CB Radios in buses

[Gerry H]

Hello: I am not an enthusiast, but I am wondering if CB radios are still worth installing in a conversion or if they are a "thing of the past" since we have cell phones so readily available. I have an antenna installed from PO so I either need to install a radio or remove the antenna. Any model recommendations if so. Thanks Gerry H

[Stormcloud]

May be a thing of the past, but I have them installed in both the bus and the toad......

There's almost no-one on the air anymore, so it's almost 'private', but there's stilll some chatter on 19, and occasionally a road traffic tip.

[Mike in GA]

I still have one, and I use it when there is a traffic tie-up ahead. I turn it on to Ch 19, and just listen. I find this helpful for getting into the best lane, and sometimes for detour help.
     Once, 10 years ago, when new to coaching, we had a tag tire blow-out on an isolated stretch of I-40. I got on the CB asking passing truckers for names of local roadside tire repair companies, and got a quick, good reference.
     Your methods may vary.
Mike in GA

[Paladin]

Lots in the archives of both bus boards.

You'll get some very strong personal opinions on the topic.

Interestingly enough, my wife just got a Kindle Fire and wanting to include me she downloaded the book, "Meandering Down the Highway" by Nick Russell, our Gypsy Journal author and he was mentioning this topic and the use of CB's and the other radios. GMRS I think they are called? I was just reading that part.....

Anyway, for some things I still think you can't beat the CB though for many I still like the other........depends on who's on the other end talking back I guess.

[buswarrior]

When running with others, CB radio is the way to go.

No fees.

Monitoring CH19 whistling through the dark at night is good for the early warning about some dolt parking their car in the hammer lane, the radar traps, the "brake checks" of suddenly slowing traffic, upcoming road work, and the odd compliment about that old bus...

Lets you warn others about problems you see too.

However, be warned, there are times when the vulgarities and hatred spewed out on the radio is not for civilized consumption.

I had an ear plug on mine when the kids were small.

I am partial to Cobra as a brand. Something middle of the road for features, signal meter, built-in calibration, external PA and external speaker jacks.

Often tricky to find a good mounting position in a coach.You'd prefer for it to be where you can see the meter and the channel display without looking too far from the road, but it does not hinder night time eyesight, and/or is easily blocked with a piece of cardboard folded strategically.

Tuning the antennae set-up is critical in a coach, the body of the coach offers challenges to the radio tuner that big trucks don't. The antennae/antennas have to get up a bit above the roof line, without being easy fodder for the trees along the boulevard.

Your range in both transmission and receiving could be as short as to the end of the block, if installed wrong.

Don't drill holes for the antennae until you've done a bunch of trials. Be mindful of proper grounding while using your mock-up.

Most everyone mounts 'em wrong the first time, and then moves 'em.

Learn from us!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[gus]

The last time I drove truck which was quite a few years ago the stupidity and filth of the patter on CBs was so bad we turned it off, nothing like the old "knights of the road" days.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

As Mark said, there is hardly anybody on them anymore. I have sometimes gone 4-500 miles and never heard a soul. In fact a couple of times we have stopped for the nite and 4-5 hours later i heard voices and realized that i had forgotten to turn the CB off. More likely to hear somebody near a major town or city and can be real handy then. Unfortunately there are still some real jerks out there, but i just turn it off if it gets to be too much. I also run CH 19.