Raife wrote:
Good evening everyone. I have read through many of the posts here about internet options while camping. This past weekend the SO was not happy that the kids were not able to do their distance learning due to weak cell signal. So I am looking at cell booster options.
NOTE: I am fully aware I can't boost something that is not there (i.e. if there is no cell signal at all).
However, I need it to work while we are at a camp site and while we are driving between destinations (i.e. while we are driving pulling the travel trailer behind us).
It looks like most of the cell boosters "transmit" only a few feet (i.e. up to 6 feet and as little as 1.5 feet). If I install the equipment in the travel trailer it won't reach the tow vehicle...if I install it in the tow vehicle it won't reach the trailer...
Has anyone else been in this situation? How did you solve it?
I'm almost thinking about hooking a wireless router up to the receiving cell phone (getting its cell signal from the cell booster) which then theoretically the wireless router range would reach the TV, but then that phone would be in the trailer and not accessible. I could get a hotspot to reside in the travel trailer in place of the phone, but then I am paying for another data plan (I already have a data/hotspot plan on my phone). Also would there be the right power in the trailer to run the equipment?
Thoughts?
Wilson makes the best cell phone signal boosters.
This is the version for vehicles. I think you could get one booster unit and 2 outside antennas. Attach one outside antenna to the truck and one to the trailer, and move the booster unit back and forth as needed. They are not cheap but they work well.
Get a Verizon phone with unlimited data, and use the built-in hotspot on the phone. That will provide a wifi signal with a range of about 20 feet. Your devices connect to it just like a wifi router in your house, set up with a password and secured.
The connection speed will depend on the type of cell phone service available. 4G is adequate for streaming up to 2 Youtube or Netflix videos at a time. Your speed will be throttled if you are over 22 GB usage AND in a high data-use area. I've only had mine throttled once in 5 years.
If you don't want to spring for a new phone, look for a used Pixel or Samsung phone on a site called Swappa.com. Just make sure it's a Verizon unlocked phone; ATT & other providers will charge you big separate data fees for "tethering." Verizon treats all your data usage the same, according to what ever plan you have. I have a single line unlimited plan and it's $70/month plus taxes.
