Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 11:23
Flapper,
The following is a posting I put on the Bushtracker Owners Group site, and this will explain why it's best to be on 40.:-
Channel 18 is recognised as the Caravanning Channel but I for one would rather travel on the truckies Channels viz. 40 everywhere, except the Pacific Highway between Hexham and
Brisbane, where Channel 29 is used. Reason for using these Channels, is, despite the odd bit of bad language (which we can help reduce) you can enhance safety in sharing the road. e.g. when you see a truck coming up behind you, tell him/her you can see them, and tell them "I'll back off when you pull out to pass" In most cases you can see that there's nothing coming before the truck driver does, so call him 'round. eg. "all clear, bring ér round"
When the back of the trailer has passed your bull bar.... "Okay bring 'er in" or, flash your lights.
Another one is if you are coming up to a narrow bridge, call "2.5 van southbound", then any truck approaching the bridge from the other side will back off and let you over the bridge first. If the truckie calls first of course, you had better back off or you' could lose your awning or worse. Classic example of this is the
Coopernook bridge on the Pacific Highway.
You'll find truckies really appreciate this co-operation from caravanners, the bad language disappears, they admire your BT, and often a short, friendly conversation will ensue. They will also let you know of any road conditions ahead (you can do the same for him/her) including roadwarks, accidents, stock on road, and of course, where there's a camera, Evil Kaneval, hair dryer, or a plain one. If it's "watch your windscreen", it means there's one right ahead of you. Of course towing your BT, it is unlikey that you are going to be speeding, but always be aware when you hear these messages...could be in a 50 zone, school zone or roadworks site.
So, regardless of the growing number of caravans on the road, some with 18 written on the back, I still prefer to be on the truckies channels and display 40 on the back. You don't need to show 29, as, if you are on the Pacific Highway, truckies will know you're on 29. Caravans represent less than 5% of traffic between 10am and 3pm, and less than 3% at other times, whereas trucks exceed 10% all the time.
And, don't forget, your BT is the same width as a B-Double!!
cheers............Rob
AnswerID:
147360