Staying Connected: Wifi Options For Your Camper Van

Getting WiFi in a campervan is possible in a few different ways. The most common types of internet connection are:

- Wireless/Cell Phone Service Providers (e.g. AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint)

- Satellite Connection (e.g. KING, KNH, and Winegard)

- Cell Phone Signal Booster

- Tethering (using your smartphone as a modem)

- Public WiFi Access (e.g. Starbucks, McDonald's, and local libraries)

- Wireless Networking Device (sometimes called an air card)

The best option for you will depend on your budget, signal requirements, and how you plan to use the internet. If you're looking for a simple and cost-effective solution, you can use your mobile phone as a hotspot. However, this can use up your data quickly and may not be suitable for heavy internet usage. Another option is to invest in a portable router or dongle, which can provide a more reliable connection but may be more expensive. For those seeking a more permanent solution, installing a satellite connection can offer a large range of programming but tends to be slower and more costly.

Using a WiFi Dongle

A WiFi dongle is a small device that plugs into your laptop's USB port and connects it to 4G. Dongles are a less versatile alternative to a MiFi but are perfect if you just want to access 4G from your laptop.

The Huawei E3372 4G USB Modem is a good option for a WiFi dongle. It's small, compact, and reliable. It's also one of the cheapest options on the market.

The Huawei E8372h-320 is another good option for a WiFi dongle. It's a bit more expensive than the Huawei E3372, but it's more reliable and has better speeds.

If you're looking for a more premium option, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a great choice. It's a bit bigger and more powerful than the other two options, and it offers faster speeds. It's also a bit more expensive.

When choosing a WiFi dongle, make sure to consider the following:

• Data limits: Some dongles have data limits, so make sure to check before purchasing.
• EU roaming: If you plan on travelling to Europe, make sure to check if the dongle has EU roaming capabilities.
• SIM card size: Make sure to buy the correct size SIM card for the dongle. Most dongles take either nano-SIMs or micro-SIMs.

Using a Mobile Phone Hotspot

However, there are some drawbacks to this method. Firstly, it can drain your phone's battery quickly. Secondly, if you don't have a dedicated hotspot data plan, you may use up your monthly cell data very fast. Additionally, even with an unlimited data plan, you could hit the throttle threshold, resulting in slower network speeds.

To avoid these issues, you can consider purchasing a mobile hotspot device. These are small, external devices that work similarly to your phone's hotspot. They can run off the same plan as your cell phone, or you can purchase a separate data plan. Mobile hotspot devices offer faster speeds, can connect multiple devices, and won't drain your phone's battery. However, they require additional equipment and can be expensive.

When choosing a cell phone plan or mobile hotspot device, it's important to consider your Internet needs. If you require high-speed Internet for work or streaming, you may need a plan with higher data allowances or unlimited data. Additionally, the strength of your cell signal will impact your Internet speed, so choosing a provider with good coverage in your area is crucial.

Overall, using a mobile phone hotspot or a mobile hotspot device can be a convenient and flexible way to get WiFi in your camper van, but it's important to consider the limitations and choose the option that best suits your needs.

Using a Portable Router

There are a few things to consider when choosing a portable router for your camper van:

• Battery life: Look for a router with a long-lasting battery so you don't have to worry about it dying while you're on the road.
• Size: Choose a compact and portable router that doesn't take up too much space in your camper van.
• Ease of use: Opt for a router with a user-friendly interface so you can easily monitor your signal strength, battery life, and data usage.
• Protective case: Consider investing in a protective case for your router to prevent accidental damage.
• Huawei E5577: This affordable router offers excellent signal reception and can be used plugged in or wirelessly.
• Netgear Nighthawk M2 (MR2100): The Netgear Nighthawk is a popular option known for its performance and ease of use. It features a coloured touch LCD screen and a mobile app for monitoring your connection.
• Netgear Nighthawk M1: Another reliable option from Netgear, offering high-speed connectivity and a long-lasting battery.

When using a portable router in your camper van, keep in mind that metal objects, including the chassis of your vehicle, can interfere with the signal. Try positioning the router near a window or skylight to improve reception. Additionally, consider purchasing an external antenna to boost the signal strength if needed.

Using a Satellite Connection

Starlink is a satellite internet service by SpaceX that provides high-speed, low-latency internet through a network of low-orbit satellites. It is an excellent option for those living or travelling in camper vans as it provides reliable internet access regardless of location. The Starlink Roam plan is specifically tailored to the needs of digital nomads.

The Starlink kit includes a satellite dish, a router, and all the necessary cords. The satellite dish is either mounted on the roof or placed on a tripod. It requires a clear view of the sky to function optimally. The dish folds down when moving and can be controlled electronically from inside the cabin. The size of the dish may vary, with smaller dishes covering a smaller area of the sky, potentially impacting internet quality.

The Starlink service is easy to set up and does not require professional installation. It offers a range of plans to suit different needs, including the Mobile Regional plan for $150 per month and the Mobile Global plan for $400 per month. The Mobile Priority plan offers three tiers of priority data starting at $250 per month.

Starlink provides a reliable and high-speed internet connection for camper vans, especially in remote areas. However, it is important to consider the cost, which can be quite high, and the need for a clear view of the sky, which may be challenging in built-up or wooded areas.

Using a Cell Phone Signal Booster

A cell phone signal booster can be a great way to get WiFi in your camper van, especially if you're travelling in remote areas. These boosters are large 2-way antennas that grab cell signals (3G or LTE) and increase their power. They can be compatible with all major consumer data carriers and there is no extra fee or plan needed as they simply boost your existing signal.

There are a few different options for cell phone signal boosters, depending on your needs. The weBoost Drive 4G-X is a powerful, professional-grade booster that can be easily set up in a camper van. It has four main parts: an outside antenna, inside antenna, booster and power supply. The power supply can be plugged into your camper van's cigarette lighter, or you can wire it into your 12V system. The outside antenna needs to be mounted on a metal roof for the best signal. The weBoost 4G-X OTR is a similar product but comes with an all-weather truck antenna that is designed to be mounted vertically on a semi-truck cab or mirror.

If you're looking for something more powerful, the weBoost Connect RV 65 is the most powerful cell phone signal booster available from Wilson Amplifiers. It comes with a large telescoping pole for the outside antenna, which needs to be positioned facing a cell tower to get the best reception. This product is designed for RVs and houses, so it plugs into a 110-240V AC outlet, meaning you will need an inverter to run it.

Other options for cell phone signal boosters include the Kuma My Wifi Antenna Booster Kit, which can be powered by either 12V or 240V, and the Poynting XPOL-1-5G Hotspot Omnidirectional Antenna.

Frequently asked questions