When it comes to mobile, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, the CB radio is an excellent choice. It offers a reliable, license-free method of communication, making it ideal not only for truckers, but also off-roaders, truck camper adventurers, and those who enjoy remote travel in a group setting. It’s also an excellent way to stay up on traffic updates, hazard warnings, and emergency situations, particularly for those who are traveling on America’s highways and interstates.
CB radio has been used since the 1940s. It operates on 40 channels in the 11-meter band, a segment of the shortwave (HF) radio spectrum, from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz in the United States and Canada. These frequencies are spaced 10 kHz apart, utilizing Amplitude Modulation (AM), with Channel 9 reserved for emergencies and Channel 19 commonly used by truckers.
While the legal power of CB radio is limited to just 4 watts AM—and a range typically between 7 and 15 miles—under the right conditions, when solar flares are present, that minuscule, 4-watt CB signal can reach hundreds of miles through ionospheric refraction. Of course, the transmission range can be severely hampered by the terrain also, be it mountains, forests, and cities with tall buildings. Under these conditions, don’t be surprised if the range is reduced to only a few miles.
Truck Camper Adventure was recently introduced to the Retevis MB4 CB Radio. The MB4 is a compact 40-channel AM/FM CB radio designed for DIN-slot dashboard installation. It features a bright 2.4-inch display, a 2-watt front-facing speaker, and built-in noise cancellation to facilitate an irritation-free drive. Priced around $125 on Amazon.com, it offers a strong, clear audio, manual/auto squelch, and a 6-pin mic connectivity, making it ideal for vehicles needing a clean, integrated, and modern setup. The radio features an output of 4 watts AM and 3.5 watts FM. Unfortunately, the MB4 does not offer a 12 watt SSB (USB/LSB) mode.
The one thing that really separates the Retevis MB4 from the standard CB radio is its DIN-slot design. This allows the radio to be seamlessly installed in any standard DIN-size (2 inches high and 7 inches wide) slot, using the included DIN bracket. This type of installation eliminates suction cups, external brackets, and exposed wires found in many CB radio installations. The installation of the Retevis MB4 is easy too. No drilling of holes in the dash is required. Better yet, the purchase price includes a CB antenna too!
Key features of the Retevis MB4 CB Radio include:
- Large LCD display. The high-contrast color LCD screen features oversized text for instant readability; glance at critical info like channel or settings without taking your eyes off of the road.
- AM/FM modes. Switch to FM for crisp short-range chats or use AM to monitor distant highway traffic like a pro. Perfect for both off-road adventures and long-haul trucking.
- Compatibility with both 12V and 24V systems. The radio’s built-in cigarette lighter integration requires no professional installation or wiring modifications. Just plug-and-play.
- Handsfree driving. The radio’s VOX technology lets you keep both hands on the wheel, while staying connected, so you can focus on the road, not the radio.
- External Mounting Option. Don’t have an open DIN slot? No problem. The installation kit also includes an external mounting bracket, allowing for either a dash top or under dash installation.
Another thing we like about the Retevis MB4 is how easy it is to operate. Navigation is intuitive, and the display is large and easy to read. Functionality includes everything you need, including VOX, the roger beep, channel scanning, and memory channels. It also includes automatic squelch and noise cancellation features.
While the popularity of GRMS radio has taken off in a major way, the CB radio still has its merits. Indeed, it remains an excellent way to stay in touch when emergencies are encountered or when simple coordination by a group is required. As for the Retevis MB4 CB Radio, it’s a great, little unit. The fit and finish is excellent and the large, front-facing speaker is clear and loud enough for these aging ears. Better yet, it’s easy to use, easy to install, and the fact that comes with an antenna is a bonus. While the Retevis MB4 offers a lot for the money, it does lack two things we wish that it had: a single sideband (SSB) mode and a weather (WX) band. In spite of these omissions, the Retevis MB4 is a great little radio for the money.
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