Has built a dedicated server for permanent install in their rig?Even a small machine that runs a few SSDs can come into handy, especially with caching DNS, Web requests, as well as a space for backups and stashing vital files. A larger server can have a dedicated radio PCIe card with an external antenna (to minimize the Faraday cage effect when using LTE connections for Internet access), better firewalling. Going from there, maybe even a wired gigabit Ethernet port or two for iSCSI.This server can be run from the DC side fairly easily. It can also be well hidden so it would take dedicated, professional thieves to locate it, find what it is used for, and remove it.This this might be something worth having?

I'll display my ignorance for all to see...and I'm proud of it.Say What?

Um... No! I'm a computer junkie, but when I go camping I don't have any need to become an IT administrator in my own MH. I'll get by with my couple of tablets and a laptop thank you very much.

I've seen similar set-ups on those "Million Dollar Motorhome" shows, but it isn't really practical in my opinion. I have a laptop, a tablet and a Roku with an external drive with movies in my MH.I'm a Network Analyst by day, but like sch911 - when I go camping I wan't to drop being an IT admin.

I don't have a "need" for a server, BUT if you are wanting one that will not use gobs of power.. Perhaps consider starting with a MINI ITX ATOM system board.This board is in the Mini ITX form factor so it is extremely small, has built in Dual Core 1.86 mhz Atom low power processor. Extremely low power draw at about 16W for the whole board including the processor and the heatsink does not require a fan..This board and processor would make a great "server" but it does have a few minor issues. If I remember correctly it has one PCI and one internal MINI PCIe slot and two SATA ports.I used a slightly older 1.6 mhz Atom board a few years back for my "camping" PC and it works great for that function. The only major drawback to the Intel board is the weak on board graphics is not robust enough for AVCHD High Def video. Other wise works perfect for my needs..If you look around there is other MB manufacturers which also use the Atom processor but they use better on board graphics hardware which make them perfect for media players...

We use a RAID box with two hard drives configured for RAID1 so if one fails the other still have all the data available. No benefit to a server unless you are running a server only application. If you are concerned about data theft you can put critical information on the internet with the free 2GB at places like Google and Yahoo. We store data we need for traveling there as we can always access it at an internet cafe anywhere in the world.

Built in RV server? | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

Aridon
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014
nas or PC running plex or twinkly etc works great.
J-mans_Dad
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014
I'm thinking you might be able to hack something together with a Raspberry Pi board, w/ a large drive and be good with it.
jorn
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
I've stashed a Mac Mini running Plex in the rig before. Worked great!
TheBearAK
Explorer
Feb 27, 2014
I'd probably have a server set up in my RV if I was full timing, but then again, I'm an IT guy a love to tinker with servers.

I don't think I'd have central login or anything that would make the server required for the rest of the computers to operate. Just basic file server with some other task.

I'd probably go with a Mac or Linux server for my purposes.
AllegroD
Nomad
Feb 27, 2014
Yes. Even RVing is a want.

So my comments are not run to far astray, for a network to be maintained, you do not NEED a dedicated server. Taking a computer you already use will accomplish the same thing.

I'm done.
AllegroD
Nomad
Feb 27, 2014
Yes. Even RVing is a want.

So my comments are not run to far astray, for a network to be maintained, you do not NEED a dedicated server. Taking a computer you already use will accomplish the same thing.

I'm done.
Lantley
Nomad
Feb 26, 2014
Gdetrailer wrote:
Kiwi_too wrote:
To me a server and network are two distinctly different items. A stable network does not require a constant server presence.

Not everyone wants or needs a server but for those who want one why bother questioning their reasoning?

I'll defer to the quoted text in the OP's initial post
"This this might be something worth having?"

For the average RV'er this is not worth having.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2014
For mutual video/movie viewing, we just connect whichever laptop we want to use to the RV TV via HDMI. For mutual viewing on the laptops, we just connect them via our internal network using TightVNC remote desktop.
Gdetrailer
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2014
Kiwi_too wrote:
Want is the only key word for this. If you want it, build it. You do not need it.

:R

Just like people "want" iphones, Ipads, Android phones, computers, laptops, 80" TVs, Sat systems, multiple line unlimited cellphone/internet access, surround sound, RVs, BIG HONKIN RVs, ATVs and so on. None of that stuff is "needed"..

No one REALLY "NEEDS" anything more than a basic shelter with heat for the winter, food, water, BASIC clothing (NOT DESIGNER STUFF EITHER).

Everything else is added fluff..

I would be willing to bet that you have PLENTY of unneeded "WANTS" traveling with you :S
AllegroD
Nomad
Feb 26, 2014
Want is the only key word for this. If you want it, build it. You do not need it.