Section 8: Communications
Phone w onX, nose camera, GMRS base station, GMRS handheld
Radio communications within the group is necessary when you are caravaning offroad. The Trail Leader must stay in contact with the Tail and Mid trail staff, as well as being to address the entire group of participants. Every participant needs to be able to speak with the Leader in order to ask questions, request assistance, or to signal that they need a “bio break” or “10-100”.
Portable and mobile radios fall into four categories:
HAM
CB (citizens band)
GMRS (general mobile radio service)
FRS (family radio service)
Race radio (specially licensed business frequencies)
HAM Radio
Radioddity Dual Band
HAM radio, also referred to as “Amateur Radio”, has potential for long range communication if you have a powerful enough transmitter and large antenna. Great for basement or garage dwelling geeks who want to chat globally, but most mobile units are still limited in reach and not an effective solution for reaching out from the boonies to civilization unless you are very tech’d out. HAM requires passing a (technical) written exam to receive an FCC license to transmit.
Since the majority of offroaders are not very technical, it would not be practical for our offroad community to require everyone to become licensed HAM users on our trail runs.
CB Radio
Uniden CB radio
Most CB radios are designed to be mobile units, rather than handhelds. The few handhelds that I have borrowed tend to have very poor transmitting range along with poor reception due to their short antennas. The base or mobile mounted units rely on large four-foot antennas such as “firesticks” mounted behind the vehicle body above the spare tire.
Up until just a few years ago (2020-2021), CB was the default for offroad jeeping. The large “jamborees” (Jeep & offroad gatherings) used them on account of there being 40 channels – enough for that many simultaneous trail runs.
However, CB in real life is nothing like the CB depicted in all those old Burt Reynolds trucker movies!*
*That crystal clear radio chatter you heard in the movie was cleanly recorded in an audio studio and just edited in, with just a hint of imitation static added for flavor.
Unless you are using illegal wattage boosters, the range is poor. Reception is loaded with static. Finding a clear channel is nearly impossible, on account of a few jerks who hijack the airwaves (on their illegal high powered units) with singing, noisemakers, stupid rambling, and anything else they can transmit just to bully the rest of the community.
The offroad community has migrated over to GMRS, and you can find used, but excellent condition, CB’s with antennas at give-away prices on the internet market places.
Race Radio
Officially, there is no such thing as Race Radio. The expression came from a major racing promoter purchasing a special FCC license to use a few business frequencies for their event. It is legal for anyone to purchase radios on those frequencies to LISTEN to the drivers, but not for unlicensed users to TRANSMIT on those frequencies. However, there are some offroading clubs that have worked deals with the primary license holder to use these frequencies on a limited basis for their own events.
GMRS and FRS
Baofeng UV-5G GMRS radios
Compared to CB, GMRS offers very clear channels with a minimum of static. For the same wattage, the GMRS units have much greater range than CB. Due to the different operating frequencies, GMRS radios function very well with short, stubbie antennas. Inexpensive 5 watt handheld GMRS units work very well, even inside vehicles, and are suitable for offroading applications where you only need to receive/transmit the length of the caravan.
GMRS is like CB in that it is for the general public, but GMRS uses totally different frequencies and modulation than CB. From a technical perspective, these radio services are completely different and incompatible with each other. There is no such thing as a combination GMRS/CB radio!
However, GMRS and FRS are related and very compatible.
GMRS operates on 22 distinct channels. Channels 1-7 can transmit up to 5 watts. Channels 8-14 are shared with FRS and are limited to 0.5 watts for both services. Channels 15-22 can transmit up to 50 watts. In addition, there are a few frequencies reserved for repeaters that can achieve hundreds of miles (but special permission codes are required to join these privately operated repeaters).
Handheld GMRS radios are usually 5 watt on channels 1-7 and 15-22 but limited to 0.5 watts on channels 8-14. There are some newer handhelds that are rated 8 watts on 15-22.
The FCC does require a license to transmit on GMRS frequencies. Getting a license is relatively easy; there is no exam. Just go online, fill out the questionnaires, and submit $35. One license will last 10 years and is shareable with all immediate family members.
If you just borrow a radio and haven’t gotten your FCC license yet – it is very unlikely that men in black will drop down from helicopters and haul you away. 5 watt handhelds don’t transmit very far, especially out in the boonies – so you are not going to be a source of interference. The FCC is busily concerned with high powered (illegal) transmitters who are abusing the radio spectrum and disrupting legal commerce.
FRS radios are those very inexpensive “family” radios intended to keep track of the clan while exploring theme parks and such. They operate on channels 8-14 within the GMRS bandwidth and are limited to 0.5 watts. Many of the cheaper radios sold in sporting goods stores and department stores do not achieve 0.5 watts, but could be 0.1 watt. Read the operating specs on the box carefully!
To not blow the FRS people off the air, GMRS radios are limited to 0.5 watts when transmitting on those channels (8-14).
FRS radios are now allowed to listen in and transmit up to 2 watts on GMRS channels 1-7 and 15-22. FRS radios, if they are full powered and not the cheapies, may not have enough range to transmit the length of an offroad caravan – but work fine to reach a spotter, standing close to the car, who is guiding you through an obstacle.
Bottom line: I would not recommend FRS radios for offroading.
GMRS handhelds, such as the Baofeng UV-5G/X are available on Amazon for around $25 dollars or so. Midland radios are a bit more expensive, but very popular. When shopping for a handheld, make sure that it is certified GMRS and not “dual band”. The so called “dual band” may only hear GMRS but not be able to transmit on those frequencies. The inexpensive Baofengs use G or X designates for GMRS; the UV-9R (dual band) is not GMRS. Read carefully before purchasing online!
If you are a first-timer, it is probably better for you to hold off on your radio purchase until you have been on a run or two and had a chance to see what everyone else is using. Let the Trail Leader know, when you sign up for the run, that you will need to borrow a radio. Most of the experienced drivers carry spares that they are willing to loan out.
It is common practice to be asked to exchange a “hostage” such as a drivers license or credit card, so that you are motivated to return the radio at the air down. It’s not that anyone intentionally tries to steal the radios, but that they just forgetfully drive off without realizing.
Some of us (especially Trail Leaders) have installed GMRS mobile base stations in our offroad vehicles. These can be ordered as 15, 25, 40, or 50 watts – depending on how much you want to spend. Compared to the handhelds, these mobile units have much more range and better squelch (to eliminate static). Midland and Rugged Radios are popular mobile units.
“If you don’t own a radio yet, let the Trail Leader know ahead of time. Most Leaders carry spare handhelds that can be loaned to first-timers, or to club members in need of a unit.”
Radio Etiquette
During the Drivers Meeting just before the start of the trail run, the Trail Leader will announce what GMRS channel will be used. If anyone does not have a radio, they should speak up. Many of us bring extra handhelds that we loan out or use when outside of our Jeeps for spotting & hiking.
“A common practice when loaning out a radio is to ask for a “hostage” (such as drivers license or credit card) so that the borrower won’t forget to return it at the end of the run.”
Unless prompted otherwise, try to keep the radio channel clear so that the Trail Leader, Mid, and Tail can readily communicate with each other and echo instructions to the group. Because of the varied terrain and long length of some caravans, the people in the back don’t always hear the Leader. It is the role of the Mid and the Tail to confirm and then repeat turning instructions so that everyone can hear.
If the trail becomes straight forward and doesn’t require any navigation prompts, the Leader may engage the group in a trivia game or discuss a point of interest. Answer briefly but be ready to yield the mic back to your Leaders for trail business. Do not tie up the radio channel with idle conversation or with “private” conversation that excludes the whole group.
We don’t use classic CB or ten-codes; save that bs for old movie night. You can say “copy that” or “roger” or “over”; but avoid too much CB slang that others might not understand.
You will hear the phrase “10-4” which means “OK, message received.” Another common term is “10-100” which translates to “We need a bathroom break”. But that’s about the extent for 10-codes.
If you do want to stop, for any reason, just speak up. The group won’t mind. It doesn’t matter if it is only to enjoy a point of interest, to take a photo, or to request a “bio break”. Maybe the cargo in your jeep has shifted and needs to be reset. Or you need to access your drink cooler. Whatever the reason – we will stop and accommodate you. It is not a race to the finish line.
When discussing obstacles, or important trail stuff – identify yourself by vehicle order so that everyone else has an idea of your relative position. Very important when the Lead jeeps are dealing with a fresh obstacle, while the rear jeeps are only approaching a previous obstacle.
For example, “This is Fred, in jeep number 5. Could we slow down, I have lost sight of the car behind me.” Or, “This is Sam, in car number 14. Can someone see if something is dragging under my Jeep?”
Avoid profanity. Some of the cars may have children on board.
If we encounter a lot of radio interference, the Leader will announce that we are changing channels. The caravan will come to a stop, so that everyone is hands free to fiddle with the switches & dials. If you do not know how to reset your radio, ask for assistance.
Emergency Help
Cell service is rarely available out on the trails. GMRS radio communications will reach the other vehicles in your group, but don’t count on contacting emergency services. Even if the broadcast had the necessary range (which it seldom would), no one would likely be monitoring it.
A high powered HAM mobile unit might get a signal out, and HAM operators will relay your message. But high powered HAM is pretty rare in offroad clubs.
What does work, and is both practical and affordable, are satellite based PLB (personal locator beacons) or GPS communicators such as the Garmin In-Reach Mini or Garmin Messenger. These tiny devices allow for 2-way texting. They can interface via an app with your phone. Not only is your message relayed, but so are your GPS coordinates, so the recipient can track your progress & current location. Note that there is a subscription fee of around $12 per month for basic service with a limited quantity of texts; but if you get stuck, who cares about paying a slight charge for exceeding your monthly allotment.
In addition to sending texts, these units have an SOS button that will go directly to Search & Rescue. Only use the SOS if it is a life-threatening emergency; the med-evac helicopter might result in astronomical billing that insurance may or may not fully cover.
Instead, use text to contact local sheriff or fire dept emergency services.
It is always good practice to let a friend know your itinerary for the day. I pick someone who is most likely to be at their desk or at home. In the event of an emergency, I can send them a text with details and have them contact either local emergency services or a recovery organization whose number I have provided.
Everyone does not need their own satellite communicator; but there should be at least per group.
Recently, Apple began to offer satellite SOS and texting via Starlink on iPhones 14 and newer. The service is relatively new, and some users are very pleased, while others report that connecting to a satellite can be finicky. Details are still sketchy at this time (June 2025), but dependent on your regional cell carrier.
The situation keeps evolving as bugs get worked out and new pricing & service plans are implemented by the major carriers. We just changed our local carrier from ATT to T-Mobile; one of T-Mobile’s less expensive plans requires a subscription for satellite; while a slightly more expensive plan includes it. More of a marketing thing than a technical reason. Do diligent research and keep abreast — satellite connectivity is definitely becoming more affordable and available.
What happens if your car breaks down or gets stuck out in the middle of nowhere?
This is why you never go offroading alone; always be accompanied by at least one other vehicle.
If your car becomes damaged or stuck to the point where the rest of the group cannot makeshift repair it or tow it out… You cannot simply call AAA and expect a tow truck to negotiate its way past rocks and obstacles to come to your aid. AAA service stops where the paved roads end.
Fortunately, the offroad community has its own lifeguards who can negotiate the gnarliest of trails and recover your vehicle. Depending on your region, some recovery companies are commercial and will charge you a hefty fee (up to a couple thousand dollars!); but there are also lots of volunteer recovery organizations that will come out for free to rescue your car. (Please remember to at least reward them with a generous donation towards gas & expenses. Their efforts just saved you thousands of dollars.)
Find an offroad recovery group near you at www.offroadportal.org or text to 503-877-5263
For example, here in Southern Nevada, we rely on a group known as SNORR, which stands for Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery.
SNORR can be reached at 702-706-2330 (voice only, no text), on Facebook, or their website www.snorr.vegas
SNORR is certified and works closely with local emergency services. Calls to 911 dispatch get forwarded to them. Their members are highly experienced offroaders, and they are trained in offroad recovery techniques. I have attended a couple of the public classes that they teach, and they are incredible in what they do. Their team are all volunteers, on call, and keep the rest of us safe!
“No one gets left behind!”
Offroaders follow the creed of No one left behind. If something happens to your vehicle, we won’t leave you alone and stranded. At least a few will stay with you until help arrives; or we will drive you back to civilization and stick around until everything is under control.
If your car is able to limp out of the trail, we will escort you all the way home to make sure you are safe.
GPS Navigation
When you venture deep into Mother Nature, there is no cell service. Google maps and Apple maps just show blank screens, often not even with a pencil line squiggle to indicate a path.
Even though your cell phone has no cellular signal, it still is receiving GPS coordinates from overhead satellites. (Bet you didn’t realize that!) Your phone KNOWS where you are; it just doesn't have the means of showing you on a map.
Paper maps are useless if you don’t know where you are on the map and which way you are heading relative to the map.
If your phone had the proper software, and a copy of the map – it could show you exactly where you are and trace your moving path.
There are sophisticated GPS navigation programs and apps that do provide the software and will download maps or satellite imagery. These programs can show you known trails or allow you to plan your own routes ahead of time.
“Note: More detailed information about navigation software, including a Beginners Guide to onX, can be found under our site tab: 301: Must-Have Gear”
The two most popular GPS navigation programs are onX and GAIA.
Both programs are highly utilized by offroaders and accomplish pretty much the same thing. They allow you to download satellite imagery ahead of time and store those detailed views in your phone or iPad. You can store hundreds of square miles easily. The program will automatically scroll the maps and seamlessly transition to the adjoining map along your journey, same as if you were downloading the information live from Wi-Fi or cellular data.
As you drive, your phone tracks your route from GPS satellites, which allows the software to overlay your position and path history onto the image or map.
GAIA and onX do have some subtle differences. GAIA is more complex and offers a library of many different map overlays from different agencies. It can provide more detailed information if you are planning a route through the wilderness from scratch, such as overlanding or hunting. But because it offers so much data, you need to be more versed in map reading.
onX keeps it simpler and is better for following a known trail than for creating one from scratch. onX provides a large library of existing trails that are already visible on the maps & images. You can search for or click on a trail, see the difficulty rating, and then read trail descriptions along with recently reported trail conditions.
Personally, I prefer onX over GAIA, since I tend to follow existing trails rather than creating my own. onX will allow you to create custom routes, which may or may not follow some existing trails. Using carplay, I can view the navigation data on my large U-connect in-dash screen.
A yearly subscription for onX is only around $35 per year, and it is easy to find 20% discount codes. Tutorial videos are all over YouTube, and I have written a free onX Users Guide which can be found under another tab, 201: On The Trail, here at offroad.info Your onX subscription gives you an account based in the cloud, which is accessible on any device that you own. You can do your research and trip planning on the large screen of a laptop or desktop; and then everything you did will sync to your phone or other devices.
“onX and your phone don’t know if you are driving in a Jeep along an offroad trail, just hiking in the park, or simply playing tourist exploring winding streets in some small village. It can track your path so you won’t get lost.”
Another navigation program, albeit not as popular as onX and GAIA, is Trailsoffroad.com Although Trailsoffroad.com can be used for tracking and live navigation — its strength is the large and well documented library of trails. A lot of effort goes into having multiple “scouts” drive & document the trails in order to provide greater detail about conditions, waypoints, and obstacles. Some offroaders will research trails on Trailsoffroad, but then export the .gpx track files to GAIA or onX.
