This review summarizes publicly available information about the Retevis RT85 / TYT TH-UV88 BC RR LADD Land Mobile Logging Road Overlanding Radio, compiled directly from Fleetwood Digital's official product page. We have not personally tested this radio — our goal is to organize the manufacturer's specs, certifications, and pricing clearly so you can judge whether it fits your logging road or overlanding communication needs before buying.
Fleetwood Digital is a Canadian, family-run business based in Surrey, BC, specializing in amateur (ham) and handheld dual-band radios, along with business, emergency, and commercial communication equipment. This particular listing is aimed squarely at drivers who need pre-programmed access to BC Resource Road (RR) and Western Canada B1 LADD frequencies, plus vehicle-to-vehicle comms on Western Canada highways.
The Retevis RT85 is a dual-band FM handheld radio built with a modern LCD display, stronger audio output, and a more durable case compared to typical entry-level radios in its price range. Fleetwood Digital positions it as direct competition for popular budget radios, but with a genuine 5W of transmit power and roughly double the channel memory (128 channels) of comparable entry-level models.
Because of high demand, Fleetwood Digital stocks both the Retevis-branded RT85 and its factory-identical twin, the TYT TH-UV88. Depending on stock levels at the time of order, buyers may receive either version. Per the listing, both carry the same ISED certification for Canadian logging roads, come pre-programmed with identical BC RR and LADD channels, and use the exact same batteries and accessories — the logo on the front is the only difference.
According to the product page, the RT85 offers:
The radio ships complete with a dual-band rubber duck antenna, a Lithium-Ion battery pack, a North America 110V desktop charger, a belt clip, and instructions — no separate accessory purchases needed to get started.
The RT85 is ISED (Industry Canada) certified under RSS-119 (IC: 23137-RT85) for use on commercial land mobile frequencies, including the RR and LADD channels used on logging roads and Western Canada highways. Fleetwood Digital notes that a valid ISED Land Mobile License for Appendix RR & B1 is required before deploying the radio, and the license application is available on their site. The listing includes a detailed table of RR road channels, RR loading channels, and Western Canada B1 LADD channels, along with region-specific usage restrictions (for example, several channels can't be used within 64km of the Canada-US border or Alaska State).
Potential advantages: true 5W output power, 128-channel memory, pre-programmed BC RR and LADD channels included in the price, ISED certification for legal commercial use, complete out-of-box kit (antenna, battery, charger, belt clip), and a more durable case/build than typical entry-level radios according to the seller.
Things to weigh: reprogramming frequencies requires a computer, a K Plug programming cable, and the appropriate license; buyers may receive either the Retevis or TYT-branded version depending on stock; and a valid ISED Land Mobile License is a prerequisite for legal use on RR/LADD frequencies, which is an extra step beyond just buying the radio.
At the time of writing, the RT85 is listed at $149.99 CAD for a single unit, with multipack options available at 2-pack ($279.99 CAD), 4-pack ($519.99 CAD), and 10-pack ($1,199.99 CAD) pricing — useful for outfitting a group or fleet. Fleetwood Digital notes the price includes programming, and offers free shipping on orders over $125 CAD.
Based on the listed specs, the RT85 suits drivers, loggers, and overlanders operating on BC resource roads and Western Canada highways who need a pre-programmed, ISED-certified radio without the hassle of sourcing and programming RR/LADD channels themselves — as well as licensed amateur radio operators who want the option to add ham frequencies alongside the commercial channels.
On paper, the Retevis RT85 (or its TYT TH-UV88 twin) looks like a purpose-built solution for logging road and backcountry communication in Western Canada: genuine 5W output, a complete accessory kit, ISED certification, and pre-loaded RR/LADD channels that save buyers the programming hassle. It's a specialist tool tied to a specific licensing requirement rather than a casual walkie-talkie, but for its intended use case, the included programming and certification are hard to beat.
Check current pricing, stock, and multipack options directly on the official product page: View the Retevis RT85 deal.
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