Need to borrow/buy CB radio

D

Doryman

New member
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
3,807
Reaction score
0
C Dory Year
2006
C Dory Model
255 Tomcat
Vessel Name
Lori Ann
At the end of the month I'm heading down to San Diego with my travel trailer. We are going to join up with an RV caravan to Cabo and back (Tracks to Adventure, if anyone is curious.) We hope to get enough exposure and experience trailering in Mexico to be able to evaluate whether we want to take the Lori Ann down there for a month next winter.

Anyhoo, apparently the common practice on such RV caravans is to stay in touch via CB radio. Now, those of you who know me know that I have about as much personal use for a CB radio as a pig has for a piano, but when in Rome, etc., etc.

Which brings me to the question of how to get usage of a CB (presumably handheld, to avoid mounting/antenna issues) for essentially the month of March (I don't expect to have further use for a CB after the trip.) My choices, in order of preference, would be to borrow one from a Brat, to buy a used one from same, or to buy a new or used one from eBay or Craigslist.

Of course, another issue is evaluating the goodness of any particular CB in question, a task for which I am singularly unqualified. Hence, additionally, advice on same is requested.

Thanks.
 
My advice, being a Radio Shack dealer, is buy one . They are cheap. Don't get the emergcy road pack. They don't work worth a sh t. Get the cheapest. with a magnetic antennea, run the cord through the window and plug it into your cigarette lighter. Hand held will work fine too. But the other is better for what you want to do.

90 day money back (except my store)
:wink: captd
 
Hi Warren,

Having done a caravan, I can tell you that a CB is a necessity (assuming you are not going by yourself). The caravans get long enough that sometimes it is necessary to relay a message from front to middle to back. Road conditions, how to "circle up" to get into a campground, driving instructions, and commentary on what you are driving through will get to you via the CB. Handheld units are available if you don't want to mount up something permanent, but they will have less range.

Have fun on the caravan. A sense of humor and a spirit of adventure are necessary for the run down Baja. Don't expect roads and campgrounds to be what you are used to in the good ol' USA... but you will meet some great people and see some spectacular sights. If after the first couple days you are not having big fun (and many aren't while they get used to the whole premise of lining up and campgrounds that may or may not have decent electricity), knock back a couple margaritas and enjoy a sunset. Expect to drive slow - roads in Baja can be rough and narrow. Under no circumstances should you use the phrase "Well, back in the states..." After the first few days (and as the weather gets better and better), you will get into the routine. Consider it to be a traveling party. Enjoy the beaches and the beautiful water. Oh, and the warmth!

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Have fun and don't forget your bribe money. :lol:
 
Warren,
I've done two caravans one in Baja and one in mainland Mexico. I used the setup with the portable and the magnetic base antenna. It worked fine. Another tip I can offer for travel in Baja is get a locking gas cap. This eliminates all the hassle about scams at the pump and resetting the meter etc. If the cap is locked they can't pump fuel until you are satisfied that the pump is zeroed. A common scam is to start pumping without zeroing out the pump from the previous customer. And there always seems to be a hassle with making change. We always start with plenty of small bills and never give an attendent a large bill and expect correct change. Baja has spectacular desert scenery and great fishing. After learning the ropes on the caravan I made two additional trips on my own and never had any problem. The biggest hassle will be getting back in the U.S. at the end of your trip. Plan at least two hours and maybe more depending on the day of the week just for the border crossing. As Wild Blue said the sooner you switch to "Baja time" the happier you will be.
 
A few years ago - I won't mention how long I was an avid CB operator. I have used various brands and always come back to the Uniden brand. I usually find they are very rugged and come with all the options I want. If you can't find a Uniden buy the Cobra counterpart. Same company just a different name. I would suggest the same, magnet mount antenna and you'll be happy with the performance. You can either hard wire or purchase a plug for your 12v, you can then use this in the future in any of your vehicles. Here are a few inexpensive models I would suggest,
PRO538
PRO520XL
PRO510XL
PC68XL - I have found the ones with the full metal casing to take more abuse but never would have complained about the 538,520,510 models. Sometimes you can find these at Target or Wallys and pick them up well under $50.00. A whole package can be put together for about $50-100 depending on how you set it up. If you want to mail order (internet) I'd suggest cooperelectronics

http://www.copper.com/cart/

I have ordered from this company in the past and never had any problems. Shipping was fast and prices were fair.
 
warren I have one you can use. just give me a call. Iam home all day.
 
Tom and everyone -- thanks so much. I've received several offers for loaners and one donation offer from someone close by here so I am going to start with that one and see if I can make it work. Will report back progress!

Oh, and in my original message I should have specified that Lori will be the CB operator.

Ten-four, good buddies. :lol:

Warren
 
Warren,
Someplace up there a magnetic mount for the antenna was mentioned. First, it has to have a steel flat surface to attach to, (no fiberglass, or Aluminum), and some work far better than others. I ran many years with a Uniden radio and a Wilson 1000 mag mount antenna. That combo gave me real regularly 5-15 miles out depending on conditions. It was a great combo, set up with a Cigarette lighter plug for power. It would take about 3 minutes to change vehicles. I also used a remote speaker. For a one month trial like you are doing I would probably bungee it into position, route the antenna cable (coax) through a rear-ward window or door, (not the one you are using regularly) just to save wear and tear on the cable. Don't forget, that antenna will add some clearance height to your rig, so keep an eye on the overheads. "Hey Good Buddy, you'll be 10-4 and rollin' in no time." Oh, by the way, it's not illegal to talk on the CB when driving in Washington state, just don't get caught texting to the C-Brat site. That'll cost you $124.00 plus what ever the primary stop was for. :embarrased
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
hardee,

Don't you mean 'Since Jan 1,2008, it's not legal to read, write, or send TEXT messages (on a cell phone) while driving in Washington state.'?
 
Hey, Is this a great group, or what? Capn Jack over in La Conner was kind enough to give me tonight an older CB and magnetic antenna that will be perfect for my use. And it came with a cigarette lighter adapter all wired in, so I am good to go!

Thanks to all!

Warren
 
Don't you mean 'Since Jan 1,2008, it's not legal to read, write, or send TEXT messages (on a cell phone) while driving in Washington state.'?
_________________
Larry H
Click to expand...
Larry, You are right, that too, even if you are texting to the C-Brat site. :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Back
Top