CB, GMRS, or what?

What is the recommended (most popular) radio to use?

Asking for help when out there alone?

When meeting others for group rides?

 

CBs used to be really popular. My group of people have switched to GMRS. I know a lot of people use HAM as well. GMRS is better than CB, but not nearly as good as HAM. You do need a cheap license to technically use GMRS, just a fee you pay to register, no test. HAM you do have to go take a test and pass to get a license to use it legally.

Check what your local off-road group uses. If you’re alone and want a way to call for help, a HAM radio will be able to go the farthest and there are probably at least a few repeaters setup near you.

 

GMRS is a $35 license that is good for 10 years. More range than CB. And you can get a decent handheld for about $50

 

GMRS. I installed my Motorola unit in my glove box and ran an RJ45 jack to one of the blanks on my switch panel.

 

The above responses cover the differences.

CB = most popular, but worst clarity and distance
GMRS = much better clarity, still somewhat limited on distance. FCC license
HAM = even better. Test and FCC license

At the end of the day, if you are a solo traveler in any sort of risky situation or activity you may want to consider alternatives such as Garmin InReach or similar. All of the above two-way radios rely on someone to be listening and someone willing to forward your message to the appropriate authorities. With an InReach you pay (by way of a yearly or monthly fee) to have 100% global coverage and 24/7 monitoring service.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/

There are other similar units out there, I just happen to have the InReach

 

One note here is that if folks are in an actual, real emergency (well beyond just needing a tow), you can use any equipment on any band. No license needed.


IMHO, this coming sat comms from cell phones is going to be a massive game changer. I went down the HAM license path to use APRS. The learning and testing was fun, but the actual utility was underwhelming.

 

I just got the

$110 radioddity db20-g GMRS mobile radio for car vehicle, 20W long range two way radio with cigarette lighter plug, 500 channels, VOX, display sync, for off road overlanding 4x4

radioddity db20-g but still waiting on the antenna mount. It has great reviews plus with a key push you can unlock it and was only $100.

 

I’ll probably never do a permanent install, opting instead for a handheld eventually. However, that is a slick install with the jack in the switch blank.

 

I have this gmrs set up in my jeep switched out the cb. Unfortunately nobody in my area ever seems to be on whenever I turn it on. Originally installed it to have for the NH jeep invasion as most have switched to gmrs instead of cb for these outings.

 

It depends on the crew you wheel with. We all went GMRS, works great for us. Lots of radios, ability to remote install the box, works with handhelds. Comms on trail rides and long trips are a must in my opinion. I had a radio go down on Top of the World, kinda sucked not being able to easily communicate with the crew. Once I had the right tools, I was able to take it apart and fix it. Easy fix, a connector came undone. Much props to the employee at the Radio Shack in Moab for letting borrow a set of tiny screw drivers, and not making me buy them.

 

I have the same type set up. When not using the mic is kept in the glove box so prying eyes can't see anything.
Hand helds are nice but don't have the range. While traveling out to Moab going through the Rockies during a snow storm I was 5 miles behind our leader. I could here him clearly. The people in between using handhelds were scratchy.
I still bring along my handheld in case someone needs it or for spotting.

 

I have a President McKinley with a 'boot' and a GMRS radio installed and I use both. Why have just one? Hehe. The CB is more fun since I have some power though.