how much info do you get via CB overnight?

[bxd20]

We drive from Cleveland to Tampa once a year.

I 71 through Ohio is daytime, but the rest of the trip happens overnight.

All using I 75:
KY TN GA FL

Arriving around breakfast.

Would a CB be of any benefit? When its 1am, in the hills of southern TN, is there much chatter about where the LEO might be waiting? The traffic is quite light in the 'deep' part of the night.

[supercowpowers]

I personally wouldn't speed without one, especially at night. Even if it doesn't work ideally, neither will your RD due to lack of traffic ahead to get I/O'd before it's your turn. It's good to have layers of protection so you're not just relying on one single countermeasure.

In the daytime it's not uncommon to just hear cops called out as people pass them. You just have to listen and you get a good realtime idea of where they're at. At night, you have to put more effort into actually sharing and offering information, and the best you might be able to get is a report of what a place 20 miles away looked like 15 minutes ago, but it's still something. Often you won't get a response if you don't sound like a trucker, so it helps to have a radio that's not bottom-of-the-barrel and to listen to how they talk so you know how to ask for what you're looking for.

I'm not sure what it's like in that particular area but I'd bet as long as you can be a little proactive in asking for information it can be helpful. You can get a very serviceable setup for around $150 so there's little reason to not take any help you can get. If $150 is a problem then speeding might not be a good idea at all...

[Akosikojak]

The CB radio is the most underrated CM there is IMO. You can bet your bottom dollar your will be much better off w/one in your automobile.

I agree w/supercowpowers about info sharing that = win. Any useful info to give up is great including where LEO's are, if the scales are open or not, any accidents you see, Road construction info and I even offer up weather info and road conditions.

Good luck on your trip and may it be uneventful.

[OpenRoad]

That appears to be the case in a lot of the country, but my travels on Interstate 80 through Utah and Nevada, it is hard to get info other than some funny conversations. Probably due to the fact there is such little enforcement between SLC and Reno, where along the 500 mile stretch you get hit an average twice with Ka. Most of the route is pretty quiet on the CB. Most of the truckers don't bother with a bear report, because the bears leave the truckers alone.

[jerry540i]

I've used a cb on that trek for over 20 years. Truckers will keep you well advised of bear traps all night.

[srtga]

You can't lose with a CB. I can't imagine going on a trip like that without one...

[Motor On]

You can't lose with a CB. I can't imagine going on a trip like that without one...

This.

Defense in layers, RD for Radar, LJs for LIDAR, CB for a mix of those and those just sitting and those that are pacing (and ones trying to sneak in your back door) and traffic hazards (for a 4 wheeler a gator blocking a lane can be a huge save). Like the others it's a tool, no tool is perfect but the layers certainly help your odds.

Now if it's a family trip get an earbud for the the CB so your kids don't show up to your destination cursing like a trucker.

[voyager7]

The CB radio is the most underrated CM there is IMO. You can bet your bottom dollar your will be much better off w/one in your automobile.

I agree w/supercowpowers about info sharing that = win. Any useful info to give up is great including where LEO's are, if the scales are open or not, any accidents you see, Road construction info and I even offer up weather info and road conditions.

Good luck on your trip and may it be uneventful.

X2.
I have used one since the mid 70's, some trips it is all chatter and good reports other times it is quiet, but still get some reports.
Getting some reports as compared to none at all is still worth it.

[speeddemon]

I don't know about the other states but FL should be active

[Arvetus]

I have been away from CB for many a year, mostly because I cannot stand the attitude a lot of CB'ers have, short range and I can usually get anything I need with 2m VHF, but am considering getting one for highway/interstate trips specifically for highway info: "bear" traps, construction info, traffic, etc.
Is ch19 still commonly used for this purpose?