How to Stay Connected While Fulltime RVing
02-08-2018
Author: in We Wander Wherever
My husband and I recently went out looking at RVs. What we found is that many of the newest rigs are jam packed with so many modern amenities that they’re more comfortable than most houses. However, there is one important thing all RVs are still lacking: an internet connection.
Related Read: Staying Connected
While I didn't really expect an RV to come connected to the internet, I do dream of the day when this might happen. After all, my family uses the internet on a daily basis, and because it is used for work, RVing without it is out of the question.
When we first began our RV journey, we did a lot of research on this subject. We knew we would need a reliable connection in order to hit the road, and we knew that having our regular internet service follow us around was a no-go, so we were determined to learn everything we could.
Here are the solutions we found that other traveling RVers use every day.
Hotspots
This is the most popular solution for full-timers like myself, and it’s the solution we chose to implement. Hotspots provide the user with internet access wherever they may wander, as long as the cell coverage of the provider in question works in that area.
We currently have a Verizon hotspot, and we have found that it works almost everywhere we go. We also have T-Mobile for our phones, meaning that we have a better chance of having some sort of connection in all locations.
Campground Wi-Fi
Many people who only need internet access for recreational purposes decide that a hotspot isn’t worth the investment and opt to use the campground Wi-Fi instead. While this option is fine for those who don’t need internet all the time and don’t need a speedy connection, I must warn you that internet is not available at all campgrounds. On top of that, even when it is available, it is not usually all that great in terms of speed, and often you will have to pay to access it.
Related Read: Tips for the RV Technomad
Therefore, I recommend this option only to laid-back, recreational users who do not stream or play online games often.
Public Internet
Of course, there is always the option of using public Wi-Fi connections. This is what we do when we find our hotspot is not working well. That said, not all public connections are made equal, and finding a good one can be frustrating.
In general, we find that Starbucks and other coffee shops tend to have good connections, as do libraries. If you find yourself in a pinch and in dire need of internet access, I recommend finding one of these places.
Signal Booster
If you do decide to use whatever connections you can find in campgrounds and parking lots, you might want to invest in a signal booster. This nifty tool pulls in any signal it can find and amplifies it in your RV. This makes that weak Wi-Fi signal you pull in from the campground office completely usable and even means you can work in the Walmart parking lot while using the Wi-Fi from the neighboring Starbucks.
Now that you know your options, the next steps are to consider your work and travel style, find out what the Wi-Fi connection is like in your favorite campgrounds, think about the best hotspot plans for you, and get connected!
Related Read: Staying Connected
While I didn't really expect an RV to come connected to the internet, I do dream of the day when this might happen. After all, my family uses the internet on a daily basis, and because it is used for work, RVing without it is out of the question.
When we first began our RV journey, we did a lot of research on this subject. We knew we would need a reliable connection in order to hit the road, and we knew that having our regular internet service follow us around was a no-go, so we were determined to learn everything we could.
Here are the solutions we found that other traveling RVers use every day.
Hotspots
This is the most popular solution for full-timers like myself, and it’s the solution we chose to implement. Hotspots provide the user with internet access wherever they may wander, as long as the cell coverage of the provider in question works in that area.
We currently have a Verizon hotspot, and we have found that it works almost everywhere we go. We also have T-Mobile for our phones, meaning that we have a better chance of having some sort of connection in all locations.
Related Read: Is the Verizon Unlimited Plan Worth It for RVers
That said, Verizon may not be the best option for you. Be sure to research all plans and coverage zones before making a final decision. Additionally, if internet is important for your work, you may want to choose two or three different carriers for your hotspot(s) and phone(s).Campground Wi-Fi
Many people who only need internet access for recreational purposes decide that a hotspot isn’t worth the investment and opt to use the campground Wi-Fi instead. While this option is fine for those who don’t need internet all the time and don’t need a speedy connection, I must warn you that internet is not available at all campgrounds. On top of that, even when it is available, it is not usually all that great in terms of speed, and often you will have to pay to access it.
Related Read: Tips for the RV Technomad
Therefore, I recommend this option only to laid-back, recreational users who do not stream or play online games often.
Public Internet
Of course, there is always the option of using public Wi-Fi connections. This is what we do when we find our hotspot is not working well. That said, not all public connections are made equal, and finding a good one can be frustrating.
In general, we find that Starbucks and other coffee shops tend to have good connections, as do libraries. If you find yourself in a pinch and in dire need of internet access, I recommend finding one of these places.
Signal Booster
If you do decide to use whatever connections you can find in campgrounds and parking lots, you might want to invest in a signal booster. This nifty tool pulls in any signal it can find and amplifies it in your RV. This makes that weak Wi-Fi signal you pull in from the campground office completely usable and even means you can work in the Walmart parking lot while using the Wi-Fi from the neighboring Starbucks.
Now that you know your options, the next steps are to consider your work and travel style, find out what the Wi-Fi connection is like in your favorite campgrounds, think about the best hotspot plans for you, and get connected!
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Author: Chelsea Barron
