Overlanding will keep you away from home for a long time. So, before you are off-roading, there is some equipment that you should prepare for the journey, and an off-road CB radio is part of that equipment.
Now, sure, a CB radio may be the last thing on your mind when getting your things ready. So, if you don’t know why you should make room for this device, we prepared a guide with all the answers you’re looking for.
Why should you have a CB radio off-road? Having a CB radio while off-roading will help maintain communication with other off-roaders in close proximity while navigating tricky terrain, a recovery situation, and even finding the right camping spot. A CB radio is a critical piece of equipment for off-roading.
Now, let’s see in more detail why a CB radio for off-roading is something you should consider. Read on as we’ll cover the necessary information in the following paragraphs.
Why CB Radios Are Perfect for Off-Roading
CB radios have long been used by professional drivers all over the world. These devices are popular even today, despite the fact that some people simply prefer to use other gadgets. Even if there are alternatives, CB radios still have some great benefits and people find them useful during overlanding trips.
If you’re not sure what to do and how a CB radio might help you during off-roading adventures, let’s take a look at the advantages.
Great Two-Way Communication Devices
Nowadays, you have smartphones and other devices that let you talk to your buddies. Still, they don’t come in handy in every situation, and when off-roading, you might want to try a different approach.
CB radios help you stay in touch with other offroaders, especially those in your close proximity. Often it’s just easier to click the button on your CB radio when your out on a group ride than picking up the phone. If you need help navigating a tricky area of the trail, or a recovery situation happens, communicating with each other will be as easy as a click of a button rather than grabbing a phone and calling your overlanding friends.
Besides, if you’re miles away and have no idea where you should set up camp for the night, the CB radio might be a wonderful and easy way to maintain communication until you find the right spot for camping and give each other directions.
You Don’t Need A License To Operate A CB Radio
Your options are varied when it comes to communications options. You can use UHF or VHF radios or take the easier route and use your smartphone for all purposes. Nevertheless, using any of these options comes with some extra costs.
In general, two-way radios require a license in order to work, which means that you’ll have to plan for the expenses in advance. As for mobile phones, they still require some payments for the service, even after you already purchased the phone itself.
You can go with prepaid phones and pay for every minute, or with a monthly plan that offers you a certain amount of talk time. Even if you expect these costs, handling them while off-roading is not pleasant.
Thus, CB radios become a great option because they don’t need a license to operate. Once you purchase the device and install it and the antenna, you won’t spend any extra penny.
Can Work Even in No-Signal Area
One thing that makes them so useful in offroading trips is the fact that they work even when you reach rural areas with no cellphone towers or Wi-Fi signal. Even in situations where you get stuck, the device will work and allow you to communicate your issue to those who can help you out.
The only aspect you’ll have to consider is to make the proper settings. For example, you might have to switch to the automatic noise limiter in populated areas, so radio clutter is reduced. The microphone gain should also be set to the maximum.
Different Channels Available
CB radios come with a variety of channels that you can use during your journeys. Each channel is unique and provides content that you might enjoy or simply find useful while offroading. You can listen to entertaining things or keep yourself up to date with weather-related information or events involving road accidents.
There are even channels monitored by authorities that can help you in a situation involving accidents and serious injuries and send help your way.
How to Choose a Proper CB Radio for Off-Roading?
CB radios can help you out as long as you make sure to pick the right device. The radio you get and its features will affect its performance and the experience you have during your overlanding trip.
So, before you decide on which CB radio to settle for, here are some aspects that will influence the experience you have with the device.
Good Backlit Display
You may want to be able to see the display of the CB radio properly, particularly if you’re often in low-light conditions. A backlit display will be useful, but you need to make sure you choose a device that generates enough light to let you see the details displayed. If you want easy reading, then keep in mind that the amount of light the screen generates is important in this regard.
NOAA Weather Channels
Knowing the weather conditions before you go overlanding can save you a lot of trouble. If you want to keep your tabs on the weather patterns, you need something that offers you the right weather channels. After all, you cannot take your phone out of your pocket all the time to familiarize yourself with the upcoming weather conditions.
Having a CB radio with NOAA weather channels enabled can positively influence your experience. It’ll offer weather reports in real-time and send notifications when there are updates you should be aware of.
Public Address Function
When you find yourself in an emergency, getting help as soon as possible is the most important thing. CB radios usually come with channels where you could voice your problems and ask for help, but a Public Address function can have an even greater influence on this aspect.
A PA function allows you to connect to a public address and make sure you’re being heard. If you want to reach out to larger groups of people or you want to locate someone who needs help, this feature will definitely have an impact.
Automatic Noise Limiters
You want to be heard clearly when using the CB radio for communication, but you obviously wouldn’t be able to do that if there’s too much noise in your surroundings. With an automatic noise limiter function, your speech will become clear. It’ll have a great influence on your trip when you’re off-roading and your engine’s noise or other background noise make you sound muffled.
Channel Scan
A unit with an amazing channel scan function is often a great choice as it’ll offer better access to your preferred channels. There are up to 40 stations available, but it’d be inconvenient to manually scan through all of them. Thus, a channel scan function can be a positive feature when you want the device to do the work on your behalf while you pay attention to the road.
Final Thoughts on CB Radios for Off-Road
The CB Radio connects you with other offroaders so that you can ask for help and offer help when necessary. These radios work even in areas with no signal, and they let you choose from up to 40 stations. On top of that, you don’t need to pay for any license to use them.
An off-road CB radio can come in different models, and if you get the right one, it will be your best companion during an overlanding trip. We hope that this guide has answered your question “why should you have a CB radio off-road?” and now you can choose the best device for you.
