CARAVANNERS UHF CHANNEL

Most use 18 or 23, some have 2 radios and set one on 40 and the other on 18.
Have a good one.

Hi Tuck 01

We have a sign on the back of the Van (CH 18 UHF) 75mm letters,
most Caravaners use Ch 18, some use Ch 40, we just leave the CB on
Scan Mode, we very rarely have any complaints from Truckies ect,
we allways give motorists enough room to pass ect.

Cheers
Daza

As well as the channel, you can write your name on the back of your van too, so the truckies know what to call you ;-)

40 is the call up channel, used by most people, especially trucks.

You can always make contact on 40, and cal back to go up or down a couple of chanels, as most truckies don't want people "dribbling on", on their call up channel.

Another thing you can do is to get some stick on letters, and put your prefered call up channel/channels, on the back of your van.

We have 2 prefered channels on the back of our camper,, Ch 18 (as far as I know, this is the "caravanners channel ) and Ch 40.

Just a courtesy thing, and it seems to work, you can even put your nickname with it.

Anything to help

Cheers
Bucky

Ch 18 for caravans.


Ch 40 for trucks.


If I'm going on a bit of a trip I'll program 18 & 40 into the 'group scan' function. Although it generally get's pretty busy around high population areas in which case I tend to turn the radio off.

In remote areas, I'll leave the radio on open scan to pick up anything. Particularly helpful if you come across someone coming toward you on a dirt road. If they're part of a convoy, you'll hear them warning the rest of your group that you're coming, so you know there are other vehicles in front of you. It can be a good opportunity to say g'day, have a chat and ask about road conditions etc.

Yes fuel prices are on the increase however, if you are travelling a highway with a 100 km/ph speed then you can expect that most vehicles will be approaching you from behind (and ahead) at said speed or greater. Now if you are travelling along well below the said speed limit, trying to save fuel etc, then you must accept that it is likely that a vehicle may round a bend or top a crest to be confronted by you and your rig 'tootling along'. What do you think could happen?
Speed limits are set according to road conditions, terrain etc and it is a reasonable expectation of most drivers with average driving skills that they will/may travel in accordance with posted speed limits.
I do not endorse motorists, caravanners or others travelling below the speed limit in order to conserve fuel, 'star-gaze', sight-seeing or because their vehicle lacks sufficient power to move their rig along. Such thoughtlessness is both dangerous and inconsiderate and motorists have been known to attract Police attention and resulting fines for such actions.
Now, it is my wish that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. May your journeys be endowed with tail winds, copious amounts of readily available water, heavily discounted fuel and ample firewood (where necessary). Above all please consider other road users in your travels and be mindful of the potential hazard/risk you may present to others by both your presence and actions. Yes the UHF radio can be an asset however it works both ways and if another motorists ( etc) considers they you may be unescessarily delaying them you may get a mouthful of abuse of highly offensive (%&@*^%!- censored) language.

Hi Tuck,

Caravan channel is 18 as stated.

Truck channel on the Pacific H/way between Sydney and Brisbane is channel 29 as for the Hume I am not sure but every where else the truck channel is 40, at least from my experience.

I usually work on the principal that if there are more than 3 vehicles behind me I should be looking for a place to let them pass. As I am on holidays, when towing the van, I have plenty of time whereas the truckies don't and the other vehicles may also contain people trying to do a job or have limited time and so need to get to their destinations quickly.

It is just a courtesy and cost me nothing and as I have help a fellow traveller I get a warm fuzzy feeling. (Geez I'm good) and takes pressure off me which is the most important thing.

Regards,
Bruce.

Thanks everyone for the advice.
Yes, there will be a "Jeff & Deb" sticker on the back, referring people to Ch 18.
Cheers

Hi tuck 01,
Below is a list of UHF radio channels and their uses...

Regards, John

UHF Radio Channel Allocation
Below you will find a list of UHF Radio channel allocations. There are many channels that have been established by law including the Emergency channel 5 and the data transmission channels 22 and 23.
1 to 8 - These channels, which are established by law, can be used when sending a signal to a repeater which will help increase the communication distance
5 - This channel, which is established by law, can be used by anyone but only in an emergency situation
9 - Used for conversations
10 - Used by 4WD enthusiasts, clubs, convoys and in national parks
11 - Calling channel. This channel, which is established by law, is used to call or locate another station. Parties will then switch to another channel to continue with their conversation
12 to 17 - Used for conversations
18 - Holiday maker’s communication channel (e.g. when in a convoy)
19 to 21 - Used for conversations
22 and 23 - These two channels are used for data transmissions and is established by law. Voice transmissions are not allowed on these two channels
24 to 30 - Used for conversations
29 - Highway Communications which are mainly used by truck drivers and other highway users
31 to 38 - These channels, which are established by law, are received by a repeater and re-transmitted on channels 1 to 8 to help increase the communication distance
35 - Can be used in case of Emergencies also
39 - Used for conversations
40 - Highway Communications which are mainly used by truck drivers and other highway users