So you need to stay connected on the road in your RV?
Good news! Gaming in your RV, remote working, streaming movies: you can do it all.
But how?
Can you have good Internet in your RV?
Short answer: Yes!
Good Internet in your RV is more accessible than you might think. Achieving good, stable Internet with Wi-Fi in your RV can be easy once you understand your options.
Whether you're in an RV Park, campground, or on the road, we will guide you to ensure that you'll receive reliable means of internet while avoiding pitfalls that can make your Wi-Fi or internet experience slow or cumbersome.
How does Internet work in an RV?
Surprisingly, options for Internet in your RV are similar to your home, regardless of the type of RV you have.
Your choice can depend on many factors such as budget, convenience, or preference, but factors such as space within your RV and ease of use should be considered.
Internet works in your RV by the means of the following mediums:
- Cellular data: Similar to your phone, cellular data can be broadcasted within your RV via your cell phone, cellular router, or a portable hotspot or Mi-Fi. As long as you have signal, you're good to go!
- Satellite: Similar to satellite internet at a home, this option provides internet via a mounted satellite on your RV. Some options may require a hardwired router that is connected to the satellite to provide service. Signal is captured from the sky and broadcasted within your RV.
- Wi-Fi: If your RV is parked in an RV park or camp, Wi-Fi is generally obtainable for free in most campgrounds or RV parks. Simply connect your devices to the Wi-Fi campground or park and you're set!
What do I need to get Wi-Fi in my RV?
Obtaining internet for your RV depends on your preference of technology.
Cellular data plans offer more flexibility with minimalist setups due to various data plans, subscriptions and even pay-as-you-go options.
Typically, if you choose the cellular data route, you'd want to look for a good cellular router typically provided by your internet service provider. These devices will broadcast your Internet within your RV.
Satellite data plans are usually subscription based and you're usually provided with the dish that includes a router.
Can I have unlimited Internet in my RV?
Yes! However, be wary of speed promises and read the fine print!
Sometimes unlimited does not mean blazing speeds. Some providers slow your speeds after reaching a data cap, giving you throttled speeds that are slow or unusable. Depending on the plan, some data plans no longer work after reaching a specific data cap.
If you're serious about your speed, get clarification on actual speeds vs. theoretical speeds, read the fine print, and make sure you're actually getting unlimited, regardless of how much you use.
How much does Internet cost for an RV?
Costs for internet access in your RV depends on your setup and budget. We will break down each option from free options to the most expensive options for you!
- Data plan from your phone: Typically, if you're a very light data user, your phones hotspot capability may be all you need for access! Most cellular plans come with hotspot data included. Simply turn on this feature and use the Wi-Fi username and password to connect your devices. This small amount of data can quickly be used up however, as the average hotspot plans from cell phones generally only have 25-50GB of data.
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⚠️Warning! Depending on your plan, your cell phone provider might bill you after you've reached your allotment. This is normally not standard within consumer plans but commonplace on business plans. As always, read the fine print! ⚠️
- Campground: Most RV campgrounds provide internet free of charge as part of the entrance and camp fees you've already paid for. Simply ask the hosts of the campground for the login credentials to begin using Internet. Not all campground has unlimited data, so be sure to ask if the location you are at has any limits!
- Hotspot or Cellular Router: Using cellular data, these devices will broadcast Internet better than your cell phone and more reliable than campgrounds data. Because this is your dedicated device, you won't have to worry about security issues or congested service.
- Data plans for hotspots or cellular routers range from 50GB-150GB monthly from the major carriers, with prices around $50-$150 per month.
- Hotspots or cellular routers as devices range from $50-$300 on average.
- Larger packages are typically found on business plans. These plans are not unlimited.
What are Wi-Fi repeaters used for?
Repeaters don't work on their own: they "repeat" an original Wi-Fi signal to extend the initial signal to your devices, which is why they are also called "Wi-Fi Boosters".
They are more suitable for home installations than for RVs.
If you are in an RV Park, those extenders can help improve a slow connection all the way to your devices, but they cannot be used to get Internet on the road since there's no Wi-Fi signal to "repeat".
What are the differences between a router and a hotspot?
They essentially serve the same purpose, and each device has its strengths.
- Portability: the hotspot is very portable (runs on a battery) whereas the router is always plugged.
- Reliability: the router is usually more powerful and reliable, but not everyone will need every feature on offer.
- Range: routers come with more powerful antennas, and hotspots tend to be very close to the devices when in use.
- Cost: routers tend to be more expensive than hotspots.
- Ease of use: hotspots are simpler in design.
- Connectivity: due to their more powerful nature, routers support more devices connected at the same time.
How do I choose the best router or hotspot?
Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are now standard in the industry, don't settle for any less:
- 5G means your router / hotspot will connect to the best mobile network available in your area,
- and Wi-Fi 6 means your devices will get the highest speed available from the router / hotspot.
Aside from these features above, if you have many devices you need to keep connected at the same time, a router is usually a better option since their range is wider.
If not, convenience, ease of use and space are three things to take into consideration when choosing between a router and a hotspot.
You don't need the best router or hotspot available in the market if you don't need the features they offer, and chances are that you don't need most of those features.
The cheaper option is not necessarily worse, although you still want to have a good quality device from a reputable brand.
EZ Mobile Data helps you make sense out of the noise and bundles both 5G hotspots and routers for simplicity in our Unlimited Data Plan for RVers.
Our offer? No contract, unthrottled service with no speed caps, full US coverage.
Call us at 866-441-3282 for more information!
How to get Wi-Fi when there is no cell service?
There are times when the signal is weak, and it could be related to network coverage and congestion, for example.
There are other times where there's simply no cell service at all - it's rare, but it happens.
At times like this, there's not much you can do except going back to a place with actual network coverage, or use Wi-Fi hotspots (such as public Wi-Fi networks).
The other solution is to consider getting a satellite dish on top of your existing cellular data plan to ensure maximum coverage. Satellite Internet is usually more expensive and requires further installation and modification of your RV (installing a satellite dish), which may void your vehicle's warranty!
It is also more impacted by heavy rain, snow, and visual coverage than cellular data - if you're deep in the mountains or under a tree, satellite Internet will not work.
What's the difference between eSIM and SIM?
It's a matter of convenience and security, but it shouldn't make much of a difference for RVs. Both options will work the same.
4G vs 5G for RV Internet?
5G boasts much faster Internet speed and better Internet stability in populated areas, but its range is shorter than 4G.
If your device is compatible with 5G, it will automatically connect to the 5G network when available. If not, it'll automatically switch to 4G.
5G tends to be more expensive, but cost-aside, it's definitely the more comfortable option.
At EZ Mobile Data, our plans and devices are all 5G Ready.
Conclusion
Getting Internet setup in your RV isn't difficult and shouldn't be a scary experience! Nowadays, it's as simple as subscribing to a mobile plan.
At EZ Mobile Data, we make everything easy for you (it's in the name!) by testing the devices before sending them over to you. The devices are always ready to use upon reception, and we keep it easy - it's in the name!
Call us at 866-441-3282 for more information, and our US-based customer service will be happy to walk you through every step.
