A newby that doesn't know much, buts learning fast.

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,

Hi Sylvia.

Learning is part of the fun.
You may find Prestige Communications offer pretty good competitive prices on radios online.

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/

You will have to cut and paste this into your browser because the 'Insert Link' option is not working for me this afternoon.

Good luck.
Jack

This forum. If I am allowed here is a forum that is great for info re Caravaning.

Hi Sylvia and Paul

While i do not go the way of recommending any brands, i have a summary of communication alternatives which may help you in your setting up on Communications

Motherhen

Hi Sylvia & Paul, Welcome to the forum & congratulations on the van purchase. You will get great advice from this & other forums there are people "out there" who have "Been there & done that" but still kind enough to offer helpful advice. The new UHF radios are 80 channel & the older style are 40 they still work OK but will be phased out however the Govt don't know at this stage how they are going to do that. The popular brands are GME & Uniden with Icom probably the more expensive top of the range. I also have two hand held GME UHF....I find these very useful for a number of reasons like backing the van into a spot or just having it in your pocket when out & about. You might be interested in looking at the handhelds when looking for the main radio....sort of a package deal. Anyway good luck.

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