Citizens Band radio is a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals on a selection of 40 channels.
We take a look at some of the best value CB radio`s for your campervan or motorhome.
In December 2006, CB radio was deregulated by Ofcom and it is now licence-free. Although the use of CB radios in the UK has declined from its peak, it is still very popular, especially with the farming community, Land Rover owners and Mini-Cab services. It is also fitted as standard to 'Street Glide' and 'Electra Glide' models of Harley Davidson motorcycles sold in the UK.
Why Get A CB Radio For Your Campervan?
There are a few good reasons to have a CB radio in your campervan but overall its just really really cool!
Now its not going to be quite like the good old days when you were never short of people to talk to, whether it was one of your friends on the other side of town or a lorry passing through things have changed and its not quite the same.
As many of us campervan owners like to get out into the countryside, off the beaten track and as far away from civilisation as possible this does mean we can have real problems with getting a mobile signal, 99% of the time this is fine and we are more than happy for the peace and quiet but there is always that chance that we might need some assistance, it could be that your campervan wont start or more importantly a medical emergency.
If either of these situations were to arise and you had no mobile signal at all, your only other hope would be for someone to stumble upon you.
These alone would be great reasons to have a CB radio installed in your campervan, you could simply scan through the channels and ask for help, now you may well reach someone who can not help you directly but there's every chance the person on the other end has access to a phone and can arrange the help you need.
Having a CB radio in your campervan is also just great fun! imagine plodding down the motorway and being able to have a chat with the lorry driver in front of you, or a campervan you can see a few miles up ahead, you can exchange your stories of where you've been or going, who knows you might be going to the same place!
If there has been an accident and the traffic is building up you can warn other CB users to avoid the area and vice versa.
If you are unlucky enough to be stuck in a traffic jam having a CB in your campervan is a great way to pass the time!
#1 - Thunderpole T-800
Multi Channel Operation: 80 UK/EU Channels plus European bands
12 Volt Input, 4 Watt RF Output, LED Channel Display, Signal Meter, AM/FM Button, UK/EU Button,
Channel 9, Channel 19, RF Gain, Auto / Manual Squelch, Up/Down Microphone with Auto Squelch Key,
Internal Speaker, Extension Speaker Socket, 115 (W) x 38 (H) x 150 (D) mm,
Antenna Length: 1.55m, Antenna Power Handling: 1000 Watts; Mag: 7" Magnetic Mount 4.5m cable with fitted PL259 plug.
The Thunderpole T-800 is a user-friendly CB radio you can depend upon everyday, whether you want this CB to communicate with friends or as a solid business tool, it has everything you need from a compact radio. It has all the essential features, including AM/FM channels, Multi-band operation with UK and 8 European bands, auto-squelch, bright LED display, signal meter and multifunction microphone. Thunderpole T-800, combining value and reliability in a compact CB Radio.
#2 - Midland M-MINI USB CB Radio
M-MINI is the new ultra compact radio by Midland. Measuring only 102 x 100 x 25 mm, it can fit even in the smallest spaces and it's easy to install: just connect it to the cigarette lighter outlet
Multi-standard and multiband transceiver. It can reach the main European frequency bands (I, I2, D4, EU, EC, PL, UK, IN) and a new 27 CH International channel legal in Italy and in most EU countries
Double Squelch mode (9 and 28 levels) with 9/19 emergency channel. LCD display with S-Meter. Adjustable reception attenuator (RF gain). Socket for an external speaker on the back
The aluminium chassis makes the M-MINI USB CB Radio robust and resistant to any movement. The front USB socket allows you to recharge all your devices. Removable microphone with RJ45 socket
The package contains: CB M-MINI USB, microphone with UP/DOWN keys, power cord with cigarette lighter socket, fixing screws, mounting bracket. Dimensions HxLxP 102x100x25 mm. Weight: 450 gr
#3 - Midland M30 CB
The Midland M-30 is equipped with a wireless connection, thanks to its Bluetooth WA accessories which allow you to communicate hands-free
Like the other CB radios, the M30 has multi-band, large LCD display and white backlighting, AM/FM switch, automatic digital squelch, selectable audio, Noise Blanker System
The M-30, in contrast to all the others, is also equipped with an internal SWR meter and with a protection function (programmable through the special software) which allows it to shield the transmitter from high SWR values (ROS)
The M30 adds features such as: large TFT display, scanning function, Dual Watch, customisable Roger Beep, Emergency Channels 9/19 and the priority channel and the Noise Blanker
In the package: Midland M-30, microphone, fixing screws, mounting bracket
Midland M-30 CB transceiver is a top-of-the-line product intended for users who want a performance and customisable station with a wide display. The radio can be powered to the car battery at both 12V and 24V and can be mounted on all road vehicle categories. The metal chassis makes the Midland M-30 radio a robust and elegant product at the same time. Another advantage of this radio is the 6 programmable buttons that can be associated with up to 3 functions.
#4 - Thunderpole T-3000
Multi Channel Operation: 80 UK/EU Channels plus European bands
12 & 24 Volt Input, 4 Watt RF Output, Large Dimmable LCD Display (7 colours), AM/FM Modes
One Button Band Switching, Channel 9 & Channel 19, S-Meter, Scan Function, Key Lock, Auto + Manual Squelch
Up / Down Channel + ASQ Mic Buttons, Front Speaker, 2-Pin Accessory Socket, VOX, Fitted Plug, 187mm (W) x 56mm (H) x 85mm (D)
Antenna Length: 0.78m, Antenna Power Handling: 100 Watts
The Thunderpole T-3000 CB radio is a unique CB radio with a front speaker design that can be mounted almost anywhere. If you want a versatile CB radio that performs extremely well and also has user friendly features such as a large 7 colour dimmable display, backlit buttons, auto-squelch, scan function and 8 frequency bands that are available at the touch of a button, then the T-3000 is for you. The T-3000 comes pre-set to the UK channels and is DIN sized for easy dash mounting. It has advanced features such as VOX facility, 2 pin hands-free capability, AM/FM switching, 12v / 24v auto-switching and key-lock. Thunderpole T-3000, like no other.
#5 - Midland M20 CB Radio
The Midland M-20 is equipped with a wireless connection, thanks to its Bluetooth WA accessories which allow you to communicate hands-free. The 2 pin socket allows for the use of traditional Midland accessories
Like the other CB radios, the M20 has multi-band, large LCD display and white backlighting, AM/FM switch, automatic digital squelch, selectable audio, ANL and Noise Blanker System
Three characteristics that make the M20 truly high-performance: the large LCD screen, the rotating knob to change the channel directly on the microphone and the indicator on the display of the operating band
M20 adds functionality such as the 9-19 emergency channel, the microphone with Up/Down, the USB socket, the socket for external microphone and for the external S-Meter, and the 6 pin microphone connector
In the package: Midland M-20, microphone, mounting bracket, fixing screws, power cable.