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Check out https://www.ve2dbe.com/rmonline_s.asp Here is an example of the type of coverage map projection:

I looked into getting a remote head kit but there's no place to put that either. the head is too big for the slot next to the wireless charger and i would be in my leg room or the passengers if i put it anywhere but above the dash. If I put it above the dash id have to cut a big hole to fit the connecter through and i might as well just put the whole radio up there. there's plenty of room. The PMLN7131 would be ideal but $479 is just not worth it for me. Id like to see the console plate but i use the wireless charger and i guess that covers that up. I have the safe in the storage compartment. this is my install on my 17 Silverado

Just for general information, I've modified my ham license to reflect the area I'm currently living in. N4GIX is now N9GIX. I have tried twice to change my "Display Name" but for some reason it isn't working... I remain the same good-natured old curmudgeon as before of course!

First time trying to communicate with others on my Midland MXT275. I gave my call sign and asked for a simple radio check. Response was "mobil radio, mobile radio hahaha. I responded thank you, gad it works. and the response again was "mobil radio, mobile radio..." I got some winners around me.

Welcome to myGMRS. There are a lot of good folks here and a lot to learn. Enjoy your stay. Again, Welcome. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

Thought I would add that RT Systems has informed me they are currently working on programmer version for the 805G and they intend to make one available for the 905 in future. This does not help you Mac Guys, but it may be welcome news for the PC folks that read this. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

Well, that's a very nicely done installation nonetheless!

I thought it was "Walks-on." Oh wait, that's a different YouTube guy (Ham Radio 2.0). Good thing you went with that radio, otherwise you might have had to order from Radioddiddditty, Raddity-iddity, Raddy-oh, or whatever the heck that outfit is called.

Of the GMRS radios I looked at, all were made in China with the exception of a pair of Midland Xtra Talk (Bubble Pack) handhelds I have, which were made in the Philippines. While there may be some very limited production of U.S. made electronic products, I haven't seen it for many years in the realm of radio. The exception, when it comes to radios, is the other topic you mentioned, antennas. There are some U.S. made antennas, mostly handcrafted by hams looking to capitalize on their creations. Signal Stuff makes the Signal Stick antennas in Utah, I believe KB9VBR makes antennas in Wisconsin, and I also believe Ed Fong antennas are made in California. In the ham radio world, it is very common for hams to build their own antennas, so there are plenty of U.S. made antennas. Of course, most of them are not commercially available.

[Title 47, Volume 5, Parts 80 to End] [Revised as of October 1, 1999] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 47CFR95.141] [Page 519] TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION PART 95--PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES--Table of Contents Subpart A--General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) Sec. 95.141 Interconnection prohibited. No station in a GMRS system may be interconnected to the public switched telephone network except as and in accordance with the requirements and restrictions applied to a wireline control link (see Sec. 95.127). [53 FR 47717, Nov. 25, 1988]

Anything electronic is built overseas. Even Motorola doesn't do much in the USA except assemble parts built elsewhere. There's a pretty big issue with component supply right now due to some of the political wrangling that's been going on, tariff's, etc. There was a fire at a semiconductor factory in Japan (AKM) that's causing all types of trouble for Kenwood - but it's supposed to be affecting other products like some Ford Trucks and Tesla that have idled assembly lines for certain models. Rumor has it that another chip manufacturer had a plant fire in March - Renasas in Japan. Most of the rare earth metals are being mined in China. Batteries and semiconductors are not "green" when it comes to manufacturing. The USA has effectively off-shored most of it's pollution by having everything built overseas. I'd purchase what fits my budget - with an eye towards resale value. If it's $100 but has zero value once used, it is junk. If you want to support US business - consider your local radio shop. They probably have some well built equipment hiding on the back shelf that would work well for GMRS.

Me too. Well at least in this case i chose to give money to the government.

We used to tell them to follow that curly cord from the device in front of their face. You'll find your radio there.

Having a warped sense of humor, sometimes I reply to such radio check requests... "I've just checked, and mine are still here... ...seriously, you are ________ !"

I'd add, since the radios being used are not certified for either GMRS or FRS, they do not automatically set or limit bandwidth and power in accordance with the channel requirements. This means it is quite possible someone is transmitting wideband at 5 watts on a channel designated for narrowband at 0.5 watts. Note also, a certified radio blocks the possibility of operating simplex on the GMRS repeater input frequencies (not allowed by the rules). But, this is possible with the radios you are using. While operating a non-certified radio is a technical violation of the law, it generally will not cause harm to other people's communications. However, running too much power in wideband mode on the wrong channel could easily interfere with other users, both simplex and through a repeater. Personally, I don't care what kind of equipment people run on GMRS, as long as the equipment has a clean transmitter, they otherwise conform to the rules, and don't advertise the fact they are running non-certified equipment. However, flagrant violation of the FCC regulations can become especially notable when there are 175 cars in a long queue on the highway. So, you might want to make sure your group at least adheres to the operating rules.

The best answer is depends. Higher power doesn't always mean better coverage/distance. One of the biggest problems with FRS is the antenna on the individual radio. You can't change it to use a better/longer one. The radio and its antenna are fixed by FCC rule. Your better choice is GMRS radios with mag mount antennas. Those not licensed for GMRS would be restricted to the FRS channels. Their using GMRS capable radios is a grey area because GMRS radios do have more output power on FRS channels and removeable antennas. The other option is MURS, a VHF service limited to 2W but because its lower frequency it will have a marginally better range than the UHF GMRS/FRS units.