Retevis RA86 Mobile GMRS Radio
Retevis · vehicle
$100–$110
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Quick overview
Shoppers who want a no-permanent-install vehicle GMRS radio at a lower price than the MXT275
Potential advantages
- Cigarette lighter power means no permanent electrical install, unlike the Midland MXT275
- Lower price than the Midland MXT275
- Includes a gain antenna in the box rather than selling it separately
Potential limitations
- Lower published wattage than the Midland MXT275's 15W output, which may mean shorter range
- Smaller independent review base (roughly 125 ratings) than our Midland vehicle pick
- Cigarette lighter power is easy to install but also easy to accidentally unplug, unlike a hardwired setup
What we think
The RA86's main advantage over our other vehicle-radio pick, the Midland MXT275, is installation: it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket instead of requiring permanent wiring, and it comes in at a lower price with a gain antenna included in the box rather than sold separately. That convenience has a real trade-off, though — published output is lower than the MXT275's 15W, which likely means shorter range, and a plug-in power connection is easier to accidentally knock loose than a hardwired install. Its review base (roughly 125 ratings) is also considerably smaller than the Midland's. For anyone who wants GMRS in a vehicle without committing to a permanent wiring job, the RA86 is the easier path in; for maximum range and a setup you won't have to redo, the MXT275 is the stronger choice.
Key features
GMRS mobile radio with a gain antenna included
Cigarette lighter power plug — no permanent wiring required
NOAA weather alerts; dual speakers
Repeater channel support
Specifications
| Subscription required | No |
| Power type | vehicle cigarette lighter socket |
| Price range | $100–$110 |
Sources
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