The best internet options for staying connected during RV and off-grid travel.
In a world where connectivity is key, staying “plugged in” (even in the Great Unknown) has never been more important. Whether you're cruising down the highway or parked in the deep wilderness, having reliable internet access can greatly enhance your travel experience.
In this guide, we'll explore the top RV and off-grid internet options, ensuring that you can stay connected no matter where your adventures take you. So, say goodbye to those dead zones – because who said you can’t binge-watch great TV while parked on the side of a mountain?
There are various ways to stay connected while you travel. We’ll cover the most common ones, the pros and cons of each, and who might be best served by each style.
Public WiFi
Admittedly, this is not the most ideal option for plenty of people -- but it is the most accessible, and usually the place you find yourself starting. This is mainly because it’s free and can be found at RV parks and private campgrounds as well as coffee shops, libraries, and restaurants.
Public WiFi offers a convenient way to get online without using your cellular data, and is great if all you want to do is occasionally scroll your social media pages and post photos while on vacation. However, availability can vary widely, and connection quality is unlikely to hold up for more bandwidth-hogging tasks like video calling mom to show her those epic hiking views.
Mobile Hotspot | Portable WiFi Routers
For immediate on-the-go access, consider upgrading to a mobile hotspot or portable WiFi router. Mobile hotspots are available on most phones as part of your cellular plan, but you can also purchase separate mobile hotspots (i.e., portable WiFi routers) that work by using cellular data to connect devices to the internet through a single access point. A portable WiFi router is just like a router at home, but instead of being attached to a phone cable, it has a SIM card inside.
These devices allow you to create an impromptu internet connection and personal WiFi network with little time and effort. They can usually be set up with a few simple steps and don’t require a pre-existing WiFi connection, making them ideal for use while traveling – especially to more remote locations.
Hotspots also provide a more secure connection than public WiFi, and allow multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously. Most major carriers won’t charge extra to use your phone as a hotspot, since you likely already have a data package as part of your monthly bill. However, data usage is often capped, so you may need to purchase more to avoid sluggish connection speeds.
If you're seeking a dedicated hotspot device, you might consider the NEW TravlFi Journey1 LTE WiFi HotSpot. Designed to provide travelers with reliable 4G/LTE internet connectivity anywhere there is a cellular signal, the NEW Journey1 uses “e-SIM technology” as opposed to a physical SIM card. This allows the device to change towers and find the best available cellular network, ensuring you get the strongest signal wherever you roam.
WiFi Range Extenders
Once you establish a connection, you may want to extend your range of the wireless network. That’s where WiFi range extenders can be helpful.
Unlike routers, WiFi range extenders will not get you access to the internet. Rather, they receive and rebroadcast a WiFi signal to improve its range and effectiveness. Extenders boost existing network coverage whether it’s coming from public access or a mobile hotspot.
They’re great for improving Wi-Fi coverage within buildings or confined spaces, such as homes, offices, or yep – you guessed it – RVs, where the Wi-Fi signal may not reach all areas. Extenders are simple to install, allow several users to connect, and can operate with an existing router, saving money.
The potential downsides of a WiFi extender for travel include signal strength (if the router emits a weak signal), low speeds, and potential compatibility problems with the router. Additionally, range extenders can sometimes introduce more latency (or lag) to network performance, making your late-night movie streaming more likely to endure video buffering or choppy dialogue.
To avoid interruptions, consider investing in a high-gain directional Wi-Fi antenna system like the KING Falcon Directional Wi-Fi Antenna Bundle. Thanks to its directional antenna, the KING Falcon not only captures remote WiFi signals but also concentrates them in a targeted direction (like your RV), allowing for increased range and signal strength.
If you’re looking for something that offers WiFi boosting and improved access to cellular networks, check out Winegard’s ConnecT 2.0 4G. Unlike conventional extenders, this device offers a multi-faceted solution for enhancing internet connectivity in RVs by boosting existing Wi-Fi signals from external sources like campgrounds or public Wi-Fi networks, while also providing internet access through its built-in cellular capabilities.
Cellphone Signal Boosters
For travelers who already have cellular service but struggle with weak or unreliable signals, cellphone signal boosters offer a handy solution. By amplifying the existing cellular signal, these devices can help reduce dropped calls, improve voice quality, and increase data speeds on smartphones, tablets, hotspots, and other cellular-connected devices.
Cellphone signal boosters are typically comprised of an external antenna, which is mounted outside the vehicle or RV to capture the incoming signal, and an internal amplifier, which boosts the signal strength for broadcasting within the vehicle.
There are different options for boosters depending on whether you want a booster for once you’ve parked your RV or if you’re traveling down the road. Stationary boosters, as their name suggests, are designed for use when your RV is parked. They typically feature a more powerful amplifier and larger external antenna setup, optimized for boosting weak signals from a greater distance. For example, the WeBoost Destination RV Cell Signal Booster is a powerful cell signal booster for large RVs, toy haulers, and trailers. It provides the highest boost level available in an RV booster, but can’t be used while driving.
For that, you’ll want a mobile booster – like WeBoost’s high-performance Drive Reach RV or the more budget-friendly Drive X. Designed for on-the-go use, these boosters are engineered to maintain a stable cellular connection even as the vehicle moves between different cellular towers and environments.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet, like Elon Musk’s Starlink, is a specialized solution designed to provide internet connectivity in remote or off-grid locations where traditional options like DSL, cable, or cellular are not available or practical. It works by transmitting data between a satellite mounted on your RV and a much bigger satellite floating out in space.
This allows users to access high-speed internet service from virtually anywhere -- like way out in the boondocks or in the middle of the desert. As you can imagine, this kind of access comes with higher costs. Additionally, satellite internet might keep you connected even when camped in isolation, but don’t expect connection speeds to always be lighting fast.
In the age of the digital nomads, there’s no excuse to go unprepared! Stay connected, and check out Parts Via for all your on-the-road WiFi connection needs.