Spring "overland" trip George Washington National Forest

Got the OK from the wife!

Depending on my work situation I may not be able to go on Friday but would meet up with you folks on Saturday. I'll know that detail as the dates get closer.
 
Stage 1 complete! I just secured April 6-11 as vaca.

Stage 2- Break news to wife. Waiting until just after Valentines Day most likely, lmao.
 
Stage 1 complete! I just secured April 6-11 as vaca.

Stage 2- Break news to wife. Waiting until just after Valentines Day most likely, lmao.
Funny you should mention Valentine's Day. I bought my lady something sexy this year and it just showed up in the mail today.

IMG_20170130_205958-01.jpeg

IMG_20170130_210236-01.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20170130_205958-01.jpeg
    IMG_20170130_205958-01.jpeg
    86.4 KB · Views: 313
  • IMG_20170130_210236-01.jpeg
    IMG_20170130_210236-01.jpeg
    112.9 KB · Views: 302
What type of two-way / cb radios are you guys using?

The kinda that operates on 40 AM CB Channels, or the other type which uses With 15 GMRS and 7 FRS channels? Looking to pick something up that is compatible.
 
I'll be 'that guy' using hand signals and flashing lights to communicate since I'm new to all of this stuff.

I have been considering a hand held CB for a while. Do they work ok for short range without the antenna? or is that a must have?
 
I'll be 'that guy' using hand signals and flashing lights to communicate since I'm new to all of this stuff.

I have been considering a hand held CB for a while. Do they work ok for short range without the antenna? or is that a must have?

The handhelds work great within 1-2 miles :thumb:
 
sweet! off to do some googling...

I can't speak with much authority since I just installed my first CB earlier this month, but it may be worth considering the following as you do your research:

tl;dr:
Consider whether or not your radio will work with the majority of what other folks in your group have and if you'd like to move it around outside your vehicle.

Slightly longer:
1) Do you want the radio to be portable? (used in more than 1 vehicle and/or useable outside the vehicle during recovery situations where you need to communicate with a driver in a disabled vehicle). Looks like [MENTION=137555]Sleeter[/MENTION] is running something like this with a portable magnetic antenna. Lots of flexibility on this setup.

2) Does the radio you're considering "talk" to the other radios that your group will be using? (HAM is different than CB is different than GMRS is different than FRS (but not always...)). Some two-way radios do both GMRS and FRS (reference: GMRS vs. FRS - The RadioReference.com Forums)

3) Sometimes having both can be handy. A reliable CB and an SWR-tuned antenna can give good distance/reliable duty (lots of details on what type of antenna for maximum distance vs. coverage over/around hills, etc., but that's way beyond my knowledge level or this thread -- pic attached below). While a pair or four of cheapo GMRS/FRS combo handhelds can be a useful emergency backup and are pretty handy when coordinating a recovery w/ multiple vehicles (winch vehicle, stuck vehicle, external eyes on the winch cable/snatch block/stuck vehicle/etc.).

There are no doubt a ton of great examples of when having a radio in your truck is helpful, but some basic usecases include things like: "Pull over - gotta take a leak" or "this mudhole is super deep on the left" or "Let's get off the highway, need gas" or "hold the convoy, I'm going to go scout this side trail and make sure it's open..."

I've been wheeling/camping/fishing/exploring, often alone, for years and never really saw a big need for having a CB in my truck until recently. I went with a group of t4r members out to Green Ridge State Forest over the holidays this December (pics and video here) and many of us didn't have radios. We had a caravan of six trucks and I found myself running up and down the line of trucks re-delivering the same info/plan truck-to-truck over the course of the day. I went home that night and ordered my first radio/antenna setup.
 

Attachments

  • cb.png
    cb.png
    114.2 KB · Views: 318
Last edited:
I'll be 'that guy' using hand signals and flashing lights to communicate since I'm new to all of this stuff.

I have been considering a hand held CB for a while. Do they work ok for short range without the antenna? or is that a must have?

As Carlos so eloquently pointed out radios are a time saver, I personally use portable CB radio with a magnetic antenna and it allows me to move it between vehicles as needed.

i always feel like the guys who don't have Comms missed out on some of the fun, jokes are thrown around, shit is talked, and decisions are made over comms and if you don't have a radio you literally don't have a voice.

Moral of the story is - get a CB because it makes group rides more enjoyable and easier for everyone.

My setup: I'm not saying it's the best but it works for me.

Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_9elKybYCCFACP

WILSON 305-38 300-Watt Little Wil Magnet Mount Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AAT94W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_MjlKybDKHJH7H
 
I'll be 'that guy' using hand signals and flashing lights to communicate since I'm new to all of this stuff.

I have been considering a hand held CB for a while. Do they work ok for short range without the antenna? or is that a must have?

Doug I was looking at this 4watt handheld.

https://www.uniden.com/automotive/cb-radios/id-PRO401HH/PRO401HH_40_Channel_Handheld_CB_Radio

Uniden PRO401HH Handheld CB Radio

It's on amazon for 50$

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-PRO401HH-Professional-Channel-Handheld/dp/B00N43KM5S

The ones Carlos and sleeter posted are nice too, but you need external antenna. The uniden handheld would be compatible and should be perfect for off-roading at half the cost. Though I like the ones with the external magnet mount.......Still deciding which to go with.
 
Last edited:
Doug I was looking at this 4watt handheld.

https://www.uniden.com/automotive/cb-radios/id-PRO401HH/PRO401HH_40_Channel_Handheld_CB_Radio

Uniden PRO401HH Handheld CB Radio

It's on amazon for 50$

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-PRO401HH-Professional-Channel-Handheld/dp/B00N43KM5S

The ones Carlos and skeeter posted are nice too, but you need external antenna. The uniden handheld would be compatible and should be perfect for off-roading at half the cost. Though I like the ones with the external magnet mount.......Still deciding which to go with.

yeah. i'm thinking that i'll keep it really simple and stay handheld. it's not something that i would use all that often.
 
yeah. i'm thinking that i'll keep it really simple and stay handheld. it's not something that i would use all that often.

Yea i think im going to give that one a try.

4 Watts Nominal Power
TX indicator
Squelch control
High/Low Power Control
Internal Charging (DC Power cord included)
Batt Low/Charging Indicator
Unit hold 9 batteries (Batteries not included)
 
Last edited:

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,317
Messages
3,554,128
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top