I have noticed quiet a few vans have names and their uhf channel on the back of the van. Is this a good idea, what channel should you use. Your thoughts please. 

There are a number sites on the net listing UHF Channels and their uses, here's one of them...

http://www.uhfcb.com/UHF--Channel-Infomation.php

Channel 18 is "Caravanners" channel,  40 (29 in some places) is "truckies" Channel.  Monitoring 40 will extend your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar!

Other GN "forumites" will no doubt give you their ideas on whether to display a "call-sign" and channel.

We used to use 18 but there was never anybody around, or maybe we were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

We now use 40 (29 on the Pacific Highway) as on here, if you ignore the vocabulary in urban areas, you at least get notice of road works, wide loads or traffic incidents.

We have had no trouble with the trucks, just let them know your intentions if you are going to turn or whatever and everything is sweeti.

We have our names and uhf18 on the back of the van. We do this to invite people to talk to us but they rarely do. Bus drivers and some truckies will call and let you know when they are going to pass. We also make it a habit to call anyone we see with similar info on there vans as we  expect they put it there so peoplewill call. we have had some very interesting conversations and met some great people because of this.

Having your forum nick on the back of your van with UHF 18/40 is good as it gives the caller a name to refer to.instead of ..example..."the RoadStar ahead" ..."your wheel is falling off"... .would be better to say ....."Ma"...."you on channel"??? Just my idea any way

We have had our name and UHF channels on the back of both our Campertrailer and Van.

We have been called up many times, mainly on 40 by truckies, and had a chat.

As previously said, at least you know they are calling you not someone else that could be kilometres away. Plus we can call up a truck approaching from behind using "truck behind Ron and Shirley we will ease off when you pull out to overtake".

Also in camp it breaks the ice somewhat when strangers come up and say "G'day Ron".

Photo of the rear of our van at Asyons Reserve Elmore (Camps 5 Vic 475) where we had the pleasure of meeting up with GN Jon (Jonathan) at the HF Radio Club Meet.

-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Tuesday 23rd of November 2010 01:27:14 PM

I have the UHF 40 on the back of the van. If I want to chat I suggest going to 18. I get the "Roma" thing and the "Granny" thing when they're calling me. I usually let the truck drivers know I've seen them in my mirror and we chat when they pass. This last trip I didn't have many calls but it does help to keep track of road conditions, road works, and Police patrols, not that I'd ever be speeding with the van on. It's all about communication and information.

and any one that sees blaze and wife therese on the road we will have a sign plotter on board to fit up your name and channel n umber if you havnt got one and would like it done cheers blaze ps 26 days of work left and departure date of january 27th slowly, ever so slowly approaching

I have UHF 18 on  the back of the van(it was there when I bought it)but have never been able to contact a fellow Vanner(they either don't have UHF,or couldn't be bothered).I will include ch40 on the van once I get back to Rocky,but having UHF,may I say, is very handy.As others have said you can talk to truckies etc and let them know you're aware of them and prepared to back off or pull over.Great tool,and the truckies appreciate contact,and you can be aware of road conditions and on-coming loads.
Would'nt be without it
David

Thanks for all the replies,It seems like a good idea even if it's only to talk to a truckie and be aware of a B double anxiously waiting to overtake.

I posted this reply on another posting titled "WHICH CHANNELS" on the GN forum!


As a WA accredited pilot driver - operator, I would strongly advise to use ch. 40. All the trucks, pilots etc use that channel. It can be quite frustating when trying to call up a vehicle with a caravan only to find out eventually they are on another channel.
By all means talk to the pilot or truck if you need information regarding dimentions of an oncoming load.
I do know the language can sometimes a bit rough, however in the interests of road safety, try and bear with it!

I can give more advice on piloting matters if required!


-- Edited by thommo on Friday 26th of November 2010 06:54:43 PM