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Rugged Radios Mobile Radios — Exclusive Official Authorised Distributor for Australasia
Harris Race Radios is the Exclusive Official Authorised Distributor and Dealer for Rugged Radios in Australasia, supplying genuine mobile radios purpose-built for motorsport to competitors across New Zealand and Australia. We hold NZ stock for fast local dispatch and ship to 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.
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 — UHF CB Compliant (NZ & AU) — The most popular mobile radio for NZ and AU motorsport. Can be legally programmed on NZ (40-channel) and AU (80-channel) UHF CB frequencies. Dual-band UHF/VHF, digital & analog. Recommended for circuit, offroad, UTV, and recreational use in NZ and Australia.
- M1 Digital VHF Mobile Radio — Waterproof, digital & analog. Ideal for marine and offroad racing where licensed VHF comms is required. Note: the M1 does not operate on AU or NZ UHF CB channels and requires a radio licence.
- GMR45 GMRS Mobile Radio — NOT LEGAL IN NZ OR AU. GMRS is a US-only radio service. The GMR45 cannot be reprogrammed to NZ/AU UHF CB frequencies and must not be imported or operated in New Zealand or Australia.
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?
- Exclusive Official Authorised Distributor and Dealer for Rugged Radios in Australasia — genuine products, full NZ & AU warranty, factory-backed support
- Rex Harris — qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for both NZ RSM and AU ACMA, with motorsport radio experience dating back to 1975 at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix
- Aaron Harris — active racing driver and race engineer (Barcelona 24 Hour 1st in class 2013, Bathurst 1000 & 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion 2011; race engineer for Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Asia-Pacific & NZ). MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR, and HANS. Contact: +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz
- ACMA and RSM compliant stock — all radios are legal for use in Australia and New Zealand
- NZ stock held locally for fast dispatch — no waiting weeks for overseas shipments
- On-site support at motorsport events across NZ and AU
Complete Your Setup
- Rugged Radios Intercom Kits — pair your mobile radio with a compatible intercom
- Rugged Radios Headsets — helmet kits and headsets compatible with Rugged mobile radios
- All Rugged Radios Products — browse the full Rugged Radios range
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mobile radio for a race car in NZ or AU?
The RDM-DB Digital Mobile Radio is the most popular choice — digital and analog capable, UHF CB compliant for both NZ and AU, and integrates cleanly with Rugged intercoms and helmet kits.
Are GMRS radios legal in NZ or Australia?
No. GMRS is a US-only radio service and is illegal in both New Zealand and Australia. The GMR45 and other GMRS-configured Rugged Radios units cannot be used in NZ or AU and cannot be reprogrammed to NZ/AU frequencies. We do not supply GMRS units.
Are these radios legal to use in Australia and New Zealand?
Yes — all mobile radios supplied by Harris Race Radios are ACMA and RSM compliant and legal for use in Australia and New Zealand. We only stock units that have been specially configured to meet AU/NZ radio regulations.
Can you program and install the radio for me?
Yes — Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for both NZ RSM and AU ACMA. We 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.