Why do off road clubs and 4x4 groups commonly use CB Channel 4?
Many off road clubs, including WATTORA have standardized on CB channel 4 for events. There are several reasons for choosing that channel. In the same way that truckers know they can go to channels 17 and 19 on the CB to reach other truckers on the highway's, off road users needed a channel where they had a chance of being able to raise someone else who could actually get to where they are at.
Channel 16 (4x4) is already in use and is common reserved for sideband transmissions only. As a result, channel 4 became the obvious choice. Clubs will often designate channel 8 (4+4) as a backup channel in the event that channel 4 is too crowded.
Keep in mind that groups often meet on channel 4, then migrate to another channel to lessen the crowding on the "hailing frequency" and other clubs do use other channels all together, but the next time you are off road, try giving a shout on channel 4, many of us monitor it, even when we are using other channels for a formal run. If you are in need of assistance or just want to say "hello" to an off road group, try out channel 4 to start.
I noticed via our web logs that this page is seeing a lot of traffic from CB forums. Welcome CB enthusiasts!
This page is a variation on a page that used to be visible at http://www.jeepmadness.com/cbstandard.htm with basically the same content. I have been into CB's since 1976 when I purchased my first radio and into off-roading since 1983. On my very first trail ride in 1983, I heard an explanation for using channel 4 off road that was very similar to that listed above, so it has been in use in that way since at least then... I have seen the same sentiment listed on other clubs web pages, but you might have to do some searching.
-Rob