CB vs GMRS

[85_Ranger4x4]

I know GMRS is better in pretty much every way aside from requiring a license... but how common are they in the real world?

I have been looking into a new radio that has all the controls int he remote for my Ranger. The first one I found, a Midland said it was a GMRS so I had to check that out and see what it was.

I want to:
1. Hear traffic updates from semi trucks (like one around me asks oncoming trucks what is happening during a traffic jam "yeah, there is a bad wreck west of exit 454..."
2. Communicate with others on trail rides/convoys
3. Talk to the CB in my F-150

Are semi trucks switching over? I know Jim is getting one but how common are they vs a CB in offroad land?

The CB in my '150 isn't that special, I could probably upgrade it to match the Ranger but it is a downside.

The best radio in the world isn't worth much if I am the only one that has one... either way.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have these questions too... I will be following along.

I know when I posted a CB with all the controls in the mic... I was steered away from that because there were far better options for less money.

I've yet to install my Uniden PRO520XL but the time is nearing and I too want to best bang for whatever I put in my truck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

After 10-15 years I finally got my cheapie Cobra put in my truck, I have enough going on in my truck I don't have much room for any other options.

I really don't like how my Cobra intrudes on the passenger side, I will probably relocate the mike but I still don't like it all the way over yonder. But I don't want it to trade places with my gauges... or my cupholders.



My truck is kinda loud at speed, I like the option of having a remote speaker if I need it too.

 

[Roert42]

I have just taken a trip using my Uniden 510, lots of chatter on the road for sure. Was great because we had multiple vehicles on a long trip.

I know a VHF radio is the way to go if you want to listen to emergency services chatter.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have just taken a trip using my Uniden 510, lots of chatter on the road for sure. Was great because we had multiple vehicles on a long trip.

I know a VHF radio is the way to go if you want to listen to emergency services chatter. View attachment 47255

Yeah, I still get chatter on the CB in my '150 which is why I am hesitant to jump ship.

But I don't want to be the only guy still rockin' a CB in a ORP either and more range/clarity would be nice too...

 

[Dirtman]

I use a dual band GRMS/marine VHF in my truck. I use the vhf band to listen to the fisherman chit chat but the GRMS side for talking on the road or camping. I rarely ever hear anyone else on GRMS even if I scan channels for hours so if you're trying to listen to chatter from truckers I just don't think that's gonna happen. It is a much better option for basic 2 way communication if your with a group of people who all have GRMS and an agreed channel.

 

[Roert42]

I use a dual band GRMS/marine VHF in my truck. I use the vhf band to listen to the fisherman chit chat but the GRMS side for talking on the road or camping. I rarely ever hear anyone else on GRMS even if I scan channels for hours so if you're trying to listen to chatter from truckers I just don't think that's gonna happen. It is a much better option for basic 2 way communication if your with a group of people who all have GRMS and an agreed channel.

What unit do you use? Cab mount or hand held?

 

[Dirtman]

What unit do you use? Cab mount or hand held?

I use a handheld cobra MR-HH450 but in the truck It has a power dock, external mic and an external antenna.

I like it since it works amazing with the antenna on the truck but I can just grab it and go when I get in my kayak or something.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Both CB and GMRS use the same antenna cable?

I am going to run the CB to the roundup, if the cable is different I will just run a mag mount on the roof instead of buying cable until I decide.

 

[Dirtman]

The cable doesn't really matter, you can put any adapter on or solder together any cable (sorta). But the antennas are not compatible between CB and GRMS.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The cable doesn't really matter, you can put any adapter on or solder together any cable (sorta). But the antennas are not compatible between CB and GRMS.

Yup, I have had a CB antenna stashed for awhile so I am not really out anything there, and dad has a mag mount CB antenna I could swipe for a plan B.

I was planning on snagging a cable this weekend though.

 

[Dirtman]

If you do go the GRMS route look up repeaters in the areas you're traveling. An open repeater channel can boost your range from a few miles to over 30. Most good radios claim almost 30 miles with no repeater or special antenna, its BS. If you're in the deep woods your getting a mile max. Open road 5-10, open water 20+.

 

[Dirtman]

Yup, I have had a CB antenna stashed for awhile so I am not really out anything there, and dad has a mag mount CB antenna I could swipe for a plan B.

I was planning on snagging a cable this weekend though.

My antenna cable for my GRMS is a standard PL259 connection used on CBs. I just use an adapter to reduce it to an SMA connection (what my radio uses).

 

[Dirtman]

This is all my antenna is, this lil guy does the job just fine. No giant whip required. Sticks about a foot over the cab.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

This is all my antenna is, this lil guy does the job just fine. No giant whip required.

View attachment 47274

My truck is so freaking weird for this, one of the appeals to the the GMRS is I don't have to worry about a ground plane with certain antennas.

My window sticks out the back of the cab some, not as flush as yours. And I have a topper. And it might have a slide in camper which covers the roof. Midland has a little 3" tall "ghost antenna" nub that looks intriguing and my truck already has a hole in the roof but it would be dangerously close to contacting the camper.

So my options are basically the hood (which I don't like) and the spare tire carrier.

Day 1 of investigating this and so far this is my pick:

Midland MicroMobile MXTA26 6DB Gain Whip Antenna

The Midland MicroMobile MXTA26 6DB Gain Whip Antenna quadruples signal output and is great for off-roaders, farmers, and more. Buy now at Midland Radio.

midlandusa.com