Whether you live full-time in an RV, take vacations to remote destinations, or enjoy weekend trips to a local lake, you want a good internet connection.
The best internet option for you depends on how much and how you use the internet.
Here are some of the best internet options for the RV life – based on location and WIFI needs.
Cellular:
When staying at RV parks, campgrounds, or resorts in areas with a good cell phone signal, choose cellular.
Cellular works for most internet usage, including Zoom calls. However, be cautious when streaming your favorite shows. You’ll consume a lot of data, and even with unlimited plans, you may experience throttling.
Here’s a few ways to use a cellular signal to stay connected.
- Use your phone as a hotspot and tether to your computer – best use with unlimited data plans.
- Use a MIFI hotspot device to create your own network with a SIM card from a cell carrier other than your phone. Such as Verizon for your cellphone and ATT for your hot spot.
Free Park WIFI
Many RV parks and campgrounds offer free WIFI. This usually works well for checking emails and social media.
You should keep these things in mind if you’re planning to use free park WIFI:
- Free WIFI is often slow and inconsistent, especially if the campground is rural or remote. Try to get a cellular plan as a backup if the park WIFI doesn’t meet your internet needs.
- Open park WIFI is not secure – even if a password is needed to log in. Don’t use this method for financial or secure transactions.
- When using the open WIFI at a campground, use an RV-specific router, such as a WIFI Ranger or Winegard, to protect your data. You can connect the park internet to the router, set up a password to log in and create your own secure network.
Paid Park WIFI:
Some RV parks offer a paid internet option, often for those staying longer than a month. This is a good choice if you plan to follow the sun and travel with the seasons.
Be aware of the following before signing a contract for WIFI with the park:
- Ask them about data caps and internet speeds, especially if you plan to stay connected for work purposes. And stream your shows.
- You may need to buy items to set up the WIFI, such as a cable, modem, and router.
- Ask about canceling the internet before you leave the park.
Satellite:
Satellite is the most expensive choice and the best internet coverage for off-the-grid digital nomads living in their RV. However, the satellite choice may not be worth the expense if you don’t plan to boondock for long periods or need a constant connection.
Depending on the service, satellite received, and plan you choose, your initial set-up costs can range from $500 to over $6,000. The monthly fees can vary from $50.00 to over $300.00 a month.
The newest satellite, Starlink, is starting to make its appearance in RV parks. At this point, we are not making a recommendation due to the lack of reviews and data. If you are interested, here is an article on RVLife.com about Starlink.
If you don’t plan to boondock for long periods or need a constant connection, the satellite choice may not be worth the expense.
No solution works for every situation. Often the best internet option for the RV Life is a combination of two or more of these choices.
In our RV, we are currently using a WIFI Ranger router with the RV park WIFI and a MIFI hot spot connected.
We hope this information will help you make decisions regarding your internet options in your home on the road.
Safe Travels!
Peggy Staver, the author of this blog, is a freelance copywriter specializing in outdoor recreation and hospitality. You can contact her at PSCopywriting.com. The majority of photos are taken by Photography by Andreas. Visit his portfolio here.
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