arbob
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I am looking for a CB store (or someone who knows about CBs) in the East Bay/ San Francisco area. I'm researching putting a CB in my RV to communicate with other RVers in a caravan.
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I live in San Leandro and can't think of any CB stores that are left. (Although I've had little to do with CB's since the 70's-80s. and always installed my own.) You might give Crystal Communications in San Leandro a call. They're a commercial shop but might be willing to do an installation job for you. I've dealt with them for years and they're a reputable company.
mmckenna
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I'd agree. I grew up in San Jose but live down near Monterey now. Can't remember the last time I saw a CB shop, it was probably well over 20 years go.
If it's the install you need done, any decent 2 way radio shop can do it. There are many in the bay area.
They can run the power, install the radio, install and tune the antenna for you. But it won't be cheap.
Doing it yourself is an option, but it can be a challenge if you are not set up to do it.
Talking between RV's is a good use. But you'll find that there really isn't much other traffic on CB in the area that's of any use. I've been all over the state, and it's rare to hear it actively used. I've had little luck throughout the western US with CB. Very rare that you hear much, and rare that anyone will answer.
If it's the install you need done, any decent 2 way radio shop can do it. There are many in the bay area.
They can run the power, install the radio, install and tune the antenna for you. But it won't be cheap.
Doing it yourself is an option, but it can be a challenge if you are not set up to do it.
Talking between RV's is a good use. But you'll find that there really isn't much other traffic on CB in the area that's of any use. I've been all over the state, and it's rare to hear it actively used. I've had little luck throughout the western US with CB. Very rare that you hear much, and rare that anyone will answer.
If it is just to talk to your group, I highly recommend using FRS (bubble pack) radios, instead. They serve double duty---on the road as you describe, and also in the campground.
The first time I saw my mom trying to direct my dad's backing up of the 5th wheeler, I stopped them, ran in and got the radios. They both used them until they stopped RV'ing. Aside from backing assist, my dad would roam, and my mom could call him back to the camper for meals.
The first time I saw my mom trying to direct my dad's backing up of the 5th wheeler, I stopped them, ran in and got the radios. They both used them until they stopped RV'ing. Aside from backing assist, my dad would roam, and my mom could call him back to the camper for meals.
arbob
Member
CB for RV
Shows how much I know. My question should have been for recommendations for devices to communicate between RVs while on the road. Sounds like CBs are passe. What are people using now that doesn't require a license? What's an FRS (bubble pack)? I have the little hand held radios and they don't seem to do well over distance.
Thanks for the reply.
Shows how much I know. My question should have been for recommendations for devices to communicate between RVs while on the road. Sounds like CBs are passe. What are people using now that doesn't require a license? What's an FRS (bubble pack)? I have the little hand held radios and they don't seem to do well over distance.
Thanks for the reply.
Ravenkeeper
Member
Dublin? Fam and I were up in Danville/San Ramon area a few months ago. Sister-in-law lives up there.
About the closest you will get to a "CB Store" is a truck stop. Like the others have said, it is VERY RARE to hear anything on the CB, nowadays. I use to frequent "Lion's Electronics," in Chula Vista, CA, as a teenager, and into my twenties, when they closed up shop.
You may want to look into/scout the YP list below:
https://www.yellowpages.com/search?search_terms=cb+radio+equipment&geo_location_terms=Dublin,+CA
Ran a similar search for around here, no real CB shops or stores.
About the closest you will get to a "CB Store" is a truck stop. Like the others have said, it is VERY RARE to hear anything on the CB, nowadays. I use to frequent "Lion's Electronics," in Chula Vista, CA, as a teenager, and into my twenties, when they closed up shop.
You may want to look into/scout the YP list below:
https://www.yellowpages.com/search?search_terms=cb+radio+equipment&geo_location_terms=Dublin,+CA
Ran a similar search for around here, no real CB shops or stores.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
CB's become an issue when the atmospheric conditions allow signals to "skip" and roll in from all over.
Not sure about you, but with a wife and son in the car, I don't want/need them hearing some of the language that gets used.
FRS was changed last year. It now allows more power (2 watts) and additional channels.
Pick up a bunch of FRS/GMRS radios (often called "bubble pack" because of the packaging) at WalMart, etc.
They are UHF, so pretty much line of sight.
Get some rechargeable batteries and you'll be good to go.
The big benefit is that a lot of people have them. Not so much with CB's. They'd be a lot cheaper, too. A "decent" CB is going to cost north of $50, plus you need a good antenna, installation, etc.
FRS radios, throw some batteries in them and you are good to go.
Don't fall for the cheap Chinese radios that you'll find on e-Bay and Amazon. They require programming and are not legal for use on FRS.
I have scanned FRS channels while on road trips and have heard caravans on there. Seemed to work well for them. And as someone mentioned above, you can use them on foot around the campground. One suggestion: the default freq seems to be channel 1 and most people just leave it there, so learn how to change channels and find another one to use. Enjoy!
KC4RAF
Member
Agree with all the above. CB has it's place, but for serious minded people running a caravan, will CB just isn't that dependable.
You can also use MURs, which is license by rule (the same rules that apply to using CB radios and it's also free). The cost of MURs can be expensive though.
Was going to post about the CCRs, but there's legal clauses in the use of them.
The bubble packs do a good job. If your caravan get strung out a distance, you will need to relay your messages from the lead to the rear, and vice a versa.
Have an enjoyable trip caravaning and be safe.
You can also use MURs, which is license by rule (the same rules that apply to using CB radios and it's also free). The cost of MURs can be expensive though.
Was going to post about the CCRs, but there's legal clauses in the use of them.
The bubble packs do a good job. If your caravan get strung out a distance, you will need to relay your messages from the lead to the rear, and vice a versa.
Have an enjoyable trip caravaning and be safe.
Why not have both?
Almost every semi-truck in existence still has a CB, and while there may not be much (any) activity, there has never been a time I couldn't pull somebody up on Channel 19 or 9 when travelling. If I'm out in the middle of the desert with no cell coverage, I would MUCH rather have a CB than a FRS handheld.
When it comes to a convoy, I personally would have a 50 watt GMRS radio with an external antenna. I know you said you want a license free solution, and GMRS would require a license (fee only...there is no test or anything involved). As mentioned, depending on the size of the convoy and distance between front and back, the handhelds might not provide coverage, especially inside the RV. With the higher power and external antenna, you can almost guarantee a good amount of coverage.
Almost every semi-truck in existence still has a CB, and while there may not be much (any) activity, there has never been a time I couldn't pull somebody up on Channel 19 or 9 when travelling. If I'm out in the middle of the desert with no cell coverage, I would MUCH rather have a CB than a FRS handheld.
When it comes to a convoy, I personally would have a 50 watt GMRS radio with an external antenna. I know you said you want a license free solution, and GMRS would require a license (fee only...there is no test or anything involved). As mentioned, depending on the size of the convoy and distance between front and back, the handhelds might not provide coverage, especially inside the RV. With the higher power and external antenna, you can almost guarantee a good amount of coverage.
Look around freeways. The 2 closest to me have big signs right by the major freeways that list their name and CB channel you can find them on.
You said that you'd be in a caravan. Are the others already equipped with a CB or is everyone starting from scratch and buying a radio? Either CB or FRS could serve your purpose if you stay within eye site of each other as you drive. If you intend to spread out a bit further, a properly installed CB with an external antenna will provide an advantage over the FRS radios that do not allow for external antennas.
The nature of FRS probably will not likely let you talk with anyone else not in the caravan while on the road. If you don't care to talk with others, that's fine.
That said, CB will probably still offer the most versatility on the road. A lot of them have Wx capability (as do FRS) and I think you can still use some of them for a PA (certainly not a strong point for me). If the caravan gets strung out for a mile or two, CB would still provide communications. FRS might be iffy.
That said, CB will probably still offer the most versatility on the road. A lot of them have Wx capability (as do FRS) and I think you can still use some of them for a PA (certainly not a strong point for me). If the caravan gets strung out for a mile or two, CB would still provide communications. FRS might be iffy.
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