Stay Connected: Your Quick-Start Guide to RV WiFi

Stay Connected: Your Quick-Start Guide to RV WiFi

From satellite internet to mobile hotspots, there are more options than ever for obtaining high-quality—and high-speed—RV WiFi.

While one could argue that it’s ideal to disconnect when in nature, the new reality is that more people than ever travel full-time and work on the road. Plus, staying connected is a matter of safety—if you experience automotive troubles or find yourself in any sort of danger, being able to contact roadside assistance, rescue, authorities, and/or family members is essential. Having internet on the road also means you can quickly look up places to go and things to do—ideal when travel plans change, as they often do. 

The good news is RV WiFi plans are readily available and it’s absolutely possible to get good WiFI in an RV. Ahead, learn about your RV internet options and exactly how to get RV WiFi. 

Cellular Data or Cell Phone Hotspot

The easiest way to get an RV WiFi connection is to use cellular data—that’s what your phone uses to browse social media, send iMessages, stream YouTube videos, and search the web. For some, cellular data is the best RV internet option: It’s already available on your phone, which you can use as a hotspot. 

Setting up a cellular hotspot is usually straightforward, requiring minimal time (look for a toggle button in your settings app). You may need to complete setup in your customer portal for your data provider.

With an unlimited data plan on your phone, this option is sometimes powerful enough to stream movies and take video calls. Depending on your current phone plan, you may not even have to pay an additional fee to use your phone as a hotspot. However, many cellular plans come with data caps, and exceeding these limits may lead to reduced speeds (throttling) or additional charges. Additionally, most cellular hotspots support a limited number of connected devices at a time, which may be restrictive for larger groups or families.

Consider the fact, too, that you’re limited to just one data provider and, if you plan to travel to remote locations, the signal may be weak or nonexistent, even with a signal booster. Finally, using a cellular hotspot can drain the battery of the device hosting the hotspot, especially if multiple devices are connected simultaneously. 

Cellular Mobile Hotspots

A mobile hotspot uses the same cellular data that your phone uses, just on a dedicated separate device (unless you opt to get a mobile hotspot from a different provider). 

Most of the same advantages apply: These devices are generally small and easily portable; they’re easy to set up; and they can, in the right locations, support high-speed 5G connections. They are sometimes powerful enough to support streaming, video games, and video calling.

However, the reverse is also true, and similar cons apply: You’re limited to that one provider’s data network, and you’re subject to throttling, network congestion, and additional fees should you exceed the data usage allowed by your plan. 

They may also be limited to the 4G LTE network, or if it’s a newer device, to the 5G network only (which sounds like a plus, but is actually a drawback if you plan to travel to less developed areas where 5G connectivity isn’t yet available).

Multi-Network Cellular Hotspots

A multi-network cellular hotspot is essentially the same thing as the aforementioned cellular mobile hotspot, but with one very big difference: Instead of being limited to one provider’s network, these hotspots access networks from multiple providers. Basically, for one monthly fee, this type of hotspot grants you access to cellular internet from two, three, or more major data providers. 

E-sim technology is what makes this type of hotspot capable of picking up a signal from more than one provider. For most travelers, this is the ultimate RV internet solution due to the cost-effectiveness, portability, and ease of use. 

It’s an incredibly streamlined way to substantially expand your coverage areas, and it typically costs less than getting a data plan from multiple networks separately. (That is, paying for TravlFi’s unlimited plan is cheaper than paying for an unlimited plan from major cellular networks separately). 

Mobile Internet Routers 

Though often confused or used interchangeably with a mobile hotspot, a mobile Internet router is not the same thing. These devices are larger and more powerful, capable of supporting multiple simultaneous device connections without suffering through lags and latency. 

They are, in a lot of cases, the best RV WiFi connection option due to their network options, high speeds, multi-device support, and cost-efficient value. While more expensive than mobile cellular hotspots, the value lies in the network speeds and quality of connection.  

With e-sim technology, mobile routers can also access several data providers and select the most powerful option in the location you are at. The main downside is that routers tend to need to be plugged in to a 12-volt outlet, which may make them unsuitable for travelers with limited power (such as van-lifers who go off-grid and use a lithium battery for power, as opposed to RV-ers who have generators). 

Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is rapidly increasing in popularity among travelers, especially full-time RVers and van-lifers. This is because Satellite internet, such as from StarLink, offers global coverage, making it suitable for RVers who travel to remote or off-grid locations. Satellite signals can reach areas with challenging terrain, providing accessibility in isolated locations. Plus, satellite internet is independent of local infrastructure, reducing reliance on ground-based networks and making it suitable for RVers who prefer self-sufficiency.

Since satellite signals are not affected by terrestrial network congestion, users can experience more consistent speeds even in crowded areas. Some satellite internet plans even provide dedicated bandwidth, ensuring a reliable connection without sharing resources with other users. Many satellite systems support multiple device connections simultaneously, accommodating the connectivity needs of larger groups or families.

All that said, this solution is not perfect. For one, satellite internet costs are high, starting with the equipment. The initial setup costs for satellite internet, including the purchase of a satellite dish and modem, are high compared to other options. Additionally, installing and aligning a satellite dish properly can be complex and may require professional assistance, adding to the overall setup challenges and cost. Monthly fees tend to be comparatively high, too. 

And then there are the obstruction and latency issues: Satellite dishes need a clear line of sight to the sky, restricting mobility in densely wooded areas or locations with obstructed views, which may affect connectivity. Satellite internet may experience latency or delays in data transmission due to the distance signals travel between Earth and the satellite, affecting real-time applications like online gaming or video calls.

Public Internet 

Don’t forget about public internet connections, the most affordable option of all—it’s free! You’ll likely have to buy a cup of coffee to access public WiFi at a cafe, but libraries and even grocery stores offer free WiFi that’s sometimes accessible from their parking lots. Especially at libraries, public connections tend to be high-speed and capable of supporting streaming and video calls. Many RV parks and campgrounds even offer high-speed Internet these days.

Of course, there are downsides to consider. For one, connecting to public WiFi probably means you need to be in town. Relying on this option means you can’t escape into the great wide open, especially if you need it daily. Additionally, public connections aren’t always on secure networks, which means there is a greater risk of having your information stolen.

Why Consider RV WiFi? 

The numbers don’t lie. In 2020, more than 11.2 million households in the U.S. joined the thriving RV community, and this number is steadily rising. According to the RV Owner Demographic Profile Study (2021), a whopping 37% of U.S. households are already connected to the RV lifestyle. 

What's more exciting? With 20.5 million households planning to make an RV their own, 47% of them aim to do so within the next five years. This surge in RV enthusiasts highlights a growing need for essential services, and one crucial aspect is reliable internet for staying connected on the road. As you embark on your RV journey, having dependable internet becomes not just a luxury but a necessity in this digital age.

Based on TravlFi's 2023 Users Demographics Survey, users indicated that their primary internet priorities included streaming movies and TV shows, browsing the web, and staying connected with work while on the road. To do these things in confidence, travelers need a reliable and safe internet option that will keep up with challenging locations and uncontrollable elements such as tree blockage and overly congested public Wi-Fi.

FAQs

How do I get Wi-Fi in my RV?

Mobile internet for Rv comes in many forms: cellular data, mobile hotspots, mobile routers, and satellite internet. You can also use public WiFi networks when you can find them. 

What do full-time RVers do for internet?

Internet for full-time RVers generally involves some combination of cellular data, satellite internet, and mobile internet routers, often alongside a WiFi booster or WiFi range extender.

What is the best Wi-Fi for an RV?

The best WiFi for an RV is highly subjective: It depends on your individual needs. Those who RV part-time and just want to be able to send emails, for instance, can get away with a less expensive, less sophisticated option such as using their cell phone as a hotspot. For those who travel full-time and work remotely, however, a more intricate, high-speed option is necessary. In such cases, a mobile router or satellite setup is ideal.

How much is Wi-Fi in a RV?

The cost of WiFi in an RV depends on the service provider you choose to use, the specific device you buy, how much data you desire each month, and whether or not you want access to multiple providers (on the same device or with separate devices). There are virtually endless plans to choose from across providers, and the monthly bill can range from as little as $20 per month up to more than $150 per month.

How to get Wi-Fi while boondocking?

Whether or not you can get usable WiFi while boondocking depends largely on your definition of boondocking. If you like to get way out there in places you’re unlikely to see another human for days at a time, satellite internet is probably your best option. However, if you tend to spend time camping relatively close to towns, near major roadways, or in areas with known connectivity (and you might be surprised at how far such areas extend), you can utilize other, often less expensive and less cumbersome, options: mobile hotspots, your phone hotspot, or a mobile router.

TravlFi Takeaways 

There are virtually endless options for RV internet available in the modern digital age. Every traveler has different needs, and there’s something for everyone.

• Cell phone hotspots and single-network hotspots can work for part-timers or those who stay in relatively populated areas.
• Multi-network hotspots significantly expand your coverage area for a very reasonable cost.
• Public WiFi is the cheapest (and usually free) option, but limits where you can travel.
• Satellite Internet fills in the gaps in cellular coverage, but is subject to latency and obstructions.

TravlFi’s multi-network WiFi hotspots or mobile internet routers offer cost-effective solutions to travelers who need Internet connectivity. Learn more about flexible data plans for RVs.