How to Get the Best Signal with Your TravlFi RV Internet Device

Wi-Fi signals are impacted by a plethora of factors. Understanding what they are tells you how to avoid them or how to work around them.

It is a common misconception that RVs can not receive fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Yes, RV Wi-Fi operates differently than other forms, but your “unreliable” signals may be due more greatly to using a device not suited for your usage, external obstructions, or improper setup.

Having a smooth Wi-Fi experience is extremely important for travelers to remain safe and connected, so TravlFi connectivity specialist Jeff Gwinnell shares some advice on how to optimize and improve your signal with TravlFi devices. .

Jeff Gwinnell, a connectivity specialist at TravlFi, contributed expertise to this article and reviewed it for accuracy.

Step 1:Choose the Right Device for You

The first step to optimal Wi-Fi is choosing the best device for your needs: Without the proper device, you may inadvertently limit the potential of your connectivity.

Light Internet Users

For light internet users, Gwinnell suggests a simple hotspot device like TravlFi’s JourneyGo Hotspot. Especially for those who may be intimidated by the idea of travel Wi-Fi, connecting is extremely simple with one-button operation and a battery that lasts all day on one charge, says Gwinnell. The JourneyGo Hotspot, although ideal for light internet users, can still support connection to 10 devices and has a built-in power bank to charge other devices.

Moderate Internet Users

Moderate internet users using a hotspot may find that the device is not strong enough for their needs, thus they can experience slow connection speeds. These users may benefit more from the TravlFi Journey XTR 4G LTE Router as it delivers better speed and a greater signal strength with external antennas. Additionally, it can support up to 32 devices and provides the option of wired connectivity with LAN ports, according to Gwinnell. All of these features allow greater support for moderate users, increasing your chances of optimal speeds.

Heavy Internet Users

Heavy internet users include those who conduct frequent streaming, gaming, or other online activities that require more data. Gwinnell suggests the TravlFi Journey XTR Pro 5G Router for “the ultimate in connectivity.” This device is able to fulfill your greater connectivity demands by providing high-speed 5G cellular internet with low latency; if 5G is not available in a particular area, the router automatically switches to 4G. With the ability to connect up to 128 devices, the Journey XTR Pro 5G Router will allow optimal connection for those who require a lot of data and high speeds.

Step 2: Understand What Might Impact Signal

Even once you have chosen the device best suited for your connectivity needs, there are still some factors that can negatively impact your signal.

Most Common Challenges for Travelers

According to Gwinnell, the most common connectivity challenges that travelers face are due to tower congestion—especially during periods of high seasonal attraction or nearby events—when an abundance of users overwhelms nearby cellular towers. When this happens, the carrier may prioritize some users over others to maintain certain signal quality. Being in rural areas may also make it harder to connect, although TravlFi devices with multi-network capabilities help to combat this. Lastly, devices that support 5G coverage may struggle to find a 5G connection in some areas, so stooping to 4G may slow your speeds.

What Is Weakening My Signal?

Aside from the most common challenges, there are other internal and external factors that may be weakening your signal.

Coverage: According to Gwinnell, “Not every tower will be capable of transmitting on the optimal frequency band(s) needed for best possible speed.” Some older towers may not yet be capable of 4G or 5G connection. So, if you think your weak signal is due to a mistake during setup, it may, instead, be due to the towers in your area.
Device placement: Physical obstructions or device placement relative to a tower can weaken your signal. Gwinnell advises against placing your router or hotspot device in drawers with no ventilation. Positioning your vehicle behind buildings or other large vehicles that block the route to a cell tower can also weaken your signal.
Weather and location: Extreme weather conditions can often impact signal strength which slows connection speed. Geographically, your location may also make a difference in how strong your signal is. Cell towers are much harder to place in rocky terrains, valleys, or dense forests, so access to a tower’s signal is lessened.
Non-physical obstructions: Some factors, like tower outages, coverage, and weather are, unfortunately, just out of your control. Other non-physical obstructions that may be disrupting your internet connection include radio frequency (RF) interference and electromagnetic interference (EMI), Gwinnell points out. He also notes that these sorts of interferences “are a constant battle for any wireless device or service,” so your particular device may not be the issue.

Step 3: Optimize Signal

Setup

Signal optimization starts with setup. Gwinnell recommends using the device in the open for optimal function during setup in order to observe the signal strength indicators on the device; after, experiment with device placement to find the most practical location without a dropoff in the signal.

Solutions for a Weak Signal

Although some causes of a weak signal may be due to uncontrollable factors, there are some things Gwinnell suggests for those who are looking for a short-term solution. The easiest—and sometimes most effective—solution is to simply restart the device; this will reinitialize a tower connection. Yes, “turn it off and back on again” is age-old advice for a reason!

Next, when it comes to device placement, it's best to relocate to a geographical region with minimal physical obstructions, but if relocation of the vehicle is not possible, try placing the device near a window or as high up as you can, says Gwinnell. Lastly, a weak connection may be due to a greater online demand than the current signal can support. To avoid interruptions, it may help to stream videos and music at a lower resolution.

Extensions

For more long-term solutions, you may benefit from cellular signal boosters, like from the brand SureCall, which TravlFi carries specifically for RV and vehicle use, according to Gwinnell. These devices improve connection by “refin[ing] and amplify[ing] existing cellular signal to re-transmit this signal in a concentrated area,” he says. They may even raise signal reception by a couple of bars, resulting in more stable data transmission.

If none of these methods work, contact service providers who can fill you in on any outages or known problems.

FAQs

Do WiFi boosters in RV work?

“Yes, Wi-Fi boosters can work in an RV. An option with an externally mounted antenna is ideal (an omnidirectional is easiest),” according to Jeff Gwinnell, a connectivity specialist at TravlFi. If the connection in the area is already weak to begin with, though, a booster may not make a notable improvement. The downside of using a Wi-Fi booster is that everytime you change locations, you must reconfigure the device to connect to the new network, says Gwinnell.

Where not to put a Wi-Fi router?

Wi-Fi routers lose efficiency in areas with dense obstructions or electrical interferences. Also, avoid placing routers in drawers or other areas with little ventilation. Within the vehicle, experiment with locations up high or near windows; for your convenience, find somewhere easily accessible without ladders or special tools, according to Jeff Gwinnell, a connectivity specialist at TravlFi.

Does TravlFi work while driving?

The magic of the eSIM technology used in TravlFi devices is that they automatically connect you to the strongest signal in your area, even when you are on the move. Additionally, TravlFi’s eSIM devices—unlike traditional SIM—search for optimal connections across multiple major networks, making it easier to find a signal while driving.

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Still deciding which device is best for you? Learn more about all that TravlFi has to offer.

Article By: Ever Vigee

Ever Vigee is an award-winning writer and digital advertising student at Louisiana State University. A member of the LSU chapters of The National Association of Black Journalists and the American Advertising Federation, she grew up surrounded by creativity and enjoys expressing her ideas through graphic design, writing, photography, fashion, and music. Ever strives to be an effective communicator and is eager to travel and explore the world in ways that will supplement her creativity and understanding of different cultures.