GMRS 50 watt verse 15 watt radio options

[highboy4x4]

What are you using for vehicle mounted GMRS radios? I am looking at the Midland Micromobile MXT575 and the MXT275. Price is the only reason this is an issue for me right now. I am dropping loads of money on my build and the wifey asked to start being a penny pincher... I prefer to have all controls on the mic as the install location of the head unit will not be visible but will reconsider if convinced other wise.

During your excursions, has 15 watts been sufficient? or were you wishing you had 50 watts of power?

What say you?

Does anyone have a used radio they want to sell?

 

[Mr_Mnml_Engnr]

Let me preface this with the fact that I’m still only running a 5W handheld, and not an in-built vehicle radio.

That said, I’m thinking that the answer lies in what terrain you plan to explore (Moab vs the redwoods) and how far you’re wanting to communicate.

I will say that I have reached my companions with a 5W radio well out of visual range while in Monongahela National Forest and it’s suited me well. I’d imagine that unless you’re trying to reach folks from over 10 miles away (which if you think about it, on a trail, 10mi IS A LONG WAY) a 15W radio would probably work pretty well.

I guess my point is we might be able to help guide you if you can give us a little more details on your use case. Hopefully the collective community can weigh in for you.

 

[highboy4x4]

Appreciate the response. I guess the answer is that 5w works well within the traveling group. But If I am solo, 50w can't hurt in case help is needed! Check.

BTW, I am installing a HAM radio too so hopefully that doesn't muddles the responses to my OP.

My use case is kind of simple on paper: ability to communicate where ever I go so I can check off my bucket list. I spent my life traveling the world, yet I haven't seen America. So everything is on the table. From the FAT in Florida, to the GA Traverse, to the KAT, to the CDT, to the Rockies, Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Glacier NP, Yaak valley and even taking the plunge in Prudhoe Bay.

 

[94Cruiser]

Retevis RT95

This radio has a very wide band.... and has 2m and 70cm bands.

You can find it on Amazon

 

[smritte]

Handhelds don't work well in my group. We end up too spaced out. You can spend all your money on a 50 watt then kill it with a poor antenna choice. My record with my 15 watt midland is a bit over 100 miles line of sight. We could just hear each other.
Antenna selection is made based on how you need to mount it. I have good luck with the Laird 1/2 wave 5db antenna and some of my group likes the midland 6db antenna.

 

[Shawn686]

Retevis RT95

This radio has a very wide band.... and has 2m and 70cm bands.

You can find it on Amazon

+1

I have a few of the anytone branded ones and they are great. It can do GMRS and HAM all for $130. Edit: combos out of stock

Amazon

Shawn

 

[Shawn686]

Jesus, no wonder you wife wants to penny pinch. I just looked up the midland radio prices.

You will be able to get mobile, HT, and upgraded antennas for both and still have money left over.

Shawn

 

[Renegade]

Focus less on watts and more on antenna and mount location.