Best Two-Way Radios for Your Ford F-250 Super Duty

Whether you're off-roading, overlanding, or managing a work convoy, reliable vehicle-to-vehicle communication is essential. For the powerful Ford F-250 Super Duty, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) offers a significant upgrade over traditional CB radio. Here is your complete guide to a modern GMRS setup.

GMRS vs. CB Radio: Why the Shift?

The **CB (Citizens Band) radio** has long been the standard for truckers and convoy communication. However, modern **GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)** radios offer numerous advantages that make them the superior choice for F-250 owners:

Feature	GMRS Radio	CB Radio
Frequency Band	UHF (462/467 MHz)	HF (27 MHz)
Maximum Power Output (Mobile)	Up to 50 Watts	4 Watts
Range & Clarity	Better clarity, especially in varied terrain (hills, trees). Repeater access available.	Range highly dependent on antenna length; often limited to a few miles.
Antenna Size	Much shorter and more practical for a truck mount.	Requires a large antenna (3-6 feet) for optimal performance.
License Required?	Yes (Single FCC license covers entire family for 10 years, approx. $35).	No license required.

Verdict for F-250: GMRS is generally preferred for off-road/overlanding groups and family convoys due to its superior range, clarity, and shorter, more manageable antenna size.

Top GMRS Mobile Radio Picks for the F-250

When selecting a radio, consider the power output and form factor. High-power units (40-50W) will give you the best range.

Midland MXT500 (50 Watt) or MXT575 (50 Watt with Integrated Mic): These are high-power, full-featured options. The MXT575 is popular for its "all-in-the-mic" control, allowing the main unit to be stowed out of sight (like under the seat) in your F-250's spacious cab.
Rugged Radios GMR45 (45 Watt): A powerful and robust choice, often bundled with complete F-250 specific kits. Known for durability in rugged environments.
Midland MXT275 (15 Watt with Integrated Mic): A great mid-range option with the same remote-head design as the MXT575 for a clean, hidden installation.

Ideal Antenna Mounting Solutions for Your F-250

A Ford F-250 Super Duty's aluminum body (2017+) presents a challenge, as a standard magnetic antenna mount may not work well without a large ground plane. Custom, no-drill mounts are the most popular solution:

1. No-Drill Fender / A-Pillar Mounts

These custom brackets are vehicle-specific and bolt directly to existing fender bolts, often under the hood near the cowl or A-pillar. They are designed for the F-250 and are the cleanest, most popular option:

Pros: No drilling required; excellent cable routing (through the firewall); low visual impact.
Cons: Limited to a 3-4ft antenna to avoid hood or roof contact.
Popular Options: Products designed for the F-250/F-350 from companies like Right Channel Radios or Rugged Radios.

2. Stake Hole Mounts (Truck Bed)

These mount securely to the stake pocket holes in the top rail of the truck bed. They provide a high mounting point which is excellent for range.

Pros: High mounting point for maximum line-of-sight range; keeps the antenna off the front body panels.
Cons: Coax cable must be run through the bed or under the truck and into the cab.

3. Third Brake Light Mount (High Power)

This is a custom bracket that typically places a strong NMO mount antenna next to the third brake light on the cab's roof. This is considered the "gold standard" for communication.

Pros: Highest mounting point; maximum possible ground plane; minimal drilling (often only the coax hole).
Cons: More involved installation; requires dropping the headliner.

Ready to install your GMRS system? Remember that a properly tuned antenna system is just as important as the radio itself. Always choose a GMRS-specific antenna (UHF, 462 MHz) and a mount that is secured to the truck's chassis for the best performance!