Rugged Radios Mobile Radios — Official Australasian Distributor
Harris Race Radios is the official Australasian distributor for Rugged Radios, supplying genuine mobile radios purpose-built for motorsport to competitors across New Zealand and Australia.
Our team of qualified radio engineers and race engineers can advise on the right mobile radio for your vehicle, handle installation and programming, and repair units when needed — a complete technical service you won't find at a standard retailer.
Learn more about our distribution partnership: Rugged Radios Australasia — Official Distributor Information
What is a Rugged Radios Mobile Radio?
A mobile radio is a vehicle-mounted two-way radio designed for permanent installation connected to the Vehicle 12V system, in race cars, UTVs, rally cars, and 4WD competition vehicles. Unlike handheld radios, mobile radios offer higher power output, better range, and cleaner audio — critical when you're competing at speed. Rugged Radios mobile radios are purpose-engineered for motorsport environments: vibration-resistant, waterproof-rated, and compatible with intercoms and helmet kits.
Popular Models
- RDM-DB Digital Mobile Radio can be on UHF CB Channels — This is the most commonly used Mobile Radio, as it can be legally programed on NZ and Au 80ch UHF CB Channels. Dual-band UHF/VHF, All Race Series, Offroad and marine performance Mobile Radio. Licenced and No licence UHF and VHF frequencies.
- M1 Digital VHF Mobile Radio — waterproof, digital & analog, ideal for Marine and offroad racing (this radio will not work on Au or NZ CB Channels) Requires a radio licence.
- GMR45 GMRS Mobile Radio — NOT LEGAL IN NZ OR AU
Ideal For
- Race car and rally car installations
- Offroad and 4WD competition vehicles
- UTV and side-by-side builds
- Pit-to-car and team communications
- Permanent vehicle-mounted setups
- All recreation on road and offroad
Why Buy from Harris Race Radios?
- Official Australasian distributor — genuine products, full NZ & AU warranty
- Radio and race engineers on staff — programming, installation advice, and repair
- ACMA and RSM compliant stock — all radios are legal for use in Australia and New Zealand
- Fast shipping across New Zealand and Australia
- On-site support at motorsport events
Complete Your Setup
A mobile radio works best as part of a complete communication system. Browse these related categories to build out your install:
- Rugged Radios Intercom Kits — pair your mobile radio with a compatible intercom
- Rugged Radio Mounts — vehicle-specific mounting solutions for clean installs
- Rugged Radios Headsets — helmet kits and headsets compatible with Rugged mobile radios
- Vehicle-Specific Communication Kits — complete kits matched to your make and model
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mobile radio for a race car?
The RDM-DB Digital Mobile Radio is our most popular choice for circuit Offroad and rally racing — it supports digital and analog modes, and integrates cleanly with Rugged intercoms and helmet kits. For UTV and offroad use, the GMR are not legal in Au or NZ and can not be sold into this market, they cannot be reprogramed, and are on frequencies that are used by critical infrastructure in our countries. The are only usable in USA and Canada.
What's the difference between the M1 and the RDM-DB ?
The M1 operates only on the VHF frequencies (digital & analog) and is only ideal for Forestry, and offroad racing and Marine where licensed VHF comms is required VHF Frequencies get better coverage in forests conditions. The RDM-DB operates on both UHF and VHF frequencies and is better suited to Circuit, offroad, UTV, and recreational competition where CB is the standard.
Are these radios legal to use in Australia?
Yes — all mobile radios supplied by Harris Race Radios are ACMA-compliant RSM Compliant and legal for use in Australia. We only stock genuine Rugged Radios units through the official Australasian distribution channel. that have been specially reprogramed to meet the very strict Radio laws in both countries.
Can you program and install the radio for me?
Yes — our qualified radio engineers can program your radio for your specific frequency requirements and advise on installation. Contact us for programming and installation enquiries.
Do you ship mobile radios to Australia?
Yes — we ship fast across New Zealand and Australia with genuine stock on hand and full AU and NZ warranty support.