Best Handheld CB Radios for Truckers

For decades, truck drivers have used CB radios to talk to each other. These days, people are choosing smaller, handheld models that work just as well. Let's take a look at some of the best handheld CB radios for truckers who drive on today's roads.

Getting to Know the Basics of CB Radios

Before we get into the specifics let's go over the basics. Since the 1940s people have been using CB radios also called Citizen Band radios. They let people talk to each other over short distances. What makes it interesting? You don't need a permit. Truck drivers like these radios because they are cheap and work well while driving. They also work when there is no cell service.

Handheld CB radios are portable so they're great for truckers who need to talk without having to set up a permanent station. They come with batteries antennas and controls that are simple to use. If you want to learn more about the basics of CB radio the FCC's guidelines might be helpful.

Things to keep in mind when buying a handheld CB radio

Features are the most important thing to think about when choosing a radio. First think about how far it can go. Handheld models might not be able to cover as much ground as mounted units but they are usually good enough for most trucking jobs. Look for radios that can put out up to four watts of power which is the most that is allowed for CBs.

Another important thing is the squelch control. This feature cuts down on noise in the background so that you can hear your conversation clearly. It's also important to look through channels. It helps you quickly find channels that are currently active without having to tune them by hand. Most handhelds can only reach five to six miles but some radios can reach twenty miles in clear weather.

It's also very important that it lasts a long time. These radios have to work even if they fall or the weather is bad. Midland and Cobra are two brands that are known for making tough products that are also easy to use. To learn more about what they have to offer go to Midland Radio.

The Best Handheld CB Radios for Truck Drivers

Let's talk about the specifics. First place goes to the Midland 75 82 It's a great choice because it can do so many things. You can use this model as both a handheld and a mobile CB. Just change the settings and you're ready to go. It works well in any situation even though it's small.

Next up is the Cobra HH50WXST. The SoundTracker technology makes it much easier to hear by cutting down on static. It also has NOAA weather alerts which are great for keeping people safe while they drive.

Finally the Uniden PRO401HH has a few basic but helpful features. It's light so it's easy to carry. It may look easy but it has a long range and battery life. A lot of people on trucking forums say these models are great.

How to keep things in good shape for a long time

You need to do regular maintenance on your handheld CB radio to keep it in good shape. Check to see that the antenna is connected first. Things can work very badly if the antenna is broken or loose. To keep dirt and rust from building up you should clean the terminals often.

You have to remember to take care of your battery. Most models come with rechargeable batteries but you should cycle them every so often to make them last longer. Don't keep rechargeable batteries plugged in all the time. This is a simple tip that will help you stay on top of your game.

Get good carrying cases to protect your things from drops and scratches. To keep up with the latest in radio communication read resources like the ARRL on a regular basis.

Use it wisely to get the most out of it.

Using a CB radio wisely can make a big difference. A good piece of advice? Learn how to use CB slang so you can talk to other truckers easily. When people say things like "10 4" (message received) or "Breaker 19" (request to use channel 19) things go smoothly on the airwaves.

Channel 19 is what truckers in North America use when they are on the road. The unofficial trucker channel makes it easy to share traffic updates in real time. But always be polite talking too much or jamming channels wastes everyone's time.

Learn when to switch your radio to dual watch mode. You can listen to another channel at the same time as your main one so you won't miss any important alerts. You should use your radio differently depending on where you are and what's going on. It's all about making your use safer and more effective by customizing it.

In short picking out a good handheld CB radio isn't just about picking out a device. It's all about knowing and using the best practices and unique features that will help you on the road. Have a good time driving!