Walkie Talkies

[REDEYE50]

Do they really work? Wife is going to be following me in the pickup while I drive the MH pulling the boat. We have used our cell phones before but would like something more instant than rather having to enter code and dialing. Will not be far apart. Just wondering if anyone has had success using them or are they a waste of money? Thanks

[TonyMac]

I have used them in the long ago past when I pulled a TT and my wife pulled a boat, with voice activated headsets. They worked well. Talk time, monitor time, rechargeability and battery life are issues to consider., as well as range.

[znt1186]

Ours work fine up to about 1/2 to 3/4 miles. They work where there is no cell service, but it is still distracted driving having to hold the walkie talkie while driving. We prefer the cell phones when we have service. I like to use a Bluetooth headset that rests around my neck so I can keep both hands on the wheel. You can also dial via voice with out punching in anything.

[Sudsy]

I have 4 of the Motorola Family channel walkie talkies in the coach. These are left over from the TT days. I put a little square of velcro on the dash in a handy spot and stuck the walkie talkie there. We use them a lot when we have all the kids along and they carry them on their bikes. We can get a good mile if not more when not in a car. I am going to start using them to supplement the back up camera and one way audio monitor.

Sudsy

[Dtwallace]

Originally Posted by TonyMac

I have used them in the long ago past when I pulled a TT and my wife pulled a boat, with voice activated headsets. They worked well. Talk time, monitor time, rechargeability and battery life are issues to consider., as well as range.

x2

If you really wanted an all in one system that would allow you hands free, long talk time, long distance, and phone access, look into the systems used by motorcyclist.

They are a bit more expensive, but are very versatile and are on Blu-Tooth only, so no RF interference from outside.

[hayward3411]

Yes, worth the trouble....used 2 last summer driving 14,400 miles thru Canada & Alaska.

[paparazi]

What we use
https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-ACXT103...et+cobra&psc=1

[SkiSmuggs]

We used them when we moved from VA to VT and I drove the rental truck while she drove my truck. I remember hitting the expansion joints on I-81 in PA and she said over the Walkie that it was really funny watching the U-Haul bounce up and down. I replied that she wouldn't be laughing when she saw her furniture.

[PopBeavers]

I thought most people were using FRS radios these days, unless you want to use the truckers channel (19 I think) or the emergency channel (9 I think).

What has a greater range walkie talkie (1960's technology) or FRS?

[lynnmor]

We use them snowmobiling with speakers and mike in the helmet. Don't think for a minute that they can be reliable for anywhere near the advertised distances. Think hundreds of feet not miles.

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by Dtwallace

x2

If you really wanted an all in one system that would allow you hands free, long talk time, long distance, and phone access, look into the systems used by motorcyclist.

They are a bit more expensive, but are very versatile and are on Blu-Tooth only, so no RF interference from outside.

Bluetooth is RF and has nowhere near the range of a FRS/GRMS system.

To the OP: These work as good as any and have hands-free ear pieces included.

https://www.amazon.com/Talkies-Scram...QH393PS36YXQ6R

and you can't beat the price.

[coupevilleDF]

The FRS radios are limitted to 1/2 Watt, I think. Only certain channels are legal, although i don't think most users know that. When they are advertising 25 to 30 miles, they are referring the the GRMS part, which is 5 Watts. That may be a valid claim In flat country or over water.

GRMS requires a license from FCC, which is good for a family unit. That might work well for this purpose. Handheld radios with rubber ducky antennas do not always work well in a vehicle, especially a motor home.

Lastly, I wouldn't invest too much in these radios right now. The FCC is changing the rules and the radios will need to change to match them. I understand they are quite a ways down that trail but am not sure how soon the new rules will take effect.

[grumpy0374]

Originally Posted by hayward3411

Yes, worth the trouble....used 2 last summer driving 14,400 miles thru Canada & Alaska.

Yes they do work OK. Used a pair between us and another couple on a 13,000 mile trip thru Canada and Alaska.
Be aware that if you get the type that have both rechargeable batteries and an option to use AA, use the AA option. Recharge batteries must be charged daily as they will only last 6-7 hours. AA option batteries will last 2-3 days.
Best bet is to get some rechargeable AA batteries and a charger for them.
Grumpy

[YC1]

Originally Posted by REDEYE50

Do they really work? Wife is going to be following me in the pickup while I drive the MH pulling the boat. We have used our cell phones before but would like something more instant than rather having to enter code and dialing. Will not be far apart. Just wondering if anyone has had success using them or are they a waste of money? Thanks

Sold and serviced two way radios for 40 years. Yes they work well with limited range as mentioned. I tell folks you really need to be able to see the person to talk to them reliably. A mile is ok on the freeway but in town a mile is often way too far.

Being able to say things quickly is a benefit. Like, "i am taking this exit". Try doing that on a telephone that has not been dialed.

As for the distraction. You don't need to look at the radio to operate it. You need to look at a phone to make it dial. OK, OK. Nerds can make them butt dial but that is not for everybody

The first pair described on Amazon looks like a decent pair and having the weather channel built in is a big plus.

VOX functions often cause frustration. That is starting to transmit with voice signal versus hitting a button.