I'm not necessarily saying go Ham. There's GMRS. $75 for a 10yr license that covers your entire household and is good for up to 50W. A FULL 1/4 wave antenna is about 6" long, not 9' like CB.
Anyways, that's my $0.02. I have invested a lot in CB over the years and it was a gateway drug for Ham. I have an old JC Penney side bander I saved from the scrap pile I've been wanting to set-up at home to chat with the truckers at the new truck stop. But I'm doubtful I'll ever have another one in my vehicle at this point.
