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Any chance someone has GPS coordinates for the start of this trail? Looks like a fun run. And more in general, is there a decent database/resource of Overland trails along the trunk road that anyone knows of?

This intrigues me quite a bit. What brand did you use? Also, do you know if it's possible to do satellite radio with that head unit? We currently have it and like it so if we can keep that functionality that'd be ideal.

That was my suspicion too -- like I said, truckers used to be all over it (and may still). Given that most Overlanding requires a fair bit of slab before getting to the fun stuff, there's definitely an argument for something like CB. If all a person is looking for is off-road local comms, though...

I wouldn't rely on CB in a backcountry emergency unless you are travelling with others very nearby who have CB. It just doesn't have the range in most places a typical overlander is likely to go (even if typical only means occasional fire service roads or state parks -- it's still not got the...

Great point! To be perfectly honest I didn't miss it, I genuinely just didn't know that :D I only got a 78% on my HAM test so I've been tempted to back and do it again just to gain access to HF stuff but don't have a radio that'll do it -- the point is a lot of the technical side of radios is...

And an addendum to the GMRS vs HAM Debate -- if you are in Canada, you don't have the same freedoms as the Americans on GMRS bands, and if you need more than 3-4 kilometres of range reliably, you'd better take a serious look at HAM/2M radio. http://www.marscan.com/Gmrs.htm Looks like we are...

CB's were all the rage for a period of time, that's for sure. And it sounds like yours works for your application which is great. That's what it's all about. I will suggest a counterpoint though for new folks reading this thread and wanting to compare the two (it's not meant as a critique...you...

Thanks for the kind words sir! I suppose even if you learn a new trick doesn't mean you have to use it -- 'mind needs learning like a knife needs a hone' is a good enough excuse for me to get into new hobbies, and if I learn my fill and don't like 'em, I move on!

It's one of those things where "you don't know what you don't know". You may know your needs to a level of exactness not seen in all of human history....but if you don't know what options are out there to address those needs, you need info, and that's what these threads are for. No sense in you...

Thanks for the reply sabjku! I'm glad to hear in a real-world experience these are working rather than relying on internet speculation. It's a great option for folks who want an awning but don't want to shell out $1500 for a rack setup, which is perfectly understandable. My own wallet nerve...

Thanks for the extra info, Prerunner -- like I said, I didn't verify the map that I linked. I googled "HAM radio repeater map USA" and that's what came up. The maps you provided are much more complete; I suspect the lower 48 has a much more robust repeater network than we do up here in Canada...

Thanks GrnRubi; that's the trouble with a lot of this stuff is it's all anecdotal without a lot of hard evidence. I think it's probably fine for a lot of stuff a typical JK will see, and an owner keeping an eye out for cracks and such as part of their routine maintenance is probably good enough.

I will also mention that WHERE you are going makes a huge difference in the availability of repeaters; I see some other posters have mentioned they have found good coverage and that theres a lot of traffic on the repeaters if they need help, but that's not the case everywhere. For example...

Overland Mobile radio: Side hobby. Communications: Absolutely Necessary I think if you take a look at GMRS for local communications and perhaps some of the InReach/Spot type devices now have two way communication capabilities via text and e-mail, so you should be well covered for all...

SabJKU -- how long have you had your awning mounted on Thule system? And any problems? The reason I ask is that since the JKU roof (including rain gutters) is fibreglass, I'd be worried about the strength. When I was shopping for a rack a few years back I saw that Thule and other rack...

Or the DeLorme (now Garmin) InReach. Lots of locator type devices for an emergency and the newer ones (InReach and Spot X) allow for two way communication via satellite so there's basically nowhere that you will be where you can't get in touch with someone in a pinch. Best advice I would have...

Thanks for putting in the effort, Dave. I look forward to the next chance we have to do this -- hopefully I can make it!

I would make a friendly amendment and suggest that it is illegal, but not necessarily wrong. If having a Baofeng on GMRS communicating between vehicles prevents a greater harm from occurring like physical injury or death, it's still illegal (Specifically I'm talking about having good comms that...

Great idea and I will try to make it. I'm wrapping up a Master's dissertation (Due August 31st) but if I get it done before I will be there.

Really nice work! I thought it was commercially made it looks so good. If you have pics, I for one would love to see a build thread!