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.
Our favorite RV technology company, Techno RV has many of these items currently on sale for the holidays. The link below for this sale is an affiliate link, which means if you purchase anything we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Click here to see their exclusive holiday discounts.
Internet Solution #1
After about six months of struggling with unreliable campground 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.
Click here to download a FREE Cellular Information Guide.
Internet Solution #2
That’s where we turned to the WeBoost 4G-X, a cellular signal booster. Specially, 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 4G-X 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.
Kit Features:
- Strongest Amplifier on the Market
- Omni-Directional Antenna
- Easy to Install
- Works with All Major Cell Carriers in US and Canada (Note:Sprint Band 25 is not supported by any Cell Booster Brand)
- Faster Data Downloads and Few Dropped Calls
- Increases Battery Life on Cell Phones
- Boosts Voice and Data
- Works with Smart Phones and Mobile Hot Spots
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. Afterwards he applied some silicone sealant around the cable and hole to avoid any leaks. He used command hooks to run the cable along 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 4G-X RV 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 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.
Internet Solution #3
Friends of ours who also work remotely and need to be on the internet during the business day recommended something called a Pepwave router. It is a more robust (and expensive) solution, so we’d only recommend it if you absolutely need to stay connected. So far we’re happy with it, but we’ve only had it for a month now and will post more details here in another month after we’ve tested it a bit more. In the meantime, click here to read more info on this product from the Mobile Internet Resource Center.
Sharing is caring! Please feel free to share the image below on Pinterest.