Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters

Revisit GMRS 2026

shipjim1

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Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2020
Messages
34
Location
Texas
Im looking at various GMRS systems.
1. What brands are most reliable
2. What wattage 15,25,50 and is there any distance/reception differences
3. What's rhe best antenna
4 Are thete quick release mounts?
Thanks in advance.
 
I have and use the TYT TH8600 for FRS, GMRS, and MURS. It’s not type accepted so not really supposed to be used on those frequencies but don’t be a jerk and no one will ever know or care. It’s waterproof and dust proof. Ideally it needs a laptop for programming but you can program it from the handset. It’s just slow. If I remember correctly, it transmits 20 watts on UHF frequencies and 25 watts on VHF frequencies. You can also program it to transmit with lower power if you wish.

I have a drivers side mounted antenna with a NMO mount and a shorter dual band antenna.

It’s handy to have some handheld radios in the Jeep as well to both hand out to other people without radios or for a spotter to talk to you. That’s where FRS/GMRS is super handy. I have Baofeng radios for that. They are also programmed for FRS/GMRS and MURS.

Don’t discount CB. CB used to be a cesspool of dumbasses. Still hear a few on there but nothing at all like in years past. I can drive down the interstate for hours with the CB on channel 19 and hear nothing.
 
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I have a set of Midland GXT3000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radios. They've worked flawlessly every single time. I haven't brought myself to ditch my Cobra CB radio yet though.

 
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CB's are simple to use. GMRS units can get complicated because of their versatility. Programing always requires the owners manual and fortitude, LOL.
 
CB's are simple to use. GMRS units can get complicated because of their versatility. Programing always requires the owners manual and fortitude, LOL.

Dedicated GMRS units are easy to use….no programming required. Units like my TYT are a little more complex. But, once you build the frequency file, it’s easy to maintain and make adjustments to it as needed. I program mine with my laptop and the programming software.

A lot of other radios can be easily programmed with CHIRP.
 
Exactly, They are complicated and hard for the average guy to program.

Not really. I’m not the smartest person in the world but I still managed to figure it out. I like programming it just the way I like it.

But, if programming a radio is not something you’re interested in doing, then just buy a preprogrammed GMRS radio.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK shifters