The best CB radios for overlanding not only keep you in touch with your family and travel buddies.
Even though smartphones have colonized person-to-person communication, overlanders need cheap and reliable short distance communication devices and CB radios Citizens Band Radio are the perfect solution
When you’re overlanding, a CB radio gives you the ability to monitor traffic, climate conditions allow you to monitor weather and traffic conditions, and instantly call for help in case an emergency occurs.
A good percentage of CB radios in the market use push buttons or switch controls to access channel 9.
This gives you the ability to contact safari guides or the authorities in case you come across a problem you didn’t expect while overlanding.
A lot of modern CB radios like the Uniden PRO510XL feature portable and lightweight designs, which gives you the ability to mount them under your dashboard, so your car can be clutter-free.
While some CB radios cannot be carried about, the Midland 75-822 which often use 12V power or batteries, is built in a way where it can be handheld.
This gives you the ability to move freely while staying connected to safari guides, emergency workers & travel buddies.
The best Cb radios for overlanding give you unrivalled control over your radio, including RF gain, noise cancelation, and even signal strength.
This gives you the ability to fine-tune your radio for crystal clear transmissions.
If you want to personalize some options, the best CB radios allow you to connect external speakers, wireless microphones, or headsets for hands-free use or better output volume.
Even if you’re an overlanding enthusiast who wants peace of mind while going on overland trips solo or with family, there is a radio model out there that will suit your needs.
We’ve gathered the best CB radios for overlanding, so you can decide which model is best for you.
1. Cobra HH50WXST
If you don’t want to permanently install a CB radio in your vehicle while overlanding or use multiple vehicles for your job, the Cobra HH50WXST is the perfect option.
The Cobra brand is mainly known for its high-end truck units, and this Cobra HH50WXST which is also known as the cobra walkie-talkie, is no exception.
The cobra walkie-talkie is a portable handheld CB radio, and just like other radios, the cobra walkie-talkie is capped at 4 watts and requires line-of-sight to get a clear signal.
Cobra HH50WXST is one of the best CB radios for overlanding because it features a sound tracker system, which will in cutting out 90% of background noise.
This gives you the ability to hear crystal-clear communication without any form of distraction or interference.
The Cobra walkie-talkie also has 40 channels you can choose from; you can find the channels automatically without manually searching for a strong signal.
This CB radio also gives you complete access to 10 National Weather Channels for up-to-date weather information in a portable or mobile design.
And finally, one of the things that makes this device one of the best CB radios for overlanding is the battery and recharging jack.
The recharging jack gives you the ability to charge the NiMH AA batteries with an AC wall charger or from the 12v port in your vehicle.
If you’re going for an overland trip where you’re far from electric power, you can save your battery by switching to low power when talking with someone that’s nearby and then turn it high when you’re communicating with some that’s far away.
2. President Randy FCC
The next best CB radio that’s on our list is the President Randy FCC.
Weighing just 1.76 pounds, the President Randy FCC is designed to provide overlanders with the maximum operating power, features, and flexibility than you get from the typical portable handheld AM CB transceiver at a very reasonable price.
This CB radio has so many amazing features like, a dual watch, noise gate, compander, VOX, noise blanker, and built-in ANL, it also comes with an S-meter, an F function key, manual squelch, and AS.
It transmits on all 40 CB radio channels at 4 watts, is EMG 1&2 programmable and also comes with an antenna.
One thing that made us include the Randy FCC among the best CB radios for overlanding is the battery.
The President Randy is just a little lighter than the other handhelds, but seems slightly more rugged.
Unlike other CB radios, this device is not powered by AA batteries. The RANDY FCC comes with a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
And this, 1800mAh battery pack can provide you with ample power for many hours of operation on a full charge. While it’s included, Eco Mode can extend battery life even further for maximum uptime.
3. The Midland 75-822
If you are not a fan of permanently installing CB radios in your vehicle or use multiple vehicles for your job, the Midland 75-822 is the perfect option.
Weighing just 181.43 grams, the midland 75-822 CB radio is one of the handheld models that features 40 CB channels, 10 NOAA channels, and 4 Watts of output power.
Thanks to the 12V adapter, which gives you the ability you can plug this CB radio into an outlet in your truck, car, or SUV for power without needing to hard wire into your vehicle’s fuse box or electrical system.
This device is powered by 6 AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack available from Midland
This amazing power option allows you to communicate issues to dispatchers, safari guides, and rescue workers in case you have a road-side emergency that needs to be addressed immediately.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you can switch the unit to battery power and take it with you outside the vehicle, so you can communicate in real-time.
Another reason why this radio is among the best CB radios for overlanding is that with a push of a button you immediately access the emergency channel 9 or information channels.
With these channels, you can call for help or monitor traffic and weather conditions.
This CB radio also comes with an ergonomically designed handset microphone which gives you the ability to comfortably have long conversations with family or travel buddies.
4. Texas Ranger Elite
This Ranger Elite is a small radio that gives you access to clear transmissions regardless of your location.
Texas Ranger Elite is designed in a way that allows you to access essential information like weather reports, traffic reports and local emergencies.
If you have driven long distances on an overland trip, you’ll notice that vital information like weather and traffic reports can cut a few hours off of your journey.
This CB radio has a blue LED screen that’s easy on your eyes in the dark. And it also features a black chrome finish means it is also aesthetically pleasing and sleek.
It adds a bracket with which you can mount your radio above your dashboard. And this basket is an added benefit, as if you go for space-saving equipment, then this is a compelling product.
Weighing just 5.96 pounds, the Texas Ranger has a built-in noise blanker, automatic noise limiter and a SRA-Q98 noise-canceling microphone.
Judging from the user experience, the rugged body, a quality microphone, and volume control, this Texas Ranger Elite radio is no doubt one of the best CB radios for overlanding in 2022.
5. Uniden Bearcat 880 CB Radio
The Bearcat 880 CB radio from Uniden is built in an exceptional way, so you can have the clearest reception, the strongest transmission, and an amazing range.
One of the reasons why this device is on our list of the best CB radio for overlanding is the display.
This device comes with a large, easy-to-read display that offers 7 backlight color options to personalize your radio.
And its illuminated control panel is very easy to use in all light conditions. Its included six-pin microphone has a noise-canceling feature,
The Bearcat 880 CB radio also features a 4 Watts, 40 channels, NOAA weather channels, and instant channel 9 for emergency channel access.
Other features that make this device a gem are, the dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL noise filter that limits background noise, and a noise-canceling microphone with extra long cord.
6. Uniden Pro510 Pro Series
If you are looking for a CB radio that is not expensive, the Uniden Pro510XL is a great place to start.
The compact radio will work on any of the 40 AM channels that are authorized by the FCC and uses red-lit LEDs to monitor activity.
This radio also features a simple ANL (automatic noise limiter) button that cuts off background.
The ANL gives you the ability to have conversations comfortably without having to repeat yourself over and over again.
The device comes with a two years warranty, which means there’s a guarantee that this radio will be working for years to come.
Many owners have reported using this Uniden Pro510 for over 5 years without experiencing any issues.
Some reasons why this device made it to the list of the best CB radios for overlanding is that it is
- Compact and easy to fit into your truck without cluttering your car
- The noise limiter actually makes communication easier
- Simple, robust and very easy to use.
Summary
A CB radio is an essential gear you should have if you plan to go on any overland trips.
It can give you access to information like weather and traffic reports, which is useful when you’re traveling or off-roading.
A CB radio can save you when you’re stranded and need to communicate with rescue workers, teammates or authorities.