Heading up to Port Macquarie from Sydney. Which UHF channel do I use, I don't want to hold the truckles up, so is it 40? I have heard that on the M1 it is 29? I am not an expert.
Heading up to Port Macquarie from Sydney. Which UHF channel do I use, I don't want to hold the truckles up, so is it 40? I have heard that on the M1 it is 29? I am not an expert.
Hi Warren, There will be little need to use your UHF on that road, but 29 is correct.
Inland it's all Channel 40 and if, on a single lane highway, a truckie approaches from behind just let him know that you're aware that he's there. "I see you there mate, and I'll get you past as soon as I can" is all that's needed.
That will be appreciated because large numbers of caravanners drift along in a dreamworld of their own, oblivious to all traffic around them.
As soon as the road is clear ahead a quick "All good mate" is all that's required to let him know it's safe to have a look. He then will decide whether to go, or not.
DO NOT SLOW DOWN at this point.
Once he's alongside you, and fully committed to the overtaking manoeuvre,you can then slow a little if you wish to give him a bit of room to quickly get past.
Another method which a small but increasing number of caravanners are learning to use is to give 2-3 flashes of your right blinker to say that you think that it's safe for the truckie to at least have a look. This needs to be done, if possible, as the truck nears you, because momentum is our friend, and once a truck has been forced to slow to your speed it will take a very long time, and distance, to get back up to speed.
Truckies really appreciate any assistance, and once they've safely passed you they will usually give a quick left-right-left flash with their indicators to say "Thanks".
Great place for quality meal and coffee at good price is off the highway at Moorland (Tuckabox) which does real sit-down meals, (Roast dinner etc) as opposed to the crap-food (KFC,Maccas etc) you are going to find at Taree service centre and other on-highway fuel stops.
Enjoy your travels! Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 22nd of October 2023 12:29:54 PM
Ch 29 is used on the Pacific Hwy, but nearly everywhere else, they use Ch 40. You wont be holding trucks up anyway because it is a divided road all the way. Be aware that the further North you go, there are no servos on the highway. You have to turn off and go into a major roadside centre. This is no big deal, since they are all clearly marked.
We use 40 as main channel, although we monitor "scan" continuously.
Main problem is language in Cities. To the point if, travelling with children in our group we utilise old Hand-held CB sets between vehicles - lets them have a little play.
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The main thing is if your talking to another RV etc ? Move to another quiet channel . Unless your warning of passing ? Road conditions etc general info
The main thing is if your talking to another RV etc ? Move to another quiet channel . Unless your warning of passing ? Road conditions etc general info
Great advice Graeme. The last thing we truckies need is a couple of caravanners blocking the channel while discussing what they did last night, and where to stop for the next cup of coffee.
Simple solution is for one of them to say "Drop down a couple", or whatever, so they can dribble elsewhere. Cheers
