Retevis GMRS Repeaters Ensure Safety for Overlanders in Extreme Weather
Retevis GMRS Repeaters Ensure Safety for Overlanders in Extreme Weather
When severe storms struck during the Southeast Overland Camping event in Tennessee, Retevis's GMRS repeaters became a lifeline for 293 adventurers. This true story reveals how reliable two-way radio communication can mean the difference between chaos and safety during outdoor emergencies.
Community Building Through Adventure
The second annual Southeast Overland Camping event brought together off-road enthusiasts for trail rides, survival workshops, and community bonding near Brushy Mountain State Prison. Event organizer Darren Carden emphasized safety and teamwork: "Our goal is helping people explore responsibly while building connections." Participants learned practical skills including radio operation, tire repair, and terrain navigation through 11 educational courses.
Mobile Radio Systems Take Center Stage
As a key sponsor, Retevis equipped the event with advanced communication tools:
- Retevis RA87 Mobile Radios for trail demonstrations
- Retevis RB86 Mobile Radio as a raffle prize
- Handheld radios for staff coordination
- Retevis RT97S GMRS repeater kit for expanded coverage
"Using channel 13 for announcements kept the campground peaceful," Carden noted. "No blaring loudspeakers – just clear radio updates." The Southern Four Wheel Drive Association's radio training session drew 35 participants, with many expressing surprise at the repeater's 50-mile range capabilities.
Weather Crisis Tests Communication Limits
The event faced two critical challenges:
Friday Night Tornado Threat
Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings hit the area at 4:30 AM, testing emergency response systems.
Saturday Wind Emergency
50 mph sustained winds with 80 mph gusts struck during trail rides, creating dangerous conditions.
Carden's team used the Retevis RT97S GMRS radio repeater to contact trail leaders stranded in remote areas. "Without cell service, our radios were the only working communication tool," he recalled. The portable gmrs repeater's boosted signal cut through interference that blocked regular channels, enabling the safe evacuation of 60 vehicles.
Introducing the RT97L – A New 25W GMRS Repeater with IP66 Waterproofing
Building on the success of the RT97 series, Retevis is launching the RT97L GMRS repeater, featuring 25W high power output for even greater range and coverage. Designed for extreme outdoor conditions, the RT97L also boasts an IP66 waterproof rating, making it ideal for adventurers facing unpredictable weather. Whether used for overlanding, search-and-rescue missions, or emergency preparedness, this new repeater is built to deliver reliable and robust communication in the most challenging environments.
RT97L 25W Waterproof GMRS Repeater
Why Two-Way Radios Outperform Mobile Phones?
This emergency proved three key advantages of GMRS repeater systems:
- Reliability: Works in zero-cell-service areas
- Instant Group Communication: Reach entire teams simultaneously
- Durability: Functions in extreme weather conditions
"Our staff carried handhelds everywhere – vendor areas, campsites, trail meetings," Carden emphasized. The system proved so effective that future events will require GMRS radios for all participants.
Safety Lessons for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Retevis-equipped event successfully demonstrated:
- How repeaters extend communication range in mountainous terrain
- Why weather-resistant radios matter for emergency preparedness
- The value of standardized channels for large groups
As overlanding grows in popularity, Retevis continues developing rugged communication solutions for adventurers. From the compact RT97S to the soon-to-be-released RT97L 25W, these tools help communities stay connected when it matters most – whether coordinating trail repairs or escaping dangerous storms.
GMRS Repeater Kit for sale:
RT97S GMRS repeater bundle: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-portable-repeater-and-frp-antenna-bundle-us
RT97L GMRS repeater: https://www.retevis.com/25w-rt97l-gmrs-long-range-waterproof-full-duplex-repeater-us
