One of our greatest challenges to living & traveling full-time in our RV was internet access. We’re working remotely and need a reliable internet solution. We also have family that we want to keep in contact with frequent phone calls and video chat.
This article is our personal review of the WeBoost Cellular signal booster. We are no longer using this booster, you can read why below. If you want to read about what has worked for us the last few years, click here to see our review of the Pepwave router.
Cellular Data for Internet Access
After about six months of struggling with unreliable campground WiFi to access the internet, we decided to get a couple of Verizon Jetpacks, which function as internet mobile hotspots using a cellular network. With a cellular company like Verizon, you can choose the amount of data you want to pay for. This was a definite improvement, as they work well when we have a strong cellular signal. The problem is when we don’t have a great signal.
Our friends at TechnoRV have a FREE Cellular Information Guide you can download to learn more.
WeBoost Cellular Signal Booster
That’s where we turned to the WeBoost, a cellular signal booster. It is a 50 dB gain system, which is the most boost allowed by a cellular booster that can be used in motion. It has both an omni-directional outside and inside antenna. We decided to purchase it in a kit that comes with the following components:
- WeBoost Amplifier
- Omni-Directional Outside Antenna with Mounting Bracket
- 20 Feet RG6 cable for outside antenna
- Desktop Inside Antenna with 15-foot cable
- AC and DC Power Supply
- Mounting Hardware
This system makes it easy to set up when you arrive at a location or to permanently mount it.
Basic Details:
- Omni-Directional Antenna
- Boosts Voice and Data
- Works with Smart Phones and Mobile Hot Spots
- Works with the Major Cell Carriers in US and Canada
Installation
Installation was very simple. Sean used the brackets to mount the omni-directional antenna to our ladder on the roof of the RV. The outside antenna would also work great with the TechnoRV Suction Cup Mount.
Then he drilled a hole in the vent fan cover to run the cable through to the inside of the RV. Afterward, he applied some silicone sealant around the cable and hole to avoid any leaks. He used command hooks to run the cable along with the ceiling inside the RV to the back wall where we have a power outlet. Then he mounted the amplifier to the wall. Finally, we have a little ledge on a loft space in our RV where we put the interior antenna and keep our Jetpacks.
WeBoost Review
The WeBoost Cellular booster was a definite improvement. We used it for a year from the east coast to the west coast in numerous campgrounds (and boondocking). It did helped increase our signal on both our iPhones, as well as our Verizon Jetpacks.
We dry camped in northern Texas for 2 weeks and had NO cellular service outside of our RV. However, inside the RV with the WeBoost, we always had at least 2 bars.
The ladder-mounted exterior antenna stayed firmed in place over some seriously bumpy highways. The wall-mounted interior amplifier has stayed in place as well, BUT the soldering broke. We called WeBoost customer service when it quit working and did not get a good response. They acted like it was an operator error. Sean opened it and saw the breakage inside. Since it was past the warranty date, we did not send it back, but we also decided to look for a more sturdy option.
We switched to the Pepwave router and it has worked perfectly for us for three years now.
