Do I really need UHF radio?

[olddigger]

Well, I'll take that as a very definite YES!

Many thanks for all replies. Will start looking Monday morning. Thinking maybe about the GME TX3100 plug 'n play for versatility and mobility (it has a magnetic roopftop antenna) but need to see how you connect the antenna to the radio (don't fancy drilling hole in roof).

Handheld also a possibility, though the good ones tend to be as much as the in-vehicle jobs.

Cheers, Tony

[schmik]

GME. They are australian.

[Diesel Power]

UHFs are good to listen to the truck drivers as they tell each other where the mobile speed cameras are hiding.
GME for me.

[KingBilly]

UHFs are good to listen to the truck drivers as they tell each other where the mobile speed cameras are hiding.

And swear and carry on to the extend you have to turn it off if the family are in the vehicle 

KB

[muzza01]

And swear and carry on to the extend you have to turn it off if the family are in the vehicle 

KB

X2

[chester ver2.0]

Yes they are handy

Communicate with the truckies when passing
If you up nth inland a lot of the mines have a general information channel with their gate houses that you can get road as well as heavy load float info for the area
A lot of the mine emergency guys monitor the UHF channels and have helped with medical assistance in the past for people calling in just outside of the leases

[doc evil]

There was a truck roll over on a trip from perth to melb. just outside of southern cross. Road was blocked for around 12 hours. The uhf gave me updates via truckies as I was heading toward the blockage. Was able to detour around (hyden norseman rd) with no issues or stoppages.  Saved me atleast a 5+hour wait.

[Pipeliner]

Try and get a unit which has all the controls on the handset - a tad more costly but the convenience factor is enormous.

In an emergency, satphones are OK as long as you know who to call.  HF radios broadcast your emergency to everyone who's listening.