CB Radio. Now what?

Kathy

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our new 03 rubi has a cb radio in it. I'm a city slicker and never understood cb radios except for semis used them. Question. If we don't know anyone else that has a cb radio, what is the use for it? Should I be looking at getting a cb radio in my tj so then we can talk back and forth when we are both driving in separate vehicles which is never?
 
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A CB is a Citizen Band radio. It is used for communicating over short distances. They come in very hand on trails when you have more than one vehicle to let each other know what is coming up or if you are falling behind. They are not very expensive or hard to use. I say get one for your ride too.
 
X2 to what @JP98 said. A CB radio won't really be of much use to you (in most cases) unless you like to go off-roading with groups of people. In that case, almost everyone has a CB radio, and it's how you can communicate with someone in front of you (or behind you) on the trail.

They're cheap enough though that I suggest getting one just to have it.

There's a lot of choices out there for CB radios. The one I run (and one of the most popular choices) is the Uniden PRO 520XL.

EDIT: Sorry, I missed the fact that you said it already had a CB radio in it! Can't complain about that then.
 
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Depending on where you wheel at and the time of year a CB can be very handy. I don't wheel in groups. I do wheel in logging country. In the PNW the logging companies will post a CB channel and also mile markers on the mainlines leading in and out of an active logging area. The equipment operators will monitor that channel and also announce their position on the roads and whether they are headed up hill or down hill. Everyone is a lot safer when you know a loaded log truck is headed your way. It gives you a chance to get out of the way. The haulers also appreciate the fact that you tell them that you are in the area, and approximately where you are at.

Log truck > TJ, log truck wins every time.
 
@StG58 omg, I love this. My plan is to take the jeep on the logging trails up north where my parents live . I remember going with my sisters boyfriend when I was in high school. However, I don't know what trails are ok, etc.. I plan on asking around next time we are up there. But to know that about the markers and finding a channel loggers might be using helps a ton! Thank you.
 
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@StG58 omg, I love this. My plan is to take the jeep on the logging trails up north where my parents live . I remember going with my sisters boyfriend when I was in high school. However, I don't know what trails are ok, etc.. I plan on asking around next time we are up there. But to know that about the markers and finding a channel loggers might be using helps a ton! Thank you.
There's a ton of timber companies around here as you can imagine. If you get a few spare hours, stop by their office and talk to them about using their lands for "recreational purposes". If you are polite and persistent, you can usually find out a lot of information and receive some good guidance on where to go and what to see. Where to fish, where to hunt, really pretty falls and swimming holes. Old town sites and mining claims, that sort of thing. Remember that these guys LOVE the woods in a way that the random tree hugger would never understand or appreciate. Once they figure out that you're not an idiot, they may even offer keys to gates, and maps with good routes marked on them. They also like the fact that you put in enough time and effort to actually come talk to them. They will also explain, in detail, the rules for using their forest property and what they expect from you. It's a win-win. :)
 
The CB that @Chris linked is very popular. You can easily install a CB for under $100 total with the radio, cable, antenna and mount. It's a good investment if you are going to be off road much.
Make sure to get the antenna tuned. An SWR meter is inexpensive and easy to use, or take it to a Radio shop (not Radio Shack) or grab a buddy with the meter to do the check. Recheck the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) periodically and also anytime you do major modifications.
 
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My Gal and I istall my cb on the LJ last february, she has never i imagine such a thing exist so you can imagine her look when I was very detailed installing and tuning the anthenna.
On our first trail ride together when our gunner ask us to set the cb on channel 12 her smile was ear to ear, during the entire day she handle the CB operation and she love it!
Give it a try, they are very useful.
 
Depending on where you wheel at and the time of year a CB can be very handy. I don't wheel in groups. I do wheel in logging country. In the PNW the logging companies will post a CB channel and also mile markers on the mainlines leading in and out of an active logging area. The equipment operators will monitor that channel and also announce their position on the roads and whether they are headed up hill or down hill. Everyone is a lot safer when you know a loaded log truck is headed your way. It gives you a chance to get out of the way. The haulers also appreciate the fact that you tell them that you are in the area, and approximately where you are at.

Log truck vs TJ ..... log truck wins every time.

Mobile 2-Way Radio ..... a measure of safety for you and that logging truck driver.
We used all Motorola Industrial radios .... could handle the dust and damp/deluge ....
Frequencies are posted at 'Mile 0' and beyond. Call your checkpoints ..... some of the lingo is eg. 'Mile 4 - mt/loaded, up/down, etc.
Stay off the travel channels unless your calling checkpoints ..... absolutely no 'chit-chat.
Be safe and courteous out in logging country ..... as StG58 mentions implies, your beautiful TJ would make a great hood ornament for a Pacific or Hayes HDX
IMG_1408.JPG

Logged for 40+ years ...... now happily re-tired!
 
@StG58 omg, I love this. My plan is to take the jeep on the logging trails up north where my parents live . I remember going with my sisters boyfriend when I was in high school. However, I don't know what trails are ok, etc.. I plan on asking around next time we are up there. But to know that about the markers and finding a channel loggers might be using helps a ton! Thank you.
On this logging road thing. When in logging areas you can rent a radio. AND they will tell you who has the right of way, how to "talk". When to use it. Maybe CBs are used in some places but in BC the Single SideBand is the radio for resource roads and every radio controlled logging road will have a sign at its start to announce the radio frequency in use.

Regardless you need to learn the lingo. AND generally the heaviest vehicle has the right of way. AND once you leave the Forest Service Road FSR and enter a "logging" road. That "logging" road is a PRIVATE road. YOU really have no right to even be on it so learn the protocols. Act like you are in someone elses house. And behave properly. Pack in, Pack out. Tread lightly. Stay on the trail !!

And never stop unless you are clear of the trail. The creek under the bridge might be beautiful but DO NOT STOP on the bridge.
 
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Plus you can irritate the truckers by singing very badly on their channel :)

Cut that crap out! :cursing2:

A CB is very useful on and off pavement.
With the trifecta of Wrangler+CB+Google Maps, you should be able to get around almost any traffic jam and efficiently push through any type of weather.
 
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