Noticed that Baofeng plus several others sell mobile radios as well as HT. Some seem like good prices.

Wondering if anyone can comment on any of the mobiles they like. Goal for unit would be to keep it under $150 for the mobile.

What about an external antenna. Have tailgate grounded so would most likely mount it in that location. I do also have a bracket for the hood.

Cheers
Al

 

for the 150 range you can beat a Yaesu FT-2900. Get you a good 1\2 wave antenna for it.

 

Kenwood TM281A gets my vote.

 

Any thoughts on this one

https://baofengtech.com/uv-5001

 

Price is good, specs seem to be okay but it doesn't give you a temp range on the PPM (you probably wouldn't notice anyway)
It's dual band which is a bonus
Expect to pay another 50.00 for a good dual band antenna
Baofeng software sucks, download and use CHIRP

 

I also vote for the Yaesu 2900 mobile the $150 range. I have used one since 2011.

Good Points: 75Ws output. Built like a brick outhouse. Programmable. Did I mention 75Ws out? Will never let you down

Bad points: 2 Meters only. Large and heavy. No removable faceplate.

Antenna: I am a fan of the Larsen KG2/70 (VHF/UHF) through the glass antenna. I have used the same one on all three of my JKUs. I install it on the left rear quarter window near the top. The steel whip is 37" long. I use this antenna with my VX6 HT, the FT2900 and when working multiband with my FT-897D. I work mountain top repeaters 60 miles away.

Baofeng radios in general. This Saturday, my Ham Club will be supporting the local police provide communication support to the city Emergency Operations Center. There will be 40 Hams providing this support. All makes of radios will be represented. The ICOMS, Kenwoods & Yaesu radios will work the five hour parade without a problem. Based on past experience, the Baofeng, and other Chinese radios, tend to fail within the first hour of heavy use. If you are going to buy a Ham radio - buy a good Ham radio. Buy a used one on EBAY.

 

FT2900 75 watt Yaesu, Built lika a tank, big easy to see display, easy to use on the move!!! We have found the extra wattage really can make a difference especially with marginal conditions and on simplex. I know a dozen people using them in my area.
We do 90+% 2m simplex down here, if you don't park in a garage ,or live in the city. I suggest a Diamond NR22L, It is a whip,98" long,UHF type mount not NMO ( I talk 22miles vehicle to vehicle simplex just about every morning )
I mounted mine driverside on tailgate with an L bracket with a UHF type mount on it.
For traveling I use a Diamond super gainer NMO mount above spare tire on Arizona Rocky Road mount. It is dual band antenna but I only use 2m works very well.
For everything you ever wanted to know about mounting mobile radios/antennas go to www.k0bg.com

 

Another option is the ICOM IC-V8000. Also 75w max output like the Yaesu and Kenwood, but it has a cooling fan. I had an FT-2800 but the finals went out on it. Replaced it with the ICOM simply because that's what my local shop had in stock at the time.

Good luck on your decision!

Josh