GRMS handheld sufficient for trails

[Phil_R]

Anyone recommend a good handheld?

Here is what I have. Amazon.com: BAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Outdoors Two Way Radios Long Range Rechargeable, Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included : Electronics

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[ArmyMP]

 

[Blade1668]

Yes they’re “sufficient”, but not ideal. Sufficient for rigs in your group, but jumping to 40-50 watts is definitely mo-better. I just spent 4 hrs attempting to find the best way to run the wiring and coax for my CB and GMRS into the cab…came home again in-installed. I don’t want to short cut the install, and can’t find a way I’m happy with.

I just ran coax cable under hardtop up and over RLD cap.

 

[Orange01z28]

I've been using the basic Midland handheld for a while and was having the same battery life issue with the rechargeables.

First I bought a 12v cigarette lighter adapter which gave me some more life but I couldn't talk when plugged in.

Then I went the multiple battery route, and that would work too albeit annoying

Then my friend told me just to use normal AA batteries instead. Last trail day I got the whole day out of it and probably another half of a day.

I was going to buy the M275 or whatever and mount It but I think i'll live with AAs for awhile until I go somewhere that needs more range

 

[Newlife]

Usually if your group is running the same thing. You most likely can get away with handhelds. It’s all about your group though when it comes to that. I’ve been on group rides that might have been kids running around the woods with no responsibility. Not watching the person in front of behind them etc. then I’ve been on group rides where it was a well oiled machine. Trail leader and trail gunner in constant communication with the whole group. But if you’re in the latter the handheld will work perfect to be able to talk to anyone in the group under most circumstances. We are like a lot of others. Run both. The hood thing about the hard mounted options that I don’t think the handhelds can do is bounce off repeaters. (Correct me if I’m wrong). But as gmrs is getting more popular those repeaters will start getting more and more frequent.

 

[ArmyMP]

My GMRS Setup

 

[OHJeeper]

Yes they’re “sufficient”, but not ideal. Sufficient for rigs in your group, but jumping to 40-50 watts is definitely mo-better. I just spent 4 hrs attempting to find the best way to run the wiring and coax for my CB and GMRS into the cab…came home again in-installed. I don’t want to short cut the install, and can’t find a way I’m happy with.

I have a manual... there is a hole in the firewall near the brake booster that is used for the washer fluid extension on the JL hard tops. Since we don't have washer/wipers this hole should be available to you as well.

Here's my JL post on the topic:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/wiring-through-the-firewall.8424/post-1475322

 

[Dougstdig]

I have a manual... there is a hole in the firewall near the brake booster that is used for the washer fluid extension on the JL hard tops. Since we don't have washer/wipers this hole should be available to you as well.

Here's my JL post on the topic:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/wiring-through-the-firewall.8424/post-1475322

Awesome thank you!

 

[Dougstdig]

4hrs? You have a Manual?

Auto has a nice 1” hole pre drilled for ya to use.

I ended up using this hole. I took out the plastic cover, drilled a hole big enough to fit the coax end through and used a grommet. I ran 2 coax and 3 electrical pairs through…with 1 pair being a spare for the future. On a diesel it’s pretty tight access to the fender side of the brake booster so minimal RTV was used.

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