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Overlanding Communication 101: Navigation, Radios, & Electronics

May. 17 2023 News By Loren W

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The world of navigation (nav) and communication electronics (comms) for overlanders is highly saturated with many options. The trouble is, how do you figure out which option is right for you?

When overlanding, there is a chance that your communication system may become compromised, or simply show its limitations for your family or group. Let’s explore the variety of choices available for use by the overlanding community and help you better choose the right solution(s) for you. 

What is the Best Communication Device For Overlanding?

This is quite a broad question, and as with most of these types of questions, the answer is fairly vague: it depends.

It depends on:

  • how many people you need to talk to
  • where you’re going
  • what kinds of activities you’ll be doing

Let’s dive into the best overland communication options.

Short Range Comms

Radios are great for large groups of people over relatively short distances. Whether you’re heading out with your extended family or taking your entire overland group along on the adventure, radios are a simple and inexpensive way to talk to lots of people with ease while traveling together. 

There are three main types of short-range radio communication devices that you might want to consider:

FRS (Family Radio Service) Radios: These are what we all commonly think of as walkie-talkies, and are great for short distances (<30 miles) with an unobscured line of sight. The more obscured the line of sight, the less capable this system becomes. 

For many, though, the FRS is perfect. It’s low-cost, fairly easy to maintain, runs on a system of 22 channels from 462 MHz to 467 MHz, and requires no license. It’s also compatible with the GMRS system. If you need to give someone navigation instructions or indicate a rallying point for a big group spread across multiple vehicles, FRS might be the perfect system for you.

  • Pros: low cost, easy to operate, highly portable, no license required
  • Cons: Limited range (<30 miles, line of sight only), doesn’t work well in dense tree areas or mountainous terrain

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): GMRS offers similar communications and navigation options on some systems (such as the Garmin Rino) to the FRS. However, they offer an extended range of communication and this range can be extended by “repeating” communications between radios.

GMRS radios do require an FCC license to operate. The license is inexpensive and easy to obtain, though. GMRS radios are starting to replace traditional CB radios amongst many overlanders. 

  • Pros: low cost, portable, becoming more popular, use of repeating function (if capable) extends the range of device considerably
  • Cons: a GMRS requires an FCC license, the range is still limited (<65 miles for mobile, <36 miles for handheld), the signal quality depends on line-of-sight, and it does not perform well in densely wooded or mountainous terrain 

CB (Citizens Band) Radios: CBs have been a common big rig trucker stable for decades, and are used by many offroaders. Despite the increasing popularity of GMRS, CB radios are still the most widely-used short-range radio, with some 30 million units in use in the United States.

  • Pros: low-cost, portable, broadly used, no license required
  • Cons: limited range (around 20 miles for mobile radios, 3-15 miles for handhelds), signal quality dependent on line-of-sight, range still impacted by dense tree cover and obstructions otherwise.

Long-Range Comms

Long-range comm options increase the distance you can communicate with others considerably. They can be used both for group communications and emergency communications.

HAM or Amateur Radios: These radios have been implemented for almost a century, enabling short and long-range communications by using a massive network of amateur radio repeaters that span the world. They are excellent devices for both emergency and regular communication.

  • Pros: incredible range, not dependent on line-of-sight, broadly utilized with an extensive network of amateur operators, no ongoing billing or subscription required, not as dependent on infrastructure to relay communications
  • Cons: license is required for use, there are three levels of certifications and the testing requires considerable prep and study, the system is innately complex and setup requires some technical expertise (for which there are vast amounts of materials, tutorials, and other radio operators eager to help), and HAM radio setup is fairly costly.

Cellular Communication Devices: Also known as cell phones, these are the most common communication devices on the planet. Their range and versatility more than make up for the inconvenience of sometimes-spotty coverage.

  • Pros: you probably own this device already, exceptional range, no line-of-sight, multifunctional
  • Cons: Impractical for group communications, some coverage-dead zones (which makes backup comms necessary), a quality device can be expensive, monthly contract and/or service fees are required.

Satellite Communication Devices: Sat comms are considered the ultimate link to the outside world when your adventures take you to remote places around the globe. These can be expensive to purchase and usually require expensive usage plans. They also require line of sight with the sky — to connect with passing satellites orbiting the globe —so weather, deep canyons, and thick forests can hamper comms.These devices, however; can pinpoint your location anywhere on the planet and get you help when you need it.

There are two main types of Satellite communication devices. Sat phones and sat communicators. The main difference is that phones allow for audio communication, where communicators only allow for text messaging.

  • Pros: global coverage, can connect directly to emergency services from anywhere, not necessary to switch service providers when traveling globally
  • Cons: require pricey hardware and usage plans, requires line of sight to the sky 

As with many overlanding accessories, comms setups are a very personal choice that depend on your needs. Short-range options are great for chatting with your fellow travelers when on the road and/or on the trail, but aren’t a requirement for a successful overland trip. We do however suggest having at least one long-range option on your overland adventures, as you never know when you might need some outside help in a hurry. Emergencies happen, and it’s best to be prepared.

What Comms System is Best For Your Overland Adventures?

Evaluate your needs and those of your friends and family that you’ll be adventuring with. If you’re headed off to the wide-open Australian outback with just one vehicle loaded with your family, you’ll need a vastly different comms plan and equipment than if you’re headed out for a long weekend deep in the woods with 15 vehicles from your local overland group.

In other words, it’s essential that you evaluate where your adventures will take you and what your travel group will look like as you create the best comms system plan for you.

Get Ready For Your Next Adventure with XGRiD Campers

If you’re looking into your first communication setup for your overlanding rig, including where to place it and how accessible it should be, look no further than XGRiD Campers. We can help you determine the best placement for your initial setup, or any beneficial upgrades, and even give you the tips and trips to ensure you're ready for your next adventure. We hope to hear from you soon!.