Radio Guide:
FRS vs GMRS

a post from Karen Whitworth,
ECRC Board Member

What to buy, why it matters, and what we actually use.

If you’ve joined us for an off-road drive, a dunes day, or even a caravan, you’ve probably noticed that radios make everything smoother. They’re not about “playing convoy,” they’re about safety, clarity, and keeping the group connected when cell service disappears.

We get asked about radios a lot, so this page is meant to be a simple, honest guide to what works well at ECRC events, what doesn’t, and what’s actually worth spending money on.

The short answer

If you just want something that works better in the woods, mountains, and longer convoys, GMRS is the way to go. It gives you better range and clarity than basic walkie-talkies, and it still works perfectly alongside FRS radios on shared channels. There is one extra step up front: licensing, but it’s simple and worth it.

GMRS vs FRS, in real-world terms

FRS radios are the basic walkie-talkies most people are familiar with. They don’t require a license and they’re fine for parking lots, campsites, or very short distances. Once you add hills, trees, weather, or a stretched-out convoy, their limitations show up quickly.

GMRS radios are more powerful, but require an FCC license. Most handheld GMRS units transmit around four to five watts, which makes a noticeable difference on forest roads and in the mountains. GMRS also gives you access to repeaters, which can dramatically extend range when they’re available.

The license part sounds intimidating, but it’s not. There’s no test. One FCC license covers your entire household and lasts ten years. It costs about $35 and is usually approved instantly. If you file ahead of time, you’ll have it well before most events.

If you want the best experience without fiddling or frustration, GMRS is the recommendation we keep coming back to.

10 minute step-by-step GMRS license guide

Extra features that actually matter

Not all radios are created equal, and a few features make a big difference:

  • Weather resistance matters more than you think. Our events happen in rain, snow, dust, and mud. A radio that can survive getting wet or dropped on the ground is worth prioritizing.

  • Programmable channels are important because the club uses preset privacy tones for group communication. Radios that are Motorola-compatible or easily programmable make setup much easier on event mornings.

  • NOAA weather alerts are a nice bonus, especially when conditions can change fast, and having a spare battery can save your day if the temperature drops and starts draining power faster than expected.

  • USB-C charging is another underrated upgrade. Being able to charge your radio in the truck or from a battery pack without carrying a special cable makes life easier.

  • Some GMRS radios also include GPS location and texting via a phone app. GPS can help with general situational awareness on longer drives, and Bluetooth-based texting lets you send short messages through the radio when our trucks lose LTE coverage. These features aren’t required, but could be life-saving in an emergency situation.

Radios members actually use: what to buy

Rather than listing every option on the market, here are a few radios that members regularly bring to events and have had good experiences with.

For GMRS:

  • The BTECH GMRS Pro is popular because it’s easy to live with. It connects via Bluetooth, supports simple programming through a mobile app, and makes bulk channel setup painless. If you grab one of these, let me know and I can send you the club channel file so you’re ready to go in minutes.

  • The Baofeng UV-9G GMRS is a solid budget option. It doesn’t have the same smart features, but the hardware is solid and it performs well on the trail.

For FRS:

One accessory that’s worth calling out is a Bluetooth push-to-talk button. It mounts on your steering wheel and lets you talk hands-free while driving. I use one with my GMRS Pro, and it makes communication much easier when you’re navigating or spotting obstacles.

Final thoughts

You don’t need the fanciest radio to participate in ECRC events, but having a reliable one makes everything smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. If you’re on the fence, go with GMRS for the best range. The $35 license is worth it.

If you ever have questions about setup, licensing, or what channel we’re using, just ask. Helping each other get dialed in is part of what makes this community work. Feel free to connect with us directly on Discord.

We’ll see you on the trail.

— Karen Whitworth, Board Member

Have questions? Email us at hello@emeraldcityrivianclub.com