THIS Could SAVE Your Life! Best Weather Radio for VAN Life!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
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In this video, we review three top weather radios for van life and off-grid living. Staying connected to real-time weather updates is critical when you're on the road, and having a reliable emergency radio could literally save your life. These radios ensure you're always prepared for any unexpected weather.
Kaito Emergency Radio Voyager Max KA900 is a must-have with multiple power options, it ensures you're always connected. Featuring AM/FM/SW & NOAA weather bands for real-time alerts, Bluetooth streaming, an MP3 player, voice recorder, and a built-in phone charger, this compact, durable radio keeps you informed, powered, and entertained in any situation.
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Thanks for watching!
CB Radio with a Wx Button I would also recommend as another option. It'll give you the Weather Alerts & also give you the capability reaching out in emergencies if you are in an unlikely area with no cell phone coverage. Also good (sometimes) to tune to CH 19 (truckers channel) to reach out for road construction/traffic accident info.
That seems like a very good option for people in remote spots. I was just talking to my 95-year-old mom about when she and my father were in Guatemala in 1976 when there was a 7.5 earthquake. I was in high school and my siblings and I didn't know whether they were okay until several days later when a ham radio operator got the word out. 23,000 fatalities, another 75,000 injured and 1.2 million left without homes. It was horrific.
True...going on a year ago I got 2 CB radios: A small one (the very tiny President Bill II AM/FM) installed in my my Jeep, the other a little larger one (President McKinley II AM/FM/SSB) to use in my apartment's Base Station and made sure both of them included the NOAA Weather Channels.
I also have a short-wave emergency radio (an older Kaito but similar to what Bob is showing here).
-- BR
Where does one get a CB radio?
@@M5282-t9t
Any garage sale
Yes 👍🏽
Probably not the most appropriate video to leave this comment but you are one of my biggest inspirations and the reason I've finally found financial freedom
I have the Midland. Underneath the crank handle is a place for 6 AA batteries, right next to the removeable Li-Ion battery that is rechargeable. I cant testify to how it is on weather alerts because Ive never tested that and am doing that now thanks to this video. Its a decent AM/FM radio though. EDIT: WX - I get a continuous weather report, it doesnt stop, lol.
Hi Bob. The knowledge that you have made available to so many people about so many different things has help millions of people now and in the future. Because things are changing and your teaching is like a manual of how to live and also survive when people are down and out. And you’re still taking the time to keep your followers up to speed. I’ve lived in a Van many short term times. Although I’m on the East coast. I wish there was BLM land here. Your name and face is recognized across the entire united state. I had your Cheap RV living Tee shirt. And people recognized it and took time to talk. Always positive conversations. Thank You Bob Cody. And your team.
I have the Midland. It's awesome. Four ways to charge it. Great AM/FM reception in addition to the weather channels. Plus flashlight. Perfect. $64 at REI if you buy it when members's 20% off sale is on.
Is it short wave?
I really appreciate your videos. I am not a nomad due to health problems. But it is my heart's desire to someday become a nomad. Your videos are so informative. You are a good man. Thank you.
Same here, re; dreams of travel and chronic health problems. I've enjoyed Bob's videos very much.
Thank you this is something I haven't thought about for a while. It would be invaluable if I were traveling or camping, and I drive through the desert a lot...so knowing about flash flooding warnings would definitely be a potential life or death situation.
Bob, I already owned the venerable Sangean CL-100 emergency weather radio, but having seen your video have now upgraded it with the Kaito KA900 and couldn't be happier. The difference in receiver performance alone was worth the price, (on sale). Thank you!
I have the red one, it works perfectly.
I bought one after Hurricane Sally hit me in Alabama. Now I keep in on the dash of my van and it charges by the sun during the day.
Thank You for the information🥰🙏
Thanks Bob!!
Obtaining emergency details and instructions are critical, as well as carrying responsible emerg. rations (food, water, meds, shelter(s), com equipments with batt & charging ),
But during fire season, especially when you alerted to understand the sky is in an 'electrical' condition, you should prior to arrival, already have scoped contingencies for routes of plausible egress. You don't want to get stuck in a canyon and the only escape is one road, through the fire.
Obtaining emergency details and updates is critical to preserving life, so I invested and maintain 2 separate radios.
One is Sangean, but my favorite is that expensive C. Crane CC radio. I paid for their Skywave portable model - their CC radios generally accepted to have the strongest Internal Reception scheme, but I also got their short wave wire antenna.
Not doing a commercial for them but has SSB 2 AM, FM, Shortwave, NOAA Weather + Alert, Scannable VHF Aviation Band and Single Side Bands (everything) - LoL I had to take a college class just to understand it's offerings.
AA batt, but I also rigged it to accept my solar
I just saw your post about weather radios. I bought a solar powered radio. I leave it in my window to keep it charged. We have weather alerts on our phone. But do need the weather radio. Your tips were fantastic. Will see about a weather radio purchase. Thanks again!
Great timing on this video for me, Bob! I am actually looking to replace my old LL Bean weather radio. It did the job for years and years, but it was always … Just adequate.
Today’s increased weather emergencies do indeed call for better advance warning and preparation.
Thanks for the thorough breakdown!
Already have a great one but I'm Always looking for great products. Appreciate your reviews. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.
Bob, the midland is actually $70 (you said $40). I've had mine for maybe 3 or 4 years (same price back then). The reception seems fine to me, but I'm in the city (and not really a radio expert, heh). I like its small size and the handle is handy (to hang on a hook, etc). I tried the crank, which seems like a nothingburger, ha. I only turn on the weather alert part when I'm expecting possible bad weather. Otherwise, it will wake me up in the wee hours about events pretty far away. Also, the flashlight part could be handy and it has a flashing feature. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with it. If they had it in blue (and if it actually was $40), I'd probably get another one :-)
Good backup if your cell phone is not getting a good signal. NOAA could make it work better if they sent a signal code to alert radios that used GPS so only the ones in the alert area received the alert. Like you said radio signal is going lot further away then the alerted area going off all the time.
Thank you for your video. I have a mini one that’s a crank so I’ll play with it a little bit more so I can learn how to work it valuable information. Thank you again.
thank you for another great video. You mentioned those small rechargeable batteries- I've never heard of them. Perhaps you could do a video on your favorite batteries and the ins and outs of all that comes with rechargeable batteries. Thanks again.
I've used them for years. Best to purchase from a battery website as they'll only carry good quality batteries and their prices will be competitive.
They require a charger to recharge them also found at an online battery store. Charger costs approximately 20 bucks. Batteries run about 8 dollars to 10 dollars. Or at least they did prior to the pandemic before inflation.
Not much else you need to know. Google 18650 battery in order to find a website for them. (That number is just the size of the rechargeable battery I used). The size will differ depending on application.
18650 batteries are used in mechanical vapes & in computers! That removable “battery” on your laptop is actually multiple (6? 8?) 18650 batteries. I have a Nitecore charger. It will charge 4 18650, AA & AAA batteries on 110 & has an adapter for your vehicle.
Great video! Put the big one in my Amazon camping wish list! Maybe Santa will get the hint! Thank you Mr. Wells! You rock!
I bought I Voyager 3 years ago. It's helped here in Florida with updates with bad weather.👍
Nice presentation. I also recommend becoming an amateur radio operator. Hams were the only comms for quite a while in western NC after Helene til starlink was brought in.
Yep
Yes indeed! WG7D
This was a great presentation - I'd had a weather alert radio before radio went digital. Definitely time for an upgrade. I will check out your links. {The most confusing thing about weather alert while traveling - figuring out how to interpret the information and highway system. Many alerts came to me while I was in unfamiliar territory}
I had no idea such a radio service existed. I found an app that shows all the data NOAA puts out for free. NOAA data is all public domain. Now I am fully aware that a phone app requires an internet connection to get alerts.
In Florida. We are always concerned about the weather. Thank you for demonstrating these weather radios.
Good idea to have a weather alert.
Bob, are you now tent camping from your new Subaru?
I think that would work well.
Watching this from sticks and bricks in Kalkaska Michigan as snow is dumping at a white out level and the lights are flickering. This area and the multitude of Great Lakes shorelines are absolutely beautiful (where people flood to during spring-fall from all over, for vacation) and a blessed place to live in sticks and bricks. And I have a great job and coworkers here. I wish i had the gall to live here in a vehicle in the snow belt! SO OVER roommates at 43 yrs old. I know I'm fortunate to have shelter etc. Just the roommate stuff is getting rough.
Stay safe nomads, and I hope to see you down the road someday.
Oh and I pulled out my "go bag" and am going through stuff and listening to the weather alert radio! Far away but like minded. 🤗
Ya, I did the room mate thing for many years. Not easy! Glad to be living alone now. Lol
Cheers!
Ill be looking into the best one to purchase soon. I am a Ham but haven't even bought a Ham radio yet. Guess im a procrastinator but i dont want to purchase till i about need something. ThanksBob so much .
Thanks Santa Claus 🎅 I will be getting me one I never thought much about it until now thanks Bob ☮️
weather changes everday since the dawn of time😅. i do have kaito voyager.
Don't depend on the solar panel to charge your radio. The instructions say it might charge your radio & it will take a few days to do so
The crank may wear out probably use that as last result. Dual power may be the answer. Regular battery. Mine was cheap. Better to make some of those features yourself. A nice graphene battery that would charge fast. Perhaps a super capacitor with your own high power crank instead what the cheap ones supply. But what do I know most people may buy those cheap ones great video.
Make sure that you get a weather radio with SAME technology and it’s programmed for the particular area you’re in. I have a radio scanner and it’s programmed for the local EMA, they usually have spotters that report conditions, sometimes to the local NWS who then pass the info to the public. Thanks for the video very informative.
Good information depending on Your travels, Many Thanks 🙏
Bob, you mentioned that folks must have an amateur radio (or ham) license to broadcast. That’s not always true. In an emergency, anyone may legally use an amateur radio. This is why I have wondered why nomads who travel in remote areas don’t consider purchasing an inexpensive used two-meter radio specifically for emergencies. The batteries last for days, and in an emergency, being able to use the radio to reach out to an amateur operator with your satellite coordinates might just be a lifesaver.
Maggie
I live in the Helene distaster area. The only cellular phone that works to call 911most of the time is Verizon. There is a new national emergency system that citizens can not use. This weather radio would have maybe saved a few more lives. 90 days later and we still do not get correct warnings. No information. Most of the supply places have shut down. We greatly appreciate all the hard physical labor to get us back to a new normal. I did not see any weather alert radio donated. With no electric and sometimes no cellular phone service. This is a great item to walk you up when a emergency is happening.
When you're a nomad, there are plenty of things to make life challenging, but there is one thing you can do that others can't. As a nomad, you can move to where the weather is not so abusive. It would seem one is wise to take advantage of this circumstance.
I thought about how it would be nice when I eventually get a van is to stay in higher elevation, Arizona during the summer and lower elevation during winter like the Yuma area. That’s not a very long drive to get between those two places.
thank you Bob
Thank you for sharing.
Mahalo for the info, I need to buy one. Think I’ll get the midland it’s smaller and cheaper. Dont need the radio just alerts
This is good content keep it coming
The Midland has a “Dog Whistle” feature. Have one but don’t like it.
Ordered the Kaito on your recamandation. Like the Short Wave feature.
Good info Bob.
Thnx
I love am I got Casper Wyoming out in Roseville ca.
Interesting.
Bob hi. What happened to Kathleen who lives in her little tiny black car. I think you interviewed her in 2016. Thanks, Maria Adelaide Australia 😊
I have wondered about her also. I remember a silver little car but maybe it was black. I hope she is doing well.
I have the midland, works great. Used it during Hurricane Helene when power was out. We just had a few trees down in NE Georgia. Everyone should have one of these radios. Thanks for all you do Bob!
Which midland do you use?
Out here in tornado alley they're creating a (40 slot??) RV park, you'd be wise to have a weather radio in the RV
We’ve been having forest fires and no-burn alerts here - in Connecticut! The humidity capital of New England.
Thank you.
Does the weather alerts work in Canada?
Many these days use a single chip. The Kaito, being Stereo FM, at least put the right FM circuitry in. That is a plus you did not mention. I have searched a long time, and this may be what I am looking for for that reason alone.
Excellent
Are you familiar with the awful blasting television emergency broadcasting system ? Crazy noise alert never warned me when a hurricane damaged my house twice.
Another great video Bob, with all of the excellent advice you so willingly present to your viewers.
When natural disasters strike, even with prior warnings or not, there are going to be many electric vehicle (EV) owners being caught out. What l mean by that, when natural disasters strike, one of the first things that happens is, damage to the power infrastructures. When the grid goes off-line, there will be massive problems for the EV owners, especially if the power grid is shut down for any length of time. This is why l will never buy one. Imagine also too, if you're caught in a flood area, you just cannot take the risk of driving through floodwaters, for obvious reasons.
I'm all for improving the environment but in doing so with EV's and how do you get around or evacuate to higher ground or to recharge your EV, with the grid broken down. You are literally up...SHIT CREEK!!
Wonder how these compare to a Baofeng UV-5R. I use one to monitor scanner frequencies. Listen to fm radio stations. I know it has weather channels can program in like the scanner frequencies. In an emergency could transmit on it. Even though that part upsets HAMS. But I'm not getting a license if I'm only going to do that in an emergency.
Thank You Bob for another Great Video 👍
Matthew chapter 24 starring at verse 7 Kings James version speaks of the weather in the end times. Stay safe and warm my friend and God bless you. 👍🙏
Thanks! I’m lacking in this department
Can you comment on the states that are banning combustion engines and the impact on the RV situation? Plus many RV parks will not allow you to stay if your rig is 10 yrs plus old. Does this mean a major shift in the RV landscape in terms of viability of rig type, costs, and parks to visit?
This has been becoming more and more of a thing in the past 10 years and why so many people are choosing more discreet vehicles that have less restrictions on parking. For parks that allow older RVs stick to short term campgrounds that are out on the fringe of cities or tourist areas. You can always use apps like Off road for more dispersed camping areas if you don't mind no facilities.(Look for BLM or National Forest Service Roads). Walmart parking lots used to be dependable but not so much anymore. I tend to park in these most of the time and park at a campgrounds just a day or two a week when I need to do chores and plug in. I mostly stay on the west coast so I can't speak for other states. Good luck to you!
What’s the “”Mic” on the last radio Bob reviewed?
The yellow radio, I can hear it clearly and I’m hearing impaired.
Handles don’t work but the solar set up would be good.
You are my Lewis and Clark for the car living
Mr Wells I am looking to buy an RV motorhome class C chassey 21-27 feet, can you recommend an RV company or RV lot for me in the NJ, NY, PA area that is reliable.
A very inexpensive safety item to have. One of the first purchases i made. Set it up with a mini solar pack and kinetic crank if needed.
Does anyone know if there will be van building at the RTR?
I've just got this here in Wales UK. Is anyone having trouble simply turning it on? 🤷♀️
I can briefly get it to come on with the power cable in, just enough to see it's fully charged, then it turns off.
Initially I was able to auto tune the radio stations. Turned it off then nothing since.
I didn't watch the entire video all the way through every second didn't hear Bob mention something, and I don't know if these radios have this feature they should have an alert sounds with a radio message that follows. You should not have to leave a radio going 24/7 listening to the local NWS recording with the forecast which would be annoying. Normally an alert radio will sound an alarm like a loud wobbling tone then the NWS message follows. You can hear an example if you search YT for tornado alert NWS radio. Lots of videos showing a radio alerting with this tone on YT.
FIRST, I agree 100% about having an emergency broadcast radio! BUT a statement you made early on in this review, in my opinion, is not correct. It's not that more and more weather and other emergencies are happening it's that now its all being covered in nation wide and world wide "news" coverage so we hear more about them but I really don't think there has been that much of an increase, just more people are hearing about them.
A little comedy never hurts, dust in the air, hahaha.
The sky is falling, the sky is falling!
Christmas
We have NOAA weather location in Asheville NC. 😢still did not get the evaluation order fast enough enough. With a wall of water 32feet high at 60 mph you can not escape.
There were weather warnings for days before hurricane Helene from local NC weather forecasting TV channels but sadly everyone assumed that it wouldn't be that bad.
I know because my sister and mother live in Asheville so I was thoroughly plugged into what happened there.
👍👍🏝
It looks like a good radio, as for climate change it is not caused by humans or carbon we need carbon to live we are carbon lifeforms trees need our exhaled carbon and they give us oxygen in return this goes for all humans and animals on earth. Weather is natural always has been for millions of years nothing special today the earth just surprises us with more or less rain or snow yearly as well as cold and heat.
Bob.....i wonder, do you ever consider cutting your hair short? Just curious
I've been disappointed in the Midland radios. They don't hold up and are expensive. I'm want a different brand. I've used Midland for years, but I feel done with them now.
Matthew 24 tells us how bad it's going to get, before all he'll breaks loose
That radio based in if the one that is giving the news is telling the truth, it can help me where I am going , BUT , DEFINITELY THE ONE WHO REALLY SAVED MY LIFE IS JESUS ☝️
God bless 🙏
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Cool vid but there is an app for this :)
If there is cell coverage or wifi. Radios don't depend on those.
Not when cell towers collapse like what happened during hurricane Helene.
We all have phones with great weather apps now, there's no need for this.
Phone apps are great if the cell grid is working and you have cell coverage. Radios don't depend on that.
I thought that too until hurricane Helene in Asheville NC when the cell towers were down and I couldn't contact my sister or 90 year old mother for the first few days. Even after that the cell towers were still down but cell phone companies brought in mobile "towers" and the only thing that worked then was SMS texting (voice calls still didn't work) for quite some time.
We're in matheau 24 and Luke 21 prophecy about weather as Jesus Christ told as end times start.
Thnx