PE_T Thank this.
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Puppage, Swine hauler, Lepton1 and 2 others Thank this.
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