Which HF Radio for RVing?

[N4MU Papi]

Here goes...I'm expecting a lot of opinions but: What would you consider to be the best HF radio for me and my 5er? Going to go full time in about a year and to be honest have been out of touch with the latest rigs for several years. Important is (of course) size and user friendliness (I'm no smarter now). I would use SSB and CW (if that's still around lol) a little I guess. No desire for digital formats...just a rag chew or leisurely contact now and then and probably a LOT of just listening. Need to be able to use it from RV for sure or from TV...maybe (antenna would be interesting when hitched). So...what say you other experts. My top dollar will be $999 and I don't mind buying a pristine "previously owned" unit. Thanks for your help!
de N4MU

[Radio]

Bill,

Welcome aboard! :hisign: You'll find ORR.net a friendly helpful bunch, be sure to jump right in.

I use a Kenwood TS-570 in my 5ver, because the radio was bought and paid for long before the trailer arrived. What radio are you using now?

[electricflyer]

Welcome, N4MU Papi. For suggestions you have come to the right place, we are full of suggestions. Personally, I use a Yaseu FT-450 both at home and on the road. I don't have a HF in any vehicle, simply because I can't crawl around under it to hook up all the chassis grounds that these plastic cars need. But, if you are up to it the FT-450 is small in size and should be able to fit in many applications. A very good receiver and as good as any transmitter. Never had anyone complain about the stock hand held mike they provide. Another choice would be a FT-857D for HF/VHF/UHF. Very small size and removable face plate for really small footprint in the cabin. Either would be in your price range.
Good luck, whatever the choice, they all work or they wouldn't be able to sell them.
Marv
KT4W

[N3LYT]

They made hundreds of thousands of Icom 706's the last ones (MK II G) had DSP and 160 to 70 CM all mode with broad band receive a nice used one can be had for $500 The IC 7000 ( over a grand) is a very nice radio also but is battery hungry. I have both I'm not really brand conscious ( even have one of those cheapo HT's) but both of those units are top notch and small. When I camp I usually take my IC 7200 it is not small or light but it can be dropped kicked with easy menu systems and out standing filters and DSP right around a $1000 new. Glad you found the site!

[Cleve]

I would suggest the Yaesu 857 as mentioned above, although a good, clean ICOM 706 Mk II G would also be excellent. Also, the antenna is important, especially if you want to operate HF mobile. The old standbys of Hustler mobile whips and bug catchers are good but more alternatives such such as screwdriver antennas are now available. Finally one advantage of the 857, and I believe the 706, is that they will give both FM service for two meters and 440 and single side band for those bands. Hope this helps.

[N3LYT]

Yes they will and they have two antenna outputs making it easy to deal with antennas. I agree with the screw driver antenna fairly simple and gives you generally 6 to 80 meters nice touch when it's pouring rain.

[N4MU Papi]

I'll be lookin at the spec on the 857, 450 (Yaesu), IC706 mk II and KW TS570.
No body mentioned the IC-718...is it an albatross? I may have a very good deal on one locally. But if it's a piece of junk I need to know.
Yes, thinking of the screwdriver also.

[wa8yxm]

Back when I had money I went to Dayton, Got out my tape measure and measured the spot where I planned on mounting the all-band/mode radio.. Went to the Arena, took measurements, The Kenwood TS-2000 fit the spot... My Elmer (Teacher who helped me pass the Extra, though I had not yet taken the class) had a TS-2000 as well.

So I got the TS-2000.. Buyer's Remorse... Very very slight, the other one that would have perhaps fit had a few different features, but in truth, I'm very happy with the TS-2000. .

What would I recommend: GO TO DAYTON and shop, I am serious, Kenwood, Icom, Yesau, Elcraft and others all have very good radios Some have different features, And I will NOT recommend one over another.

The only thing I will recommend against, and alas, it looks more and more like I'm going to loose out on this, is Proprietary communications protocols. such as D-Star.. I'm really against those when it comes to ham radio. (I forget the other one that is out there).

But it looks like D-Star is happening, so as I said, I've lost on that count.

[W5DOK]

I'll be lookin at the spec on the 857, 450 (Yaesu), IC706 mk II and KW TS570.
No body mentioned the IC-718...is it an albatross? I may have a very good deal on one locally. But if it's a piece of junk I need to know.
Yes, thinking of the screwdriver also.
The 718 is an excellent basic radio. Lots of them out there and and they seem to work great. They're just not a tiny radio.
Doc

[N3LYT]

Nice radio very basic. I don't believe it did 6 meters and lacked DSP and filters. Not really intended to be portable but if it's going to live in the camper so what.

[W9WLS]

The 718 is a good radio, But my choice (if your eye sight is good) would be the 857-D , I would also suggest a matching remote tuner for those times you can get a long wire strung out .
The Yaesu FT-450 D is what is currently installed in our class A and does a great job.

Antennas, what ever works for your application , I have a Tarheel 2 on the "A" on a fold over bracket and a second coax run to a remote tuner, both work well.

[N4MU Papi]

I will pursue the 718 possibility. I need something small but want to avoid those that have removable fronts...too small to operate. The 718 is basic I know but my ops will be casual and not in motion...probably get a screwdriver for antenna. John: Just went through double eye surgery and left eye is still a work in progress (LOL) but looks like the display on the icom may be a bit better than the others...yes, that is reasonably important as I am now a really OM...got to start acting my age! Looking forward to many more answers to not yet known questions...just getting back into ops since many years absence. Thanks for all comments...Now...about that antenna...what say?

[W5DOK]

When I am parked, I use a Comet CHA250 mounted to a 10 foot telescoping pole and attached to rear ladder. If the overhead will not handle the Comet (it's 26 ft.) I use a Tarheel screwdriver attached to the same pole. The top of the pole is even with the top of the MH when extended and when collapsed, it fits nicely in the bay. I have the pole grounded to the frame of the MH for a ground plane. This setup has allowed me to talk to folks all over. If you plan to run an amp, the Comet may not work. It's rated for about 200 watts. I only use the 2m/440 when in motion. The Comet requires no radials and no tuner. SWR on mine is flat on all bands. Takes about 15 minutes to set up or take down if the YL helps. If she stays out the way it takes about 10 minutes.
Doc

[N4MU Papi]

:whistle::whistle:Been drooling over the FT-450D. Gave up on the Icom 718. The 450D looks like a LOT more radio for a few bucks more. Plan on using it with a ATAS-120A antenna on the F-350. Anyone else use that combo? Like to hear your stories. Thanks everyone for a lot of good info! I'll keep you informed! (Now got to sell that bandsaw to get some cash...LOL)

[N3LYT]

Personally it would not be my choice for a mobile radio don't get me wrong it's a nice rig but maybe a bit "busy" for a mobile.

[W9WLS]

The FT-450 is a bit large and perhaps a bit awkward for mobile operation.
The front panel is a bit busy and the lay out not quite right for "one person" mobile operation to my way of thinking .
However, I do think it would be a good choice for in the camper as a "fixed" station or on a pick nick table as a portable.
The FT-857-D is much better suited to MOBILE op's , if used with the "REMOTE KIT" so that you can get the "HEAD UNIT" into a good position to view it with out taking your eye's off the road for very long if adjustments are needed.

[TXiceman]

I run an 857D with a Turbotuner and a Lil'Tarheel II in the truck. For the trailer I use a Kenwood TS480HX with a LDG 200AT Pro tuner. For antennas, I use an Eagle One on the rear ladder and carry a Carolina Windom 80 for the places I have trees to hang some wire.

Ken

[electricflyer]

I just remembered a web site that covers just about everything on mobile installs. Not much on equipment but rather curing problems and proper installion. www.k0bg.com There is even a section "OTR & RV". This guy favors the Kenwood TS-480HX over a FT-450. Several reasons but one that stands out is that it has 200W output for a little extra punch. I looked up the cost and Gigaparts has it for just a little over $1,000 which still puts it close to your price range. I didn't look at all the specs on the Kenwood but may be a consideration.

[N4MU Papi]

Gentlemen: Thank you for all of your insights! I appreciate the info and your likes/dislikes. What I will be doing will be the Yaesu FT-450D and the Yaesu ATAS-120 tunable antenna. Reasons: I will not be using the radio while in motion (only inside the RV or sitting out under the awning with a tall cool one, I prefer the larger readout and, to me at least, the layout is pretty straightforward and I have no problem with it, and, I did not want to go with a detatchable front type radio. I like the fact that you can auto-tune the antenna without a separate control cable mostly. The antenna will be mounted behind the cab, high, on the front part of the truck bed on the F-350 and parked in close proximity for either operating location. Also plan on getting a 2nd power supply "for outdoors" so I don't have to lug the "inside" supply around. It will be a little while...got to sell my band saw first...you know the drill. Thanks again for your helpful suggestions...it did make a difference! 73, Bill

[N3LYT]

Yes it's a nice desk top. Are you going to run coax to the truck from the radio? I set up my camper with 50 amp DC connections both ends and a whip for the radio with a 50 amp connection, both are inside of compartments so I can use it outside or in both ends of the camper.

[N4MU Papi]

The plan is to be able to operate from the LR area (next to TV there's a perfect space to "hide" the rig where DVD used to be) or outside under the awning. (see Forest River Cedar Creek 36CKTS floorplan). No plans to work from the truck per se. I have an Astron 20A that I'll hide in a LR cubbie permanently and will buy another PS for outdoors use. Easier than lugging a PS back and forth. I was a bit concerned about long runs of DC and IR drop under loads.
Antenna will be permanently mounted on truck behind and just below top of cab a bit to the drivers side (stop light and cab window). RV will be wired for easy attachment to antenna stub via the Hitch unbilical and will have additional length of coax for awning ops. Anyway, that's the plan. Right now I have to sell a very nice band saw (Hello Craig's List) and then will make the plunge. I've been inactive for over a decade I guess so this should be interesting. Operate just SSB and CW (CW?). Have no interest in digital modes...used to do that and ended up usually using keyboard CW..LOL. Hope it all works as planned...ahhh...do you hear retirement? Thanks for insights!
de N4MU (first licensed 1961...yes, now you hear retirement I bet)!

[AE5TE]

I have had a FT-450AT since about 2009 and the rig works great. I just joined this forum because I am shopping for a fulltime RV and at the same time investigating HF radio options for it. Like others say, this rig would probably not be good to use while driving, and it is fairly large. But I think the feature set in this rig is excellent and the size gives it a lot of heft and ruggedness PLUS, the display is big and bright.

I contemplate picking out a bunkhouse style towable and I would probably be installing the ham station in the rear vestibule. I would probably be operating on shore power 90% of the time with a ~2000W inverter generator as secondary, so the relatively high standby power consumption wouldn't be a big concern.

My biggest concern right now is what to do for antennas. I am leaning towards something like a Little Tarheel on some sort of folding mount and perhaps a EARCHI endfed as a secondary when local surroundings will allow it. Another possibility is one of the fiberglas marine HF monopoles fed through an autocoupler. But with spare wire and a basic manual tuner, we can build to suit rather quick and easy for wherever we are, right?

[N4MU Papi]

Don't think I ever ended up letting you all know what I finally did...
I bought a FT-450D and ended up with a Tarheel 300A with a Breedlove truck bed lip mount. I have it right behind the drivers side cab on the front bed side. The radio ended up in the bedroom on the bureau shelf. Although I don't use things mobile per se (it just sits there with the truck parked next to the fiver) I have to say I am more than pleased with performance. Got one of those MFJ programmable antenna tuners and it works very well also. Oh...I have succumbed to PSK31...Tigertronics SignaLink and Airline Express software...don't use it often (still getting used to macros etc) but have had several contacts at 30 watts. All in all very happy with equipment...now just waiting for the last day of W-O-R-K (I know you're not supposed to cuss online so that's why I spelled it)...Then going to Traveler's Rest Resort in Dade City, FL...sometime next spring. They have a killer ham club/station there too (K4TRR I believe). CU then...and thanks to all replies! 73 de N4MU :bounce:
(Ignore the Sagan quote...I do now know where I'm going...just not soon enough LOL)

[ke0me]

I retired a little over a year ago, I recommend it whole heartedly.

We are full timing, and I have to finish getting the station more compact so its easier to set up and take down.

Good luck, and look forward to chatting more when u are retired.

[N4MU Papi]

Oh...you're killing me! Question: Does it just keep getting harder and harder to do ANYTHING useful at work? Yes, I will be happy to spend some qso time with you! Something else...I don't believe I've EVER heard anyone say that he was sorry he retired! I just want to join the group! thanks for inspiration though! 73

[Radio]

BTW, welcome aboard, Greybeard.

:radio:

[N3LYT]

The Lil Tarheel is a winner I have about 50 countries mobile change the stinger out for a longer one mine is 56" you might lose 6 meters but in my case I didn't care. I picked up a H.S. at a hamfest and rebuilt it that is what I use on the camper when parked. It's an OK antenna but it does not have a turns counter so you have to just wing it I put labels on the mast so I know where it is and just tune it with the radio's meter. I have about a hundred dollars in it so if I had to pay real money it would have been another Tarheel.

[electricflyer]

I use my FT-450 at home and on the road. Mine is a early model, not the real early one with changeable color display, but just after that model. I wish I had the "D" model with the backlit keys, it sure would be easier to work with in my dimly lite spot in the shack but I know where the most used keys are with out lighting it up, just from lots of use. I in no way have used all the features of this little radio. A Yaesu rep told me the FT-450 was a menu driven FT-2000, which has been discontinued. For antenna I use an Eagle One 31' vertical end driven dipole and tune with a LGD 200pro. My FT-450 has a built in tuner but a Yaesu tech said they don't call it a tuner, but rather an antenna trimmer since it won't tune any thing more than 1.7-1. I don't do any HF mobile radio since grounding is a PIA on newer cars and trucks with so much noise and vibration dampening the isolates every piece of the vehicle. I'm too old to crawl around under my truck to hook up ground straps.
Marv
KT4W

[N3LYT]

I have no issues with my Tacoma my mount is well grounded to the truck body no other ground have been added. No stray RF and no noise.

[dreed]

I don't know if I should recommend anything as I am just getting back to hf after being off the air for a long time. But what I am putting in to my class b motorhome is a Elecraft KX3 with the 100 watt amp. Both units are small and and I can take out the xceiver and run batt power on a picnic table if need be. We'll see how it all works out.
Dave

[N4MU Papi]

And the ideas just keep coming! Thanks! If you've read you know I settled on the FT-450D and the Tarheel 300A. I am VERY pleased with both. Not retired yet (next spring) but am full-timing due to having sold the house. In the meantime just having some fun with the rig on PSK31, a little ssb and always seeming to revert to CW for relaxation. Can't buy any other antenna yet until I see where we end up at our FL park. We know we're going to Traveler's Rest Resort in Dade city but until I know which lot and where I may (or may not) be able to hide a Gap Titan DX I can't buy it. Oh well...counting down the days. To Dave (above): Thanks for your ideas...looks like you're headed in a similar direction. Have fun!

[NE2I]

It really depends how much you move. I don't really move all that much, maybe 3 times a year. I found that I really enjoy radio more with bigger antennas and high performance radios. Rv parks are usually really noisy RF wise and you need as many tools as possible to overcome it. I have an elecraft KX3 PX3 and KxPa100 as my modern rig. I have also a Metron MA1000 amplifier for more power. antennas include a Transworld antenna 2010 for portable when I do quick moves and a hex beam for long stays. Takes more work for set up but the results are worth the work. I also have a small Drake collection that travels along with me (C line) and my trusty TR7A. I also use a Yaesu 857 but its just not as good as the Elecraft. I may reinstall that in the Toad. Point being That you don't have to go small in the RV GO BIG!

[W9WLS]

TS-2000 report:

Recently it's been a daily player both on 2M and HF.
The CON'S:
1. both on 2M and HF , if you don't run the pre-amp (s) on Rx it's pretty hard of hearing , not saying that this is a bad thing , just stating a fact).
2. Programming memories is a bit troublesome at first , mostly due to the layout of the key's and the way it thinks.
3. I have been told that one can program power levels on a per-channel basis but have not been able to accomplish this as yet.
4. No "Fish-Finder" scope (do miss this on HF).
5. The display uses incandescent lamp's, not led's and is a FIXED color, there is an after market "MOD" to change it to either Green or Blue (I'll go with the Blue when the radio is out of warranty in about a year).

The PRO'S
1. The Mic. input is not picky, it will accept Hi-Z, Low-Z directly (I like this) not like the Icom or Yaesu rig's that use the Electrict-condenser type input that you must have an interface of some sort to make an older mic work with them.
2. Over-all, for a "SHACK-IN-A-BOX" rig it seems to be a good player , on the air report's have been good and I have not noticed any IMD on RX or any other strange thing's that can not be explained or dealt with simply , the filtering work's good and as far as CW goes I think it could be a good player .
3. All thing's considered, I would rate it higher than the FT-857 or the Alenico rig's but not near the IC-7600 or the big Yaesu rig's (but I'm an ICOM fan anyway).

I may find other thing's about this rig down the road but for now that's the report, I still use the 7600 on a daily basis also and still love it, the TS-2000 is a 10 year old design and there have been few up-dates to it , One thing I really do not care for is the lack of "RCA" connectors on the rear deck for amp control and ALC , everything along those lines has to have a special cable that is matched to one of the accessory sockets .

I can't say that the TS-2K would be a great "Camper Radio" but it has a great deal of "flexibility" in one box and yes there are draw-back's to having "all the egg's in one Basket".

Someone else who has one might try taking it camping and give us a "Road Report" , but for the moment it is worth some consideration .

[wa8yxm]

I will not give you a specific recommendation but rather a bunch

I use a Kenwood TS-2000, HF, and VHF and UHF all in one, dual receivers (2nd is VHF/UHF only)

Some folks liek Icom, for example the IC-7600 is one fantastic HF rig.

Some folks like Yesau
Elkhart
_________

The only suggestion I'd make is keep it to around 100 watts That way you can use your house battery system to power it.. Of course no problem with a full gallon,, If you have the cargo carrying capacity for the power supply.