I know in this smart phone era you might think that it does not make any senses to have one CB Radio. If you are actually using one could you please share you experience with it. Thanks.

 

It makes a ton of sense if you go to Rover off road events, most people have them. The answer you want is dependent on how good it needs to be, how much you want to spend, and how visible you want it to be.

 

The best suggestion I can give you, is to find a good CB WITH SIDEBAND, if you are intending communication between two or more CB sets you and friends are using, or best communications between two unknown sets, both having sideband. Sideband is far superior to non sideband, do a google search and read up on it, if you know little or nothing about it.

 

I know a lot of folks with the Cobra 75WX... the audio is really poor and they always end up skipping off the channel.

I run a Cobra 29LX... It is a refresh on the old classic. I will tell you though... I have mine mounted on the ceiling in front of the sunroof controls. I have to crane my neck to read the LCD output... I am actually looking for just the plain ol' 29 classic model that has the LED channel readout..

I have not looked at this sideband thing, but will.

And yes... CB Radio and Sirius Satellite radio are necessity on any road trip or offroading adventure.

Another thing... Don't rely on your mobile phone for GPS, they don't work too well when you are in the middle of no where.... Go to Costco and get a Garmin Nuvi... for $129 you won't regret your decision

 

CB is kind of pointless if you don't go off-roading or "caravan" with a group of other CB users. In my experience, anyway, there is not a lot of stranger-to-stranger chatter on the CB band, unless you are a lonely trucker of course.

That said, off-road or going to camp-sites it is essential. No need to dial. No chance of distraction, just push a button and talk. No need for cell service.

It really is the only way to travel. Once you go off-roading with your buddies and you both have one, you will never go back. The audio is also quite superior to the hand-held units that 4-wheelers/hunters like to use. Don't get me wrong, the GMRS/FRS radios have their place, but in the car you are always "Can you say that again?", "What was that?" While a properly tuned CB is easy for everyone in the car to hear the conversation.

I just bought a Cobra Classic 29 WX/NW/ST. I got it for the weather channels. I was also bidding on the one with the blue-tooth, but won the 29. For under $100 (I think I paid $70?) for a trucker grade CB it was a bargain! Can't wait to hook it up and head to Moab.

Now, if you and your rover tend to just drive the city roads, a Cell is probably better for you, but even on the interstate the CB could be fun if you sit on channel 19 and hope to eavesdrop on some truckers...

 

The reason I asked is because we are planning a long trip (about 800 miles) together with other 5 trucks and I thought this is something we might need to get into.
Thank you so far for all the information so far. I will do my homework before buying.

 

Pre GPS days for myself my CB radio was my detour navigation. I'd get on the mic and ask the truckers best route to get around said traffic jam/accident. Also good way to stay in communication with other people in your convoy/road trip instead of using cell phones. Many in the middle of nowhere emergency services also monitor CB frequencies. You never know when your cell reception is gone. I know here at Fort Bragg our range control monitors said frequencies for all of us 4X4/green laners playing out in the woods make it out alive at the end of the day. I'd recommend a CB to anyone.

 

"Lonely trucker"? I drive a truck and hardly ever use the CB. Just too much garbage on it anymore. You want friendly conversation? Get your license and go amateur radio! I have an ICOM IC-706MkII. If you're out on your own, no cell service, no one around, and break down, you can get on the local repeater and get assistance. If the guys you're running with have a CB then just go to Walmart and pick up a basic Midland CB ($40? I think) and a magnet mount antenna and you're set.

 

What are the requirement for the license?

 

No license required for Citizen Band.