Walky Talky

[Tin Hut]

I'm thinking about getting a set of walky talkies. Lately I've had my wife ride in the trailer while we're traveling (much quieter now in the truck) but I'd like to be able to radio back to her to open me a Guinness and maybe make me a sandwich or somethin. Can anyone recommend a set of radios? My preference would be for only one of them (mine) to be able to transmit and the other one just to receive.

[thenewkid64]

We have a cheap set of the cobra mini handhelds that work for about 1/2 a mile. The newer ones work for longer distances, and have more channels. a 2 pack will run less than 50 bucks at wally world.

Ours only have 2 channels but work well. We got them 4 years back as a gift for opening an account or something.

[sfixx]

I bought my kids a $20 pair of Motorola walkie talkies for Christmas. They have proven to be very durable and work well for about a 1 block distance. The model is #T4500 bought at Radio Shack and uses 3 AAA batteries each. I see Amazon sells them for $20 too:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...43363?v=glance

Best of luck,

Steve

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Tin Hut

My preference would be for only one of them (mine) to be able to transmit and the other one just to receive.

Pardon my ignorance, but if she can't transmit, how is she gonna tell you it's time to pull over and buy more Guinesses.

[wingfoot321]

Tin Hut,

We have two small cobras with triple A rechargeable batteries. I have not been impressed. Batteries don't hold a charge. Frequencies are different between them and motorola's on same family frequency. We tried to use both brands at the airstream homecoming while working parking detail. Most people have moto's so you have a chance of matching up.

I would buy moto's with double a batteries.

Just my $.02.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by Tin Hut

My preference would be for only one of them (mine) to be able to transmit and the other one just to receive.

We use the Motorola units, and when you open them up, it's easy to snip the wire to the Push-to-talk button, so they receive only. The range is good,and it seems that the batteries last a long time. They go on standby (low battery draw) when not used in a few minutes. Much like my lat top computer. You will not only get a quieter truck, but also longer battery life if you snip the PTT device out of the second unit.
I would love to follow you r lead and do the same low noise mod to my units, but I also use them for work, so that's not an option.
I actually own 2 sets, one is rechargeable in a cradle, the other set uses AA batteries.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Pardon my ignorance, but if she can't transmit, how is she gonna tell you it's time to pull over and buy more Guinesses.

It's all a matter of training...
She could always pull his "break-away" switch out..lmao
ciao
53FC

[sfixx]

Originally Posted by Tin Hut

Lately I've had my wife ride in the trailer while we're traveling

Are you serious?

I've always heard that this is a really big no-no. Common sense tells me that might be true.

Is this a common practice among AS'ers?

Maybe you're serious about the one-way walkie talkies too, or you're pulling legs on both accounts...

Steve

[flamingo-kid1]

Originally Posted by Tin Hut

I'm thinking about getting a set of walky talkies. Lately I've had my wife ride in the trailer while we're traveling (much quieter now in the truck) but I'd like to be able to radio back to her to open me a Guinness and maybe make me a sandwich or somethin. Can anyone recommend a set of radios? My preference would be for only one of them (mine) to be able to transmit and the other one just to receive.

You are SO funny. Have you shown your wife this post?

[robandzoe]

Did not Airstreams have as part of there trailer wiring to vehicle and Intercom wire back in the day? My 85 Limited wiring diagram has it on there, if I recall. Is traveling in the trailer still legal in some states...I know you can't do it here in NY...although I've mentioned it to the wife sometimes...here, you drive, I'm going to go sleep for a while....would be nice!

Rob

[flamingo-kid1]

If you actually DO want radios, go on Ebay (or buy new, except I like older ones) handheld Cobra or Radio Shack CBs.

Some have a have car adapter, and take a LOT of batteries.. 8, I think, but you can use rechargeable. But you have 40 channels to chosse from,a nd a good sized handheld, which may or may not be good.

Personally, I like them.

[Silvertwinkie]

We have a pair or Unidens that have a max range of 7 miles. Not that you need a pair that goes that far, but we got them on sale. For the application you plan on using them in, any real good brand name would do just fine.

On a side note, some states do not allow passengers in the coaches while in transit.

[ALANSD]

Remember the National lampoon Vacation movies with Chevy Chase? In one he had their aunt tied onto the roof of the car. Eliminates the need for walkie talkies.

[Happycampers]

We have a set of rechargable motorola, they work great, mostly use them for backing into hard spots to get into. What ever you get be sure to get the rechargable ones. Marvin

[sfixx]

BTW-FYI: Here's a list of states that allows riders in TT's

http://www.rvsafety.com/Passenger%20Laws.htm

I'm also trying to figure out if i need a breakaway switch...but I suppose the law applies for the state that you are traveling through.

Steve

[robandzoe]

Based on that web site, I see zero that allow riding in a travel trailer these days. Be careful!

Rob

[Tarheel]

We go to the international rallys where they give directions and updates over channel 14 on the cb. I have an inexpensive cb under the cabinet over the booth. When we are pulling all caravans use the cb to comunicate and its nice to be able to listen to truckers or get local info when traveling, so I have a cb in the truck. Parking in blind spots is difficult at best, we use t he truck radio and a hand held cb when doing this. The only extra equipment is the hand held cb which has a much better range (4 watts)than the walkie talkies (0.5 watts). We used to use the walkie talkies in the malls and flea markets, but we have found the cell phone to be much better and person to person for us is free.

[Chuck]

most only work in "simplex" mode (one-way from base to receiver). although, most base units need a/c...if you can't find one that runs on a battery, you can use one of those small inverters inside the truck.

[balrgn]

We use a set made by South Western Bell, Nice for backing up. When we go with other campers we calk Truck to Truck. Have about a 2 mile range.
(Beer would be warm iffin some haddta walk that far tho)