Free: Contests & Raffles.
Uniden CB with a MaxRad antenna.
any radio will work for you, but I'd recommend having it "tuned up" all of my radios swing at least 12 watts, then tune the antenna perfect and you'll be in good shape. But if you want to make sure you can get out in an emergency, I'd recommend an amplifier (linear) in the 3-500 watt range. I have a 380 watt booster in my work truck and I can talk from the top of the hill above my house clear over to I-5 pretty easily. (over 125 miles) If ya need help getting dialed in call AJ's radio in Yakima, Wa. He is the man when it comes to radios that get out a long ways.