UHF, JUST TALK TO ME

Haary & Ann.
gday mate.i usually try to call the ones i do see with the UHF channel on the back of the van,but sometimes when you call them they dont answer. make everyones job easier if both parties know what is going to happen at the next overtaking lane i think.

safe travels,cheers.

Hi Harry and Ann

I have not found this problem. I normally simply call "Northbound train are you on channel", or whatever is appropriate, and I almost always get a response quickly.

Too many people I hear are using the CB saying stuff like code numbers, "breaker", and all that sort of thing, I do not engage them in conversation. I treat the CB simply as an alternative to the phone and simply speak normally, without all the "rogers" and "10/4's", and have a great chit chat sometimes.

I am not a caravanner, so I cannot speak for "snails" (metaphor for people with their house behind them), but I do know that a lot of drivers are getting annoyed that their parking bays are getting blocked up. They are choosing radio silence, and that is their right.

Cheers

Harry

No, I’ve found it to be the opposite, particularly if the conversation is a ‘two way street’.

In addition to that, locals are very helpful over the UHF if you’re trying to find something in an unfamiliar town.

Cheers

We are 5 months into a 7 month trip around Oz and have found that truckies either try to call or we call them. Most caravans have the UHF call details and we find that gets used often. Also as said the locals in towns are great giving directions etc. Mind you there are times we have to turn it down due to the language with the kids in the car! Just remember the truckies appreciate it when caravanners are considerate.

Hi Harry & Ann, funny you should say that, we had noticed on our trips this year that we have had the silent treatment from a couple of truckies out there, one we had the caravan the other just the Patrol but loaded up for camping.
We have never had a problem with them and certainly don't use 'breaker breaker' 'roger roger' language. We just thought they had their radios off or their music up too high to hear us. One in particular used his indicator to let us know to pass so we thanked him for his effort but got no response. Hasn't bothered us at all, we still contact them if need be.
We don't and never have pulled up in a truck bay to camp unless there is tracks out the back of them where trucks can't go.

Cheers

D

Haven't had any trouble talking to trucks on 40, but have found that the majority of caravans with UHF stickers on the back don't answer on their signed channel.

Maybe the trucks are just giving up. :-)

Hi Harry and Ann

We find very few initiate conversation, but respond pleasantly when we communicate with one. Rarely, a driver will announce that he is about to pass us and didn't know if we had seen him (we had of course). Nice contact to get all the same.

It is a common problem that caravanners don't respond, even with channel stickers on their caravan. Some truckies may have 'given up' trying. We are now reluctant to call other caravanners as so few respond.

We have a big 40 painted on the back and on the front of our caravan.

Motherhen

When truck drivers talk to each other now it is usually brief. Years ago they seemed to talk longer on average than they do now. Maybe it's just the modern trend that affects us all and not just truck drivers.

Maybe we have too many communication devices now and nothing much to really say.

I have had no success trying to talk to caravanners displaying 18. I can't even recollect anyone using 18 near me when travelling. A few have used 40. Can't see the point of displaying a number like 18 or 40 if the CB is turned off more than it is turned on. Better not to have a number on the back if the CB is usually off.

Flynnie

I think the main problem is that truckies use 29 as the main channel and you need to be on that to be able do any thing. B

thank you all for your varied, and valued reply's good on ya"s.

Harry and Ann, might I just add that a lot of it depends on which area and what time of day.

Here in good ole Adelaide, there are a group of "organ pullers" who jam up channel 40 with anything from live radio broadcasts to burping noises almost 24/7. I for one, never have the UHF on channel 40 when within coooeee of Adelaide. There are no language bleeps, and my kids don't need the encouragement.

On the flip side, if you're travelling at night, especially during sleep alley (3-5am), I'd say most truckies would LOVE a converstaion and will probably generate enough small talk to make your mother in law look like a mute.

On a recent trip up north, we came across a string of 4 huge 3-4 trailer roadtrains between Birdsville and Windorah. The wind was blowing from the West which made it impossible to see around their overtaking side. A quick call on the UHF had these guys pulling to the right hand side of the road so we could overtake them on the left.

Karma was in full swing that day. We pulled over a few hours later once we got back on the bitumen and had some lunch. Lo and behold, about 30 minutes later, the same string of trucks pulled in to check their loads etc. The Kelly Kettle was hot so in no time at all, the cook had cups of tea/coffee ready for all these blokes. The kids had a play in the trucks and got some great photos, and this actually became a highlight of what would have been a pretty boring leg of the journey.

Truckies, grey nomads, day trippers etc all have one thing in common. The love of the open road. The only difference being we generally have our families travelling with us, where as their family is waiting back home for "daddy to come home". Working together, we can all make sure that everyone gets home safe.

Fab.

I would not take this silent treatment as being personal, I drove interstate on and off for over 20 years and have noticed that in the last few years the driver culture has change out there. Truck drivers hardly even speak to each other now. Once there was a real camaraderie out there but not anymore.
Shame really it was once a great job.

Cheers Dave

I've always had good interaction with truckies and use the UHF as a resource all the time. When you travel in the NW and drive a "slow one" (ie no turbo) then you need them to know what's going on and what you intend to do. I have overtaken purely on their say so at all times of the day and and on some strange stretches of road so it is a wonderful tool. Can't say as any of them have initiated conversations but some sure have repsonded in damned quick time so were obviously keen to chat................lol.

On the flip side I cannot EVER remember a c/vanner or "snail" responding to my calls

We've never had a problem in 3 yers on the road, except the foul mouths (truckies and others around Brissy).

I often initiate contact,,, never had a complaint and almost always good friendly response and thanks or flash lights etc

with wider highways and trucks sitting comfortably on 100kph, not much need to talk IMO,,, BUT on hilly and narrow sections we can all show some initiative and seek to let others past,, not just trucks,, but as it's their living we should assist to keep em rollin

hey they're human just like everyone and you find all types

a lot of caravanners have a lot to answer for too,,,,

anyway I enjoy the UHF banter but avoid the 10/4,, roger etc mentioned above

out bush had some good conversations with truckies on the their load and destination,,, often very interesting to me,,, they sometimes ask what are your thoughts on XXXX to keep their interest up

my 2 cents worth (haven't had it for ages - my 2 cents woth that is,, lol)

Truckies don't need to call caravaners up to pass every time like the good ol days as they now have 500 horse power so overtalikng is not the issue it once was.
I too have had little success calling vans with their name & channel displayed so now rarely bother.
Cheers Craig............

dont give up .... they are hearing you but with one hand on the wheel and one on the gearstick it leaves nuthin to hold the mic and if you are behind a truck going up a hil then he is changing gears and actually driving it...
They ALL listen and hear you loud and clear and get your point so keep on talkin even if you dont get a reply ....
It's a bit like being "married" ...... sooooo glad Mel dont read these..
hahaha
Cheers