Ham GMRS or CB

Looking for a radio for overlanding.

1. Which one…. Ham GMRS or CB?
2. Which brand
3. What antenna

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clean-vhf-cb-radio-installs.415584/

 

How did u fund this thread? Is there a search function? I’ve been looking through some of the forums

 

Go with the type that the people you run with use. Around my area, most of the clubs have moved to GMRS. No one uses CB unless you're a trucker. And Ham is kind of intimidating for people, along with needed to take a test to get licensed. GMRS needs a license as well, but you pay the fee online and have a license within a few minutes or hours.

The one thing that does irritate me with GMRS/FRS, is a lot of businesses are using them around here. Specifically, daycares calling up kids for parent pick up, and Chick-fil-a in their long ass lines. Kind of fun to jump in their conversations and order a free meal for the guy in the white taco! (Which hasn't worked yet, but the confusion is totally worth it.)

 

Probably going to go with HAM or GMRS or both. I’m looking at the thread above to get ideas about install. What radio and antenna do u recommend

 

The group I run with all have Midland radios. I went with a

$160 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio - 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone - Overland Caravanning Tractors - Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275. I liked that the controls are built into the mike. I mounted the base under the passenger seat with a couple screws just into the carpet. It doesn't slide around at all.

As far as antenna, most of my buddies use either the Midland 3DB Ghost antenna or the Midland 6DB Whip. That is the "Easy Button" way. I wanted a small whip without the exposed coil. I also wanted to mount it to my passenger ditch light bracket with a custom length cable. So I went with a Laird BB4505CNS 5DB non-ground plane antenna. And you also need a NMO style mount, a amphenol connector and some soldering skills to go that direction. And maybe a friend with a meter to tune the antenna.

 

I've heard this about GMRS - lots of businesses using it. We don't have too many repeaters in my area, so it hasn't really taken off yet.

I'd argue there are quite a few people still using CB, especially in my area. I feel like enough people still use it to where it'd be worthwhile to have a CB, even if it's just a handheld unit. My vote is you get all three - HAM, CB & GMRS

 

I like that the

$160 MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio - 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone - Overland Caravanning Tractors - Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

MXT275 has everything on the handle. I’m also looking at the MTX 400 since it has more power. and probably go with the 3DB Ghost antenna

 

Not sure if I’ll have enough room but good idea to have all 3

 

Being serious, I'd just run whatever your buddies offroad run. I'd say a decent enough amount of people still run CB and you can find very small CB radios nowadays that won't take up much room on your dash. You can always upgrade or add a radio down the road.

If you're new to CB radios and don't want something complicated, take a look at the President Bill CB radio - it's about the same size as an iPhone and kicks out decent power for the size. Hook it up to their detatchable pretuned antenna (New Virginia) and you'll be in business in no time. President makes some damn good radios and they have some great options if/when you decide to step up to something a little more heavy duty.

 

Good info. I like small and simple

 

I'm an old timer, but I've used cb for many years, hunting and driving long trips. Good to hear of an accident miles before you get there, stuck in a standstill, and how to get around it if needed. gmrs is nice also, my suggestion is get both. I run a 30yr old K40 magnet mount, as good as they get and removable when not used. Wilson also makes a good mag mount.