Updated on Aug. 18th, 2024.
Hitting the road in your RV or van can give you an unparalleled sense of freedom, but freedom can come with a lot of responsibilities, including a full-time remote job.
Setting up Internet will help you enjoy your RV life to its fullest, and you'll be able to easily work from anywhere, communicate with friends and family, or even for do some online gaming on the road.
There are many offers available, and it's hard to find the best internet for RV living... what makes an offer the best, anyway?
This post will help you walk through the best options suited for your needs.
Types of Mobile Internet for RVers
Before getting into the best internet for van life, it’s important to know what your options are.
Generally, you’ll have three main choices:
- mobile hotspots,
- satellite internet,
- and Wi-Fi extenders.
Getting a Mobile Hotspot: the easiest solution
Pros of a Mobile Hotspot
- Cost-effective solution
- Nationwide coverage (depending on the provider)
- Ease of installation and use: it's just a small box and it's often plug & play
- Multiple devices: if you need to connect even more devices, you can consider getting a router
- No modification to your vehicle
- Works even in motion
Cons of a Mobile Hotspot
- Dependent on the coverage provided by the network
- Often throttled and/or speed capped
- Customer support quality can be erratic
- Usually doesn't allow you to cross the borders without an extra cost
All the major cell service providers offer a mobile hotspot as an add-on service, so getting Internet in your RV is very easy. Some even include a small amount of hotspot data as a standard part of your plan.
Unfortunately, even paid hotspot plans have a pretty low data limit with most carriers. If you stream lots of content, you can burn through your data allotment in just a few days.
Don't worry, EZ Mobile Data has you covered. Literally. We provide two monthly cellular data only plans: 800GB and Unlimited.
Our offer? No contract, no speed cap and an unmatched US-based customer service.
Interested in knowing more? Simply call us at 866-441-3282 and experience our customer service for yourself.
Satellite Internet: a costly option
One of the best RV internet options is satellite: it offers the advantage of global coverage, making it ideal for your off-the-grid adventures.
There are some drawbacks, though.
Pros of using Satellite Internet
- Global coverage: if you often travel internationally, it's the best option available.
- Multiple devices: it usually comes with a router.
- Unlimited data plan available
Cons of using Satellite Internet
- Needs to be in an unobstructed area: a tree, a tall building, heavy rain or snow are all it takes for the signal to disappear.
- Unstable speed: it works until it doesn't - you can get very high speed, but it'll automatically get throttled in case of congestion.
- Modification to your vehicle: if you install a satellite dish, this may warrant your vehicle's warranty (due to the drilling, mainly)
- Expensive: the satellite dish is something you'll need to pay for upfront, regardless of whether it'll work for you or not.
- Doesn't work in motion: some providers offer this option at an extra cost per GB.
- Completely dependent on the provider: if your provider decides to increase the price of your plan or stops working altogether for any reason, switching is generally not easy.
You can also get everything installed to ensure maximum coverage with a combination of cellular data via 5G hotspot and satellite Internet; one can take over the other in case you lose signal, but naturally, it's a costly option.
What about Wi-Fi extenders?
Wi-Fi extenders are another popular option, as they can boost the signal from nearby Wi-Fi networks. These tools are cost-effective, as you won’t incur any recurring charges. However, they need a nearby Wi-Fi network to function. If your campsite doesn’t have Wi-Fi, you’ll find yourself disconnected.
Pros of Wi-Fi Extenders
- Cost-effective
- Ease of installation and use
- No modification to your vehicle
Cons of Wi-Fi Extenders
- Do not work independently: if there's no Wi-Fi network available nearby, a Wi-Fi extender won't provide you with any Internet access at all.
- Limited application: because it needs a Wi-Fi network to work, it doesn't work on the road, but only when you're not moving (at rest areas for example).
What Makes EZ Mobile Data Stand Out?
Based on the breakdown above, mobile hotspot is the best Internet option for RVs and vans.
However, you’ll need a provider that can offer larger data limits and great coverage to avoid running out of browsing capacity.
EZ Mobile Data has two no-nonsense plans for all of your van or RV connectivity needs. Our beginner plan, the Pink Plan, is just $119.99 per month. You can bring your own device or get one of our tested and approved bundles to save you from the headache of finding one.
You’ll enjoy the highest cell tower priority and 800GB of monthly data. If you want unlimited data, upgrade to our Red Plan, which is just $139.99 per month.
As an EZ Mobile Data client, you’ll enjoy access to all of our features, including the following:
- No contracts
- US-based customer service
- Unthrottled service with no speed caps
- TV and movie streaming
- High-speed data
- A choice of devices: Your own, an ultra-portable hotspot with a 10+ hour battery life, or a high performance router
We provide the affordability and portability of traditional hotspots without the low data caps and throttling. Thanks to our partnerships with nationwide cellular networks, we can offer exceptional coverage from coast to coast.
If you’ve already got a hotspot, bring it with you. If not, you can order one from us. We provide great equipment at even better prices.
How to Choose the Best Internet Plan for Your RV or Van
Are you unsure which plan is right for you?
There are two main factors to consider: your data usage and where you travel. If you have moderate usage habits, our Pink Bundle will give you the most bang for your buck.
You’ll enjoy priority access to cell towers and 800GB of monthly data.
However, if you are an avid streamer and internet user or frequently trek to rural areas, consider the Red Bundle. It offers unlimited data and even better coverage than our introductory plan.
Do I really need an Unlimited data plan?
It all boils down to how much data you use, and how many people use it as well.
- For example, Netflix estimates the average data consumption to 1 to 3GB for each hour streamed, depending on the quality of the movie/TV series ("balanced" mode vs "High definition").
- A high-quality video call takes about 1 to 1.5GB per hour of call, and it goes up with group video calls.
- Streaming high quality music will use about 200MB of data per hour.
- Gaming will depend on the game played, but according to Microsoft, 100MB to 400MB per hour played. Game downloads and updates can be quite data hungry, so be careful!
According to an OpenVault Broadband Insights report, the average U.S. household uses around 641GB of data each month; that's about ~260GB/person/month for the average user.
If you're a power user, Unlimited is the way to go!
Installation Tips: Getting Your Vehicle Internet-Ready
With the exception of satellite internet, setting up an Internet connection in your RV is as easy as getting a smartphone with data nowadays.
All you'll need is a device (a hotspot or a router) and suscribe to a plan to connect to the mobile network.
Are you excited to install the best internet for van life? If so, here’s what you need to do:
- Assess Your Needs: How many devices and what sort of coverage do you need?
- Choose Your Solution: Next, choose a mobile hotspot, cellular data, or a satellite system
- Set Up the Equipment: Install your router and configure your devices
- Boost Your Signal: Add a booster to stay connected while moving around your campsite
- Monitor Your Usage: If you have a limited plan, monitor your usage to avoid overages
- Upgrade if Necessary: Upgrade to an unlimited plan if you find yourself capping out early
For a more detailed breakdown of how to get your vehicle ready for the internet, check out our step-by-step guide.
Tips to Maximize Your Mobile Internet Experience While Traveling
To make the most of your mobile internet experience while traveling, it’s important that you practice efficient data usage and secure your connections. Consider installing a virtual private network on your devices to create a private browsing experience. Also, set a strong password for your hotspot to keep strangers from accessing your network.
If you choose a solution with a data limit, be efficient with your usage. For instance, when driving through areas with a good cellular connection, use your smartphone to stream music and power your GPS. This will cut down on waste and help you stay under your caps.
Common Challenges and Solutions
There are two common hurdles you’ll face with your RV or van internet. The first is dead zones. It’s important to review each provider’s coverage maps before signing a contract. Fortunately, EZ Mobile Data offers great coverage and no contract, which means you can avoid this common headache.
Another challenge involves burning through all your data. Again, this is an easy fix. You can monitor your usage, avoid waste, and upgrade to an unlimited plan — like our Red Plan — if necessary.
Connect With EZ Mobile Data
Make the most of van and recreational vehicle living with the best internet for RVs: EZ Mobile Data.
Call us at 866-441-3282 today to learn more or sign up.
