Citizen Band (CB) radios were once the primary way of long-range communication on the road. Now, with smartphones and other mobile devices, some truck drivers find less everyday use or need for CB radios. Despite this, they remain an important piece of equipment to keep in your truck. They're useful when you're somewhere without a cell signal, provide a source for real-time updates on weather and traffic conditions for your exact location, and give you access to a community full of cheerful chatter that helps to make the road a little less lonely. Just like Jasen B. - one of our Owner-Operators - says, "It's there for me when I need it."
Choosing and using the right equipment can be tricky if you are just getting started. There are many options, and it's hard to know how sophisticated your setup should be before you get on the road. Which CB radios and antennas are best? How do you get your handle? What are the on-air rules of etiquette?
There's no official manual, but you can find everything you need to know about CB radios right here with the following 5 tips and tricks. Please remember to not use your CB radio in any way that would distract you from safe driving.
1. Choose The Right Radio for You
Certain CB radio features are the same across the board. For example, FCC requirements limit CBs to four watts of power, though you can get more with an SSB (single sideband) setup. Your signal will range from roughly three miles to 20 miles depending on your antenna, atmospheric conditions, terrain, line of sight, and other factors.
All CB radios can access 40 channels, though the trucking community tends to stick with a favored few. The most critical channels for trucking purposes include Channel 9 for emergencies and Channel 19 (also known as Sesame Street in trucker lingo) for general chatter.
Additional Features
Outside of the basics of every CB radio, products designed with truckers in mind often include additional features. The must-haves for your new CB include:
- Backlit Display - You have to drive after dark, so you need a CB radio that matches your schedule. Backlighting ensures you can see the display at night.
- Channel Scan - If you are manually scanning through channels, your hands aren't on the wheel. Choose a CB radio with an automatic search feature for convenience and safety.
- One-Touch Emergency Access - You can always access Channel 9 for emergencies with any CB radio. The best CB radios have a button that automatically switches you to Channel 9 with a single touch.
- RF Gain - All sorts of external factors can interfere with your sound quality, including neighboring channels, atmospheric conditions, and noise in the surrounding area. RF gain filters out the interference, so your channel comes in clearly.
- Weather Scanning - Weather conditions can significantly impact when you are on the road. Some CBs will get you to the local NOAA station with minimal effort through a weather scan feature.
Other features that aren't quite must-have - but they are undoubtedly nice-to-have - include Bluetooth connectivity, PA systems, and SSB, which allows you to broadcast over longer ranges.
Quality matters when it comes to CB technology, so choose a reputable brand with a long history of customer satisfaction. The best CB radio brands for truckers include Cobra, Uniden, Galaxy, Midland, and Stryker. Of course, the more sophisticated the radio, the higher the cost. The balance between function and price depends on your budget and personal preferences.
CB Antennas
The radio itself is only half of your communication system. Having a quality antenna for reliable service is also essential. And with hundreds of options to choose from, picking the best CB antenna can be a challenge.
Antennas are made from a variety of materials. Each comes with pros and cons. For example, fiberglass options are extra-durable, but they are less powerful than alternatives of equivalent length.
Generally speaking, you can't go wrong with a center-load antenna between 45" and 60" long. Depending on external conditions, you can usually count on a range of seven to ten miles, and these are sturdy enough for highway driving. Top brands include Wilson, Firestik, Stryker, and Cobra.
Keep in mind that where you mount the antenna has a real impact on performance. If it isn't high enough, you may experience issues with the signal being blocked by the truck. However, if it is too high, clearance becomes a problem.
Some truckers overcome these obstacles with a dual-antenna system. You might also wish to consider a quick disconnect option that allows you to remove your antenna quickly in case of a tight squeeze.
2. Go Live with your Handle
Your CB handle is a quick way to identify yourself over the radio with a bit of personality. You can use a nickname that your buddies already chose for you, or you can come up with something creative on your own.
If you are stumped, CB World has an automatic online handle generator that can help. However, it's worth noting that many truckers believe handles are earned rather than self-selected, so be prepared for some good-natured teasing if you go the DIY route.
3. Learn the Lingo
Now that you've got the equipment, it's time to learn the lingo, which truck drivers developed through the use of CB radios in order to communicate more effectively. This is almost like learning another language, and the more time you spend listening, the better you will get at deciphering it.
While it's not necessary to learn all 1,800 terms, phrases, and acronyms (as found in the CB Radio Dictionary), it's a good idea to be familiar with the most common ones. And once you feel ready, you can test your knowledge with this fun quiz!
For example, there is a set of 10 codes dating back to the 1940s that are still widely used today. You've likely heard 10-4 before, which means affirmative/confirmed, but did you know that 10-13 means to advise on weather/road conditions?
Check out this guide for some of the other common phrases. A few favorites of our Owner-Ops include:
- Bobtail - a tractor with no trailer attached
- Catch you on the flip flop - see you on your return trip
- Convoy - multiple trucks traveling as a group
- Double Nickel - driving at 55 mph
- Go go juice or motion lotion - diesel fuel
- Got your ears on? - are you listening?
- Hammer down - move faster
- Skins - tires
- Yard stick - mile marker
- What's your 20? - where are you?
Lastly, there is even lingo for cities, such as Bright Lights for Kansas City, KY, and Queen City for Charlotte, North Carolina.
There are so many more terms, so take some time to explore. We would love to hear which phrases are in your dictionary, too. Share your favorites below in comments!
4. Respect the Unspoken Rules of CB Etiquette
The best way to ensure your place in the CB community is to show respect for what is essentially a limited, shared resource. On busy channels, wait for a break before jumping in, and then keep your remarks brief. For lengthier conversations, switch to a channel that is not already in use.
The characteristics of good conversation are the same regardless of setting. Everyone takes turns talking, no one interrupts, and topics are tailored to the audience. CB chatter is more casual than a formal affair, but the basics still apply. Others will enjoy your participation more if you show respect for their input, avoid talking over people, and pass on excessive profanity and touchy subjects or questionable humor that excludes peers of another gender, religion, or ethnicity.
5. Remember Safety First
Good communication with truckers in CB range can increase your safety. For example, other users will let you know about upcoming hazards, accidents, and treacherous conditions. They also keep you connected with the community. That's important in case of an emergency - especially when you don't have a cell signal.
However, distracted driving is exceptionally dangerous, and focusing on your CB settings takes your attention away from the road. Use the automated features of your radio to minimize distractions while you are driving and leave the more complex adjustments for rest stops.
Other important safety tips include keeping the details of your load, its value, and your destination to yourself. You should also watch out for scammers intent on causing you harm. If you are pulled over or provide help, and it doesn't feel quite right, err on the side of caution. Keep going, but get the request to authorities just in case.
Remember, as with the internet, not every CB operator is honest about their identity and intentions. For the most part, all you know is that you are talking to someone who has access to a CB radio. There is no guarantee that anything else you are told is true, so be very cautious with any in-person meetings arranged over the airwaves.
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