A newby that doesn't know much, buts learning fast.
Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 03, 2011 at 15:35
ThreadID:
88258
Views:
3111
Replies:
6
FollowUps:
8
This Thread has been Archived
Camping Under Stars
Hi,
My husband (Paul) and I just bought our first van, and during the learning process of what you need to know about towing, hitches and other things, have found your
forum topics very helpful.
We still haven't picked the van up yet but will do a week this Thursday, we bought a 19ft 2002 compass, which after looking around at various models seems to be the one for us. We first started looking at the Jayco Flamingo camper and then the Expanda, but finally decided on a full van.
I still have lots of questions about hitches and UHF radios, I didn't realize how much knowledge was needed when buying a van. I am wondering if someone could tell me what sort of radio we need or do I just buy any that says UHF?
Thanks
Sylvia
Reply By: Gossy - Wednesday, Aug 03, 2011 at 16:05
Wednesday, Aug 03, 2011 at 16:05
Best to stick with the big brand names (GME, Uniden etc). All the brand UHF radios will do the same thing. They just have different shapes and sizes to suit personal needs (where they will go inside the car). All will be 5 watt in power if vehicle mounted.
Make sure you buy the new 80 channel radios as the 40 channel will be going out soon (not sure when but best to future proof yourself).
Other choice is antenna which is another story. Really basically the taller the antenna the longer the range over flat terrain but shorter in hilly terrain. Opposite for short antennas :)
If you are touring around Aust probably fine just to go with a middle of the road antenna so you don't have to stare at a big white elephant in front of your eyes all day.
Cheers,
AnswerID:
461717
Follow Up By: Camping Under Stars- Wednesday, Aug 03, 2011 at 16:26
Wednesday, Aug 03, 2011 at 16:26
Wow thanks you made it sound so simple,
FollowupID:
735417
Reply By: Member - Alan H (QLD) - Thursday, Aug 04, 2011 at 21:07
Thursday, Aug 04, 2011 at 21:07
Sylvia
One issue which will arise when you do get a radio (I use an Icom) is which channel to use.
You will find things like 20 for motor homes and 18 for caravans etc but we always use 40 the "road Channel" so that you know what is happening around you. Most road works traffic direction is usually on 40 these days so you know when approaching such road conditions. Wide loads also use 40 and when you see a pilot vehicle find out how wide the wide load is and this gives you time to react with a van on and find a safe spot to wait for the load top pass if necessary.
Some roads also call points for road trains etc and I use these also with my van on to tell them I am around and to listen for them. I don't want to meet a 4 or 5 trailer road train on a narrow
bridge when I am towing a van.
My soapbox story is use the road channel.
If travelling with another vehicle change channels when in a large town to keep contact or discuss shopping etc. Change back to road channel when on the open road.
PS I hope your swearing is up to date as the radio will soon fix that.
Cheers
Safe travelling
Alan
AnswerID:
461842
Follow Up By: Camping Under Stars- Friday, Aug 05, 2011 at 09:12
Friday, Aug 05, 2011 at 09:12
Great advice thankyou, I was wondering if there was a channel that most travellers used.
FollowupID:
735584