Is it possible to have a good internet connection in an RV? How reliable can your signal really be? The truth is, you can’t expect wonders when on the road. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hope for a good internet connection that will allow you to perform most of your regular online activities. Today, we’re bringing you the best internet options for RV living you should try out in 2022!
CONTENTS
The Best Internet Options for RV Living – What to Choose
1. Relying on the Public Wi-Fi
Many RVers opt for saving some money and relying on the public wireless networks around them. Since most establishments have an open network for their customers, it won’t be difficult to get access to the internet wherever you go. You can visit restaurants, cafes, gyms, and even hotels, and gas stops nearby to check whether they have public Wi-Fi you can use. That way, you’ll save a lot of money on internet plans and will be able to get most of the things you wanted done online.
This one is especially a good option if you frequently find yourself in trailer parks. Many trailer parks have an open network you can join while taking a break. In case there is a park you often visit, you may even be able to purchase a plan with other people in the park you can use collectively. It will be a much more affordable option than doing it on your own.
Why You Should Reconsider Relying on the Public Wi-Fi
Two main disadvantages to this option are the unreliability and unpredictability that come with the public wireless network. You never know how strong a signal is in the cafe or a restaurant you decide to go to. What’s more, you can have issues with getting online even in places that are famous for their good internet connection when there are too many people using the network. As a result, you may not be able to get anything done that day.
Using a public Wi-Fi requires a lot of planning. You will have to plan your stops depending on the places that have an open network available and change your plans when an establishment you visit doesn’t offer a good connection.
In addition, you can’t expect to have an internet connection while driving. That’s because there are hardly any wireless networks available on the road. Thus, this one is not the easiest option to deal with when it comes to getting an internet connection for your RV. Still, it’s usually free, which is why many RVers decide to make the most of it.
Pros
- Free
Cons
- Unreliable
- No internet on the road
2. Using Mobile Data
Mobile data is the most reliable option for those who want to have a good internet connection on the road. Cell phone towers are placed all over the country, allowing people to have a strong enough signal to perform almost any activity while driving. If you want to have internet wherever you go, opting for cellular data may be the best option for you.
Everything You Need to Know About Using Mobile Internet while on the Road
Why Using Mobile Data May Not be the Best Idea for the Road
The main downside to using mobile data is the pricing. Many mobile data and hotspot plans for RVers are much more expensive than the regular ones, especially for those who are looking for unlimited data and a lot of features. In addition, if you’re frequently traveling abroad in your vehicle, you may want to opt for a roaming plan. That will also add up the costs. Still, you won’t get better than cellular data when it comes to reliability.
While on the topic of reliability, you shouldn’t expect miracles even with opting for cellular data. That’s because remote areas, as well as tunnels and hills, can greatly affect the strength of your connection. As a result, you may lose your mobile internet connection for some time while you’re on the road.
Thus, even though your mobile data will provide you with a strong enough signal, you’ll also need to do some planning when it comes to your internet activities. You should make sure that you have all the maps downloaded before you travel to a remote area. Furthermore, it’s wise to perform any activity that requires a stronger connection while you’re in the city.
Another aspect to consider with this option is the number of devices you want to connect to the internet. A mobile hotspot will allow you to connect multiple gadgets to the internet, but the connection will become weaker, and the speeds will get slower. So, you might want to invest in a portable hotspot to make the signal a bit stronger on various devices.
Pros
- Reliable
- Strong signal
- Internet on the road
Cons
- Expensive
3. Opting for a Satellite Internet Connection
In recent years, satellite internet connection has become pretty popular. That’s because the connection is getting more reliable and it’s even available in remote areas. A satellite connection could require you to purchase a dish and additional gadgets to enable the internet signal on your vehicle. That is why you should try to do as much research as you can before making the decision. One of the most popular options for RVers when it comes to satellite internet is Starlink RV internet.
Everything You Need to Know About Starlink for RVs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpHN1NFDFBo
Reasons Why a Satellite Internet Connection Is Not the Best Option
There are plenty of internet satellite providers that offer great plans for RVers. However, you should keep in mind that these plans are usually pretty expensive. Moreover, the internet you’ll get can be unpredictable. Therefore, you’ll be paying a lot of money for an unreliable service.
Furthermore, the additional gadgets you’ll need to install to get the internet connection may cost you hundreds of dollars. So, satellite internet can be a huge investment. On the other hand, you’ll be able to have internet access wherever you go, which is why it could pay off. That’s especially the case for those who are working from their RV or perform more extensive internet activities that would require a strong connection.
Pros
- Internet on the road
- Strong signal
Cons
- Too expensive
- Requires additional gadgets
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a full list of the best internet options for RV living in 2022! We made sure to include all of the pros and cons for each one, to make the decision easier for you. Hopefully, you have now made your decision and you can enjoy all of the benefits of a strong internet connection while exploring the beauties of RV living!
Hey, I’m Jeremy Clifford. I hold a bachelor’s degree in information systems, and I’m a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the past 21 years.
I worked as a customer service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I’ve come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I’ve installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I’m eager to share everything I know with you. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as various how-to guides designed to help you solve your network problems. I want to liberate you from the fear that most users feel when they have to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-time activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also enjoy fishing, although I’m not good at it. What I’m good at is annoying David when we are fishing together. Apparently, you’re not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.