High Data Usage While Tethering
One thing to remember, if you are pulling up to your campsite and want to browse the web and maybe even watch a movie on your laptop, remember that laptops use significantly more data than a smartphone. Mobile device traffic is optimized to use less data, therefore, if you are tethering your smartphone, be prepared to use more data than you are accustomed to.
Why Do You Need Internet Access In Your Rv
Unless youre retired or independently wealthy, youll most likely need a way to pay for campsites, fuel, and food. Securing internet access for emails, meetings, and other work tasks matters regardless of where you live.
If youre RVing with kids, youll probably need internet access for schooling as well. While its possible to go without, many resources and instructional aids exist only online.
Also, youll probably want some connection to the outside world. Its easy to get caught up in the incredible landscapes and beautiful views and forget everything else. However, at a minimum, youll probably want to know the weather and get emergency updates.
And while its not essential, most of us want to binge Netflix at least once in a while. It helps make bad weather days a little bit more bearable.
Prepaid Or Subscription Usb
USBs are another internet connectivity option for those who need data on the go. They look like a typical USB but are essentially a miniature version of a modem or router. They plug into the side of a laptop or computer and access 3G internet.
To access 3G you will need to have a plan. You can subscribe monthly to a plan for a fee or buy a prepaid stick with a predetermined lifespan.
Like cellular hotspots, you will want to verify the range and extent of the providers coverage before purchasing anything so that you can be sure they will provide internet access in the area in which you plan to camp.
Don’t Miss: Portable Hand Washing Station Camping
Best Internet For Rv Nomads Advice: Choose Resellers Carefully
Mike Wendland: Back to the retailers for a moment. Do you recommend at any time that people deal with a reseller?
Cherie: We do. We do. We dont recommend specific dealers because-
Chris: Theyre all basically the .
Cherie: But it does make sense. I mean, you just need to go in eyes wide open. We keep vendor lists. Our staff goes through every single vendor thats out there about every week and updates our vendor list to see whos in business, what the pricing is.
And we have huge, huge disclaimers on those vendor lists is, these are all the things you need to know about this style of plan. And our biggest advice is if you just choose to go with them is always have a backup option ready to go. Because those plans can, they can literally go over night.
Chris: Yeah. Consider youre using those plans until you lose those plans. And so, its great. You might be able to find an amazing deal for 120 bucks a month, its unlimited. But it might last a month. It might last three months. It might last a year. You just have to have that in the back of your mind. What will you do if you turn it on tomorrow and its gone?
Mike Wendland: There you go. And thats a big reason to keep your distance, at least in our book.
Chris: Or have a backup.
What Else Do I Need Besides The Adapter And An Idevice To Make This Work
Please see the entire list belowTHE MOST FAQfor all of the items you may need.
You will need an HDMI cable !
One more option is if you want to keep your iDevice charged while using this adapter, you will need alightning cable and wall charger. Another awesome feature with this product is that it has a second Lightning connector that is built into the HDMI adapter that allows you to charge and sync your iDevice while its connected to your HDMI-Compatible display!
Read Also: Camping Along The Oregon Coast
The Best Internet For Rv Nomads
Our guests o are Chris and Cherie of the website Technomadia, which chronicles all things technology-related to RVers, and the Mobile Internet Resource Center, which is a member-supported site that is the most respected and reliable resource for the absolute latest information about Mobile Internet.
Chris and Cherie are true Nomads themselves, traveling the country in a bus converted into an RV, a Class B van and a boat. They truly are the leading experts on anything related to RVing and the Internet.
We interviewed them in a recent episode for our RV Podcast and tapped into their expertise to help our readers and listeners fund the best Internet for RV Nomads in 2021.
How Will You Use The Internet
The first step in determining the best RV WiFi solution for you is to think about the level of connectivity you will need. Deciding how youre going to use the internet while on the road is one of the most important considerations before you purchase anything.
Will you just be using your email and checking in with friends via Facebook? Will you be working from your RV? Do you have obligatory video conferences? Do your kids enjoy playing video games? Are video calls with family and friends from home a must?
If you use the internet only occasionally, like checking email or online shopping, then you probably only need a minimal internet setup. Depending on where you want to camp and your cell phone provider, you can probably get by with using campground WiFi or using your phone as a mobile hotspot.
During my familys first year on the road, we were able to get by with a minimal internet setup, using a Verizon hotspot with limited data. For us, it wasnt a huge deal if we were disconnected since we werent working full-time. If we needed a more reliable connection, we drove to a Starbucks or McDonalds parking lot. The simple Verizon jetpack allowed us to stay connected when we needed it and we had enough signal most days to publish blog posts and send photos to family back home.
Most people are surprised at how quickly you use data when youre streaming something. We blew through 15GBs of our mobile hotspot in three days, a new RVer lamented in our Facebook group.
Also Check: Free Camping Near Barstow Ca
How Cellular Data Works
Cell towers built by telecom companies broadcast cellular data. The service providers usually build towers based on demand or usage in an area. Therefore, rural locations often lag behind when it comes to quality and reliability.
Having several bars of service doesnt necessarily guarantee the best service. Even when you have good service, towers might get congested by many users, especially in popular areas.
Providers also impose data caps and usage limits. Users who exceed their data limits may face overage fees or speed throttling. Manage your cellular data usage to avoid fees and ensure better speeds when you need them most.
Best Wifi Hotspots For Camping
You are looking for the perfect blend of coverage support, battery life, devices supported, price, and antenna range. Best in your case may be a little bit different than others, but lets dive into a few plans so you can see the options.
You might be tempted to just get the cheapest hotspot available from your cell phone service provider, but it IS worth investigating as there are many plan options and many that provide better features than your default cell phone provider.
This is just a mobile hotspot device that doesnt come with a SIM. You need to use a GSM SIM . It is unlocked so it can be used with any GSM provider.
The Mighty Wifi doesnt require an external phone plan, instead, it has its own data plans.
This modem uses virtual-sim or cloud-sim technology which basically means they will switch between multiple cell providers.
The advantage to a device like this is that you dont have to pay for a contract , instead, you can pay a la carte, and buy as much internet for as long as you need it.
For example, you can purchase 5GB of high-speed internet, or you can purchase a 7-day pass that will allow for 1GB of internet use per day.
GlocalMe G3 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is another one of these hotspots where you purchase plans directly through them, or, if you wish, you can use it was a traditional unlocked WiFi hotspot with your own provide your own SIM card if you wish. Like the Mighty Wifi, it uses a cloud-sim by default.
Read Also: Mt Rainier National Park Camping
Cell Phone Providers And Tethering
Since the early days of smartphones, iPhones and Android smartphones have supported tethering. Many cell phone companies didnt like the idea of people using their smartphones for massive amounts of data , therefore, many cell phone providers allow using your phone as a hotspot for an additional monthly fee.
| Cell Phone Provider | |
| $29.99 a month | |
| T-Mobile | Free, with 3GB with the base Magenta plan. Magenta Plus includes 20GB of hotspot data, and you can pay $10 additional for additional gigabytes of data |
| Google Fi | Free, pay as you go data |
As you can see, depending on who your cell phone provider is, you may have to spend some money to get WiFi tethering capabilities.
Camping Gadgets For Serious Internet Addicts
Tent? Check. Bug spray? Check. Sleeping bag? Of course. Global access to information? Absolutely! When people think of camping, they tend to think of fresh air, the great outdoors and an opportunity to get away from it all. Access to the Internet isn’t generally a top priority.
For serious Internet addicts, however, staying wired in while you’re camping out can be a real concern. Even if you pack your smartphone and laptop computer, there are still remote regions of the globe where internet access remains sketchy and power sources are few and far between. Luckily, today’s wired world offers plenty of gadgets to help you stay connected. In this article, we’ll reveal our favorite gadgets for keeping your internet devices charged, finding access to WiFi, creating hotspots of your own and boosting your broadband signal — even when you’re far away from civilization. First up, let’s plug into Google Earth!
Read Also: Year Round Camping Washington State
Do Trees Block Wifi Signals
When you are using the campground hotspots, it is likely that trees would surround you. The inevitable question would be whether or not the thick trunks and high tops block the electronic signal of the internet connection.
In fact, trees have a significant impact on the WiFi connection, and you probably need one which isstronger than 5.8 GHz for it to be able to pass through.
When you rely on public services for internet connection, I highly suggest that you pick the location wisely. Stick to open areas which dont feature too many trees between you and the transducer source.
If the camping area features a few hills, try to camp on a high ground rather than at the bottom. When you are elevated you will be able to reach the signals that are being blocked by the trees at the bottom.
For Safety & Communication
Then, theres the general communication and safety side of things. Just being able to stay connected to your friends and family easily. Sharing photos and videos of your travels and making sure everyone knows you are safe and reachable if necessary wherever you are exploring. Or being able to contact someone for help if theres an issue.
Recommended Reading: Camping Sites With Rv Rentals
Find Your Best Internet Option By Answering The Questions Below
How vital is internet connectivity for you while traveling? If you have work deadlines to meet, health issues, or other concerns that require 24/7 connectivity, invest in the best internet you can get and have a backup plan .
How Cell Phone Antennas Work
Antennas work by capturing as much cell signal as possible and funneling into a router. Most boondockers use hotspot devices as their routers. These antennas typically require two wires, one for outgoing signals and the other for incoming signals. This is often referred to as MIMO antennas . Hence, to make this work effectively, you need a router with dual antenna ports, one for, in and one for out. Routers or hotspot devices without antenna ports will not work with antennas.
Once you have the antenna connected to your router or hotspot, your devices can connect via Wi-Fi. Your phone can also connect via Wi-Fi, and you can place phone calls through the router or hotspot.
The best antennas are directional antennas. These are intended to be turned towards the nearest cell tower. Because of this, these antennas can only be erected while parked or camping. If you need an antenna while driving down the road, you will need an omni-directional antenna. These are intended to be mounted securely to a vehicle, and will capture cell signal from any direction. Directional antennas, however, do a much better job at capturing signal.
Most antennas offers anywhere from a 5 decibel gain to 15 decibel gain.
The higher you raise an antenna into the air, the more signal you can capture. Hence, its best to mount the antenna units on a long, metal pole.
Don’t Miss: Tent Camping At Grand Canyon
Wireless Rv Internet Access
Cellular is, by far, the best way to stay connected while on the road these days. Its easy to set up, cost-effective, and fast . With just a smartphone or MIFI, you can create a mobile hotspot and easily connect multiple devices. To utilize this solution effectively, youll need to choose a mobile network carrier with the most widespread coverage and the best monthly plans. Popular cellular internet providers include:
- Verizon is the most reputable cellular company with most coverage across the country.
- AT& T is the second largest mobile network operator and covers a large part of the country. But, its LTE speeds arent that high.
- T-Mobile is the best choice for someone who wants a fast Internet. They have the best speeds, but less coverage than Verizon and AT& T
- Sprint mainly provides service in cities and along interstates
Although cell service is a great option for anyone who needs fast internet, it has its share of disadvantages. These include, amongst others, monthly or annual service contracts or having the bandwidth throttled to lower speeds after exceeding specified limits. Limited service coverage is another major problem. To counter this, you may want to invest in a 3G/4G cellular booster to amp the signal. If you have more than one phone, getting different wireless service providers for each one may give you better service.
How To Work Without Wifi
If youre writing, you are probably using Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Microsoft Word has an offline version and an online version. You can write to your hearts content without seeing the internet for weeks if you have the offline version.
Google Docs/Sheets actually has a feature that is not commonly known about called Available Offline. This feature is only available if you use Google Chrome.
To enable the feature, Go to , and click the settings button.
Then make sure the Global offline file setting is enabled:
After that, you can enable or disable this feature per file by right-clicking on a document in your Google Drive, and click available offline
You will then be able to edit your document even if youre camping miles from WiFi.
To navigate to your documents without using the internet, go to .
You May Like: Camping Near Devils Backbone Brewery
Rooting/jailbreaking Your Device For Hotspot Capabilities
This is an unsupported and undesirable solution for many reasons. Many big brand apps wont even run if they can detect that your phone has been jailbroken or rooted.
If youre a techy person and dont use apps like that, then you can access your smartphones hotspot feature without having to pay extra, although this certainly violates many cell phone providers terms of use policies.
If you dont know what Im talking about, dont worry about it, there are other ways to get internet without paying extra.