My wife is driving behind the RV when we go on trips, as we take two cars with us. We tried using our cell phones to communicate, but I'm finding that isn't the safest way to go. I was thinking of getting a couple of 2-way radio headsets. Hoping to find ones that either plug into the cigarette lighter or that have enough charge to last 10-12 hours between charges. Any ideas?

Motorola Good model and price at Costco.We have them, but have been mostly using our cell phone instead....even for backing into tight camp sites, etc.

how much jabbering do you have to do driving down the road. why not just a set of radios, cobras from wal mart 3 price levels and pick em up and talk if needed.wearing a head set will attract the fuzz.bumpy

Pickup a couple of MIDLAND GXT1000VP4 3 FRS radios from AMAZON.Be sure the packaga comes with Pair of radios, belt clips, desktop charger, rechargeable batteries, pair of mic headsets, AC wall adapter, and DC (vehicle) adapter.Just be aware the FRS radios are on a public radio network much like the old CB bands and is not private. Others may hear your radio transmissions... Also this is a very popular radio net to use and when you get into populated areas you will hear others using the same frequencies. These radios should be Voice Operated just like your cell phones... I always wear my ear piece on the right ear to make it more non-visible from outside the truck. You can select PRIVATE communications and not hear others using the same frequency but if two of you are ON at the same time you may not hear your other private party. We use ours in GATLINBURG alot while the wife hits all the shops and stores and I head for the mountain trails for a few hours. These radios are line of sight with only a mile or so range...These are not expensive - AMAZON lists the pair for $62 - Like on CB NO FCC license required.Roy Ken

Some states do not allow both ears to be covered with headphones. Some make sure you get a set with only one ear plug.

good quality 2-way radios with headset recommendations

Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
OhhWell wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
DSDP Don wrote:
. They are USB ports that are incorporated into the old style 12 volt cigar type plug, giving you two ports or 110 volt models giving you two ports.

hey, I said I had one of these. :)
and having only one charger. everytime I buy a cell phone it has a different type of plug. I think the mfrs. want to sell new chargers also. they are sort of starting to standardize on the mini USB however, hopefully. but aren't those USB outlets different voltages. 5 at some and 12 at others?
bumpy

USB is set at 5v. I do have a portable battery pack that I can set at up to 12v but that's very abnormal and intended for use with specific adapters to power cameras and such.

well my radar detector, gps, dash camera, and CB are all 12 volt cigarette lighter plug types. explain to me again why I need the USB ports. :)
bumpy
down_home
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2014
GMRS has fewer people on it, most places anyway. A little more hassle for license. Good bit more range but not what they advertise unless over water maybe.
What you bought will work fine.
I have sat in a WalMart parking lot and heard them using FRS in the store. We tried them at Disney and Universal etc and there was so many people on them as to be worthless, several years ago now.
OhhWell
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Bumpyroad wrote:
DSDP Don wrote:
. They are USB ports that are incorporated into the old style 12 volt cigar type plug, giving you two ports or 110 volt models giving you two ports.

hey, I said I had one of these. :)
and having only one charger. everytime I buy a cell phone it has a different type of plug. I think the mfrs. want to sell new chargers also. they are sort of starting to standardize on the mini USB however, hopefully. but aren't those USB outlets different voltages. 5 at some and 12 at others?
bumpy

USB is set at 5v. I do have a portable battery pack that I can set at up to 12v but that's very abnormal and intended for use with specific adapters to power cameras and such.
DeWat
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Executive wrote:
I really can't see how a properly used set of cell phones are less safe than a set of walkie talkies...a cheap set of walkies require one to push a button to talk, thereby causing more interference with your attention to driving than a cell phone with an earpiece....Dennis

I think it's more the matter of convenience, not safety. As already mentioned, using a two-way radio is quick when using a cell phone requires the caller to pick up, dial (even if the number is preprogrammed), wait for the call to go through, and finally be answered. With a single button push, I can warn those (more than one) following me about an imminent danger ahead, and they don't have to do anything but hear me... and none of this addresses the possibility of marginal or non reception areas.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
DSDP Don wrote:
. They are USB ports that are incorporated into the old style 12 volt cigar type plug, giving you two ports or 110 volt models giving you two ports.

hey, I said I had one of these. :)
and having only one charger. everytime I buy a cell phone it has a different type of plug. I think the mfrs. want to sell new chargers also. they are sort of starting to standardize on the mini USB however, hopefully. but aren't those USB outlets different voltages. 5 at some and 12 at others?
bumpy
DSDP_Don
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
Bumpy.....You're showing your age.....USB ports are everywhere, including coaches. Our new coach has 6-7 of them around the coach. Most of your 12 volt stuff, Ipads, Walkie Talkies, cell phones and many more all come with a common USB port instead of the old bulky 12 volt cigar shaped plug in. Next time you're at an auto parts store, look at the gadgets on their counter. They are USB ports that are incorporated into the old style 12 volt cigar type plug, giving you two ports or 110 volt models giving you two ports.

With USB, there is no longer a need to have a dozen different chargers.
bluebarry1964b
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Executive wrote:
I really can't see how a properly used set of cell phones are less safe than a set of walkie talkies...a cheap set of walkies require one to push a button to talk, thereby causing more interference with your attention to driving than a cell phone with an earpiece....Dennis

An earpiece...hmmm? That might be an idea. Unlike a radio, it would leave the conversations private. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
bluebarry1964b wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
how much jabbering do you have to do driving down the road. why not just a set of radios, cobras from wal mart 3 price levels and pick em up and talk if needed.
wearing a head set will attract the fuzz.
bumpy

as somebody said, get the kind of head set with only one ear thingy or use an ear bud.
bumpy

I haven't used any type of walkie talkie device since I was a kid... I had no idea that the police would have a problem with headsets. Good to know before I went out and bought them.
bluebarry1964b
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Bumpyroad wrote:
how much jabbering do you have to do driving down the road. why not just a set of radios, cobras from wal mart 3 price levels and pick em up and talk if needed.
wearing a head set will attract the fuzz.
bumpy

I haven't used any type of walkie talkie device since I was a kid... I had no idea that the police would have a problem with headsets. Good to know before I went out and bought them.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
DSDP Don wrote:
We bought the Motorola's from Costco, they're priced right and are rechargeable with a USB charging port. The USB charging is what makes them handy. They run about 8-10 hours depending on use.

the cobras I saw at walmart had the USB charging which I fail to grasp the significance of. I mean I don't want to drain my computer's charge to charge them. what is wrong with a good old cigarette lighter thingy? I do have a USB convertor thingy that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
bumpy

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