This is exactly why i got into GMRS and not ham. We offroad, hike and camp. I dont want to be in the California desert and hear someone in Nevada calling out trails, talking to their point man or tail. Its a local system for local use.
I was just about to post that i watch a Notarubicon video about using the Secret and Private GMRS channels in some different my giggle hurts, but i like the "Ignore" "some people" button better. And besides following gooberment rules really isnt my thing either.
Are you using chirp or putting in the values from the face of the radio? I found the RA87 to have the most unclear instructions and off the wall menu. That being said mine works fine but i used chirp to program it. Definitely ask for a check when your on the air, thats the only way to know for sure your getting out.