Internet for campsite and while en route (travel trailer)

[Raife]

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?

[Raife]

Thanks everyone. I have scoured the Mobile Internet Resource Center and asked a couple questions over there. I bought a weBoost Drive Reach, but through research realized it only boosts a single signal and therefore forgoes any MIMO advantage (i.e. it could actually hurt your speeds). I also have done some analysis on usage and we will likely not make it on my phone's hotspot.

So I stepping up my options given the total cost of the dual setup I was considering. I'm leaning toward the Pepwave MAX BR1 ENT (which comes with 2 internal antennas for now) or MAX Transit PrimeCare and then a PoE Access Point (like this one) and then an unlimited SIM (likely ATT or Verizon) for monthly access when we need it.  This way I get the flexibility and power of cellular router (with CAT12 or 18 modem respectively) and the location (i.e. front of trailer) for the access point to the tow vehicle.  I can add an external roof antenna if needed for better reception.

Thoughts?

[Crabbypatty]

Rv's are metal boxes that block radio tv signals. So you need a good outside antenna. Alot of RV roofs, like mine are EPDM ie rubber. Antennas need a good ground plane, ie metal. When selecting a roof antenna for omni or circular direction meaning you need to aim the antenna, the Wilson Trucker works well. If you know where the cell tower is and want faster service especially if your distant from the cell tower then you need a yagi antenna to aim at it. I have both as it depends are where you are in relation to the cell tower. There are apps and websites that tell you where the towers are and what service they have ie VZ ATT etc. My outside antennas are connected to a Wilson Extreme RV amplifier and and inside antenna. Radio signals, as that's what a cell phone is a two way radio are subject to interference, obstacles and distance as well as the cell phone tower it self may not be transmitting well. Both of my antennas are mounted on a painters pole, power clamped to the ladder. Height is might as hams say the higher the better.

So if your out in the open and can see the tower you probably can stream Netflix, if you cant, hills trees buildings or you parked next to a beautiful class a moho, you may get nothing. Same for CG wifi outside antenna, amplifier and inside antenna. I carry both systems not knowing which one will work best. Now if both systems cant get a signal or I don't need to work, either pick up and move, select a better cg or location, if not then pop a beer and throw another log on the firepit. Happy Trails

[philh]

I'm an OTR customer using a netgeat nighthawk with two high gain antennas.

This is an interesting video from full time RVers that need solid internet connection
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDCIx5JpEgs

[ktmrfs]

way2roll wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:

Raife wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:

If you are travelling, you absolutely need to switch to Verizon. Sprint service is going to stink, anywhere outside of larger cities. Verizon has by far the best nation wide network, and the best coverage in rural areas. ATT is a distant second best.

Interesting, We have ATT and have friends with VZ that often can't get a signal when I can. I think differences in ATT and VZ are splitting hairs more than being vastly different in terms of coverage. If travelling a lot, having both majors - ATT and VZ should have you covered.

In our traveling I'd agree with you on Verizon vs. ATT. We have both, truck has ATT our cell phones are verizon. There are many places with good coverage on either, and places one or the other works. And for us quite a few places that neither is available even with a booster and yagi antenna.

[way2roll]

coolmom42 wrote:

Raife wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:

If you are travelling, you absolutely need to switch to Verizon. Sprint service is going to stink, anywhere outside of larger cities. Verizon has by far the best nation wide network, and the best coverage in rural areas. ATT is a distant second best.

Interesting, We have ATT and have friends with VZ that often can't get a signal when I can. I think differences in ATT and VZ are splitting hairs more than being vastly different in terms of coverage. If travelling a lot, having both majors - ATT and VZ should have you covered.

[lane_hog]

I've found that putting my phone/hotspot **outside** the RV works better for keeping a signal.

If you're too far out in the boonies, you'll need one of the $300+ boosters.

[coolmom42]

Raife wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:

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.

This was the solution I arrived at last night (after midnight) as I was scouring the internet for options. However, I plan on keeping my Sprint phone for now (S20 with a 50 GB hotspot). That may change...

Someone mentioned our route as a factor (which I recognize is huge)...what really kicked this into gear to be done RIGHT NOW is we are leaving on the 18th for 2.5 weeks to go from central Texas to Sacramento California (visit in-laws) and back. We will be sticking mostly to stops along major highways with the exception of Grand Canyon and Zion.

However, when we usually "camp" (i.e. not going to somewhere) we typically hit state and national parks. I am fully aware that many of these are not "ideal" for cell signal, in fact that is partly why I do it. It will be a balance of timing going forward - cell areas during school, non-cell areas when there is no school.

Thank you for all the info.

If you are travelling, you absolutely need to switch to Verizon. Sprint service is going to stink, anywhere outside of larger cities. Verizon has by far the best nation wide network, and the best coverage in rural areas. ATT is a distant second best.

[theoldwizard1]

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).

The simplest solution when stationary is a cell phone to WiFi "converter" (a.k.a. Hot Spot, Jet Pack) but one that has an external antenna and possibly some kind of telescoping pole to mount it on. Something like a Winegard Connect 2.0 or a WiFiRanger (now owned by Winegard).

Traveling will always be "hit or miss".

[time2roll]

Consider securing communication and not travelling during that time that education is live in process. When class is over then roll. You may arrive after dinner however I agree the kids education should be first priority. Especially these days when there is so much disruption.

[GordonThree]

If you have deep pockets, look into an "in motion" type satellite system like they install on luxury yachts and huge class A motorhomes. Latency might be too high for interactive video, but should let you stream one way video and other content.

Another poster mentioned SpaceX Starlink. It is now in "open public beta" for Northern US and Canada (so your grand canyon / so cal adventure is out.) $100 monthly plus $500 for the fixed ground station (not mobile!) gets you 50 to 100mbit and roughly 20msec latency.

[azdryheat]

you say a strong internet signal is very important to you and your family. Seems you are creating your own problem by venturing out away from strong internet signals. Perhaps find a strong signal location and stay put.

[Raife]

coolmom42 wrote:

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.

This was the solution I arrived at last night (after midnight) as I was scouring the internet for options. However, I plan on keeping my Sprint phone for now (S20 with a 50 GB hotspot). That may change...

Someone mentioned our route as a factor (which I recognize is huge)...what really kicked this into gear to be done RIGHT NOW is we are leaving on the 18th for 2.5 weeks to go from central Texas to Sacramento California (visit in-laws) and back. We will be sticking mostly to stops along major highways with the exception of Grand Canyon and Zion.

However, when we usually "camp" (i.e. not going to somewhere) we typically hit state and national parks. I am fully aware that many of these are not "ideal" for cell signal, in fact that is partly why I do it. It will be a balance of timing going forward - cell areas during school, non-cell areas when there is no school.

Thank you for all the info.

[magicbus]

wing_zealot wrote:
You need to provide your own signal; i.e.: mobile hotspot. For myself, I have a verizon jetpack, I'm sure there are others.

Your Verizon Jetpack won't give you connection to the Internet if it doesn't have connection with a tower, which is what the OP says is the case due to weak cell signal. They need to either camp nearer to a tower or sign up for Starlink Beta and hope they get signal when they need it.

Dave

[wing_zealot]

As long as your thinking about this as someone else providing a signal for your use, your fighting a losing battle. You need to provide your own signal; i.e.: mobile hotspot. For myself, I have a verizon jetpack, I'm sure there are others.