Getting Television In Your Camper: Easy Steps To Follow

There are several ways to get television in a camper, including streaming services, satellite TV, over-the-air antennas, and cable hookups. Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV can be accessed via a mobile hotspot or campground Wi-Fi, but may require an unlimited data plan due to high data usage. Satellite TV providers such as DISH and DirecTV offer a wide range of channels but can be expensive and may require a long-term contract. Over-the-air antennas are a free option and can be built into RVs, but the number of channels available may be limited. Cable hookups are available at some RV parks, but there may be a charge to use them.

Streaming services

Streaming Devices

If your camper is not already equipped with a Smart TV, you can easily upgrade to one. A 32-inch Smart TV can cost around $120, while a 55-inch or larger TV will cost $500 or more. Alternatively, you can use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV Stick, which tend to be cheaper options. These devices are easy to set up and offer access to popular streaming apps and services.

Internet Connection

To stream television, you will need a high-speed internet connection. The speed required will depend on the quality of the content you wish to watch. For example, streaming 4K quality videos requires a much higher internet speed than streaming standard definition (SD) videos.

You can use your cell phone as a hotspot to connect your streaming device to the internet. However, streaming video uses a lot of data, so it is recommended to have an unlimited data plan. Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot and pay for data as you go or subscribe to a mobile hotspot plan through your cell provider.

Campground WiFi is another option, but it is often unreliable and may not provide a strong enough connection for streaming.

There are numerous streaming services available, offering a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, sports, and more. Some popular options include:

• Netflix
• Hulu
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney Plus
• Sling TV
• HBO Max
• Showtime
• Starz
• YouTube TV
• ESPN+

Many of these services offer a mix of cable TV series, movies, and original content, while others specialize in specific types of content, such as Disney classics or sports.

You can subscribe to multiple streaming services, but the cost can add up, so it is important to consider your budget and choose the ones that best meet your needs.

Tips

• If you plan to stream using your cell phone as a hotspot, it is recommended to have an unlimited data plan to avoid exceeding your data limit.
• Consider downloading content in advance if you know you will be travelling to an area with limited or no internet access.
• Compare the features and pricing of different streaming services to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
• Combine streaming services with other entertainment options, such as DVDs or games, to reduce data usage and provide variety during your travels.

Satellite TV

Dish also offers a Pay-As-You-Go plan, which is ideal for campers who only travel for part of the year and do not need satellite TV service all year round. With this plan, you can activate and deactivate the service as needed, based on 30-day increments. This flexibility is a significant advantage over DirecTV, which requires a two-year contract.

To get started with satellite TV, you will need to purchase a satellite dish and receiver. The KING One Pro Premium Satellite Antenna is an example of a dish that works with both providers. You will also need to ensure that your camper has a cable input and a sufficient number of coaxial cables to connect to the campground's cable TV outlet.

When choosing a campsite, keep in mind that the satellite signal can be obstructed by trees or bad weather. Select open sites with less shade to ensure a clear signal for your satellite dish.

Cable hookups

• Locate the cable TV hookup on your camper or RV. This is typically a small, round input labelled "CABLE" or something similar.
• Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the campground's cable TV outlet. Ensure you have enough cable length; 10 to 50 feet is recommended.
• Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the cable TV input on your camper or RV.
• If your camper or RV has a built-in antenna booster, turn it OFF.
• Turn on your TV and switch the input to the cable setting.
• Open the menu on your TV and select the option to scan for channels.

Now you can enjoy live cable channels, typically at no extra cost from the RV park. This option usually includes access to local news programs, which can be helpful when travelling. However, it is important to note that cable TV is only available at a limited number of private RV campgrounds, so your choice of campsites may be restricted if you want this option.

If you are looking for a more flexible option, consider streaming services or over-the-air antennas, which often provide a greater variety of channels and are accessible in more locations. Satellite TV is another alternative, particularly if you want a wide range of channels and features like a DVR, although it tends to be more expensive.

Over-the-air antennas

Omnidirectional antennas automatically adjust to give you the best reception when you perform the ‘Channel Scan’ function on your TV. However, you will need to scan for new channels every time you park your RV in a new location.

Directional antennas require manual adjustment to optimise TV reception. These antennas are raised using a crank handle and adjusted using a circular plate mounted to the roof inside your RV. Some antennas must be raised before being adjusted, but many newer models have no height variability.

Directional antennas are more sensitive and able to pick up broadcast signals from further away. They are also less susceptible to noise because they are pointed to acquire signals from a single direction instead of a 360° radius.

However, one downside of over-the-air antennas is that they don't work well in remote settings. If there is no broadcasting tower close enough for your antenna to pick up a signal, you are unlikely to get good TV reception.

To improve your TV reception when using an over-the-air antenna, try the following:

• Choose campgrounds wisely: Trees, mountains, and tall buildings can interfere with your antenna's ability to acquire broadcast signals. Campgrounds with more open sky will generally provide better opportunities for your antenna to acquire strong signals.
• Adjust your antenna: For directional over-the-air antennas, you can manually adjust the antenna to find the best reception. First, raise your antenna and turn on your TV. Then, run a channel scan and note the position of the antenna base plate. Once the scan is complete, tune to the channel you want to watch and note the reception quality. Next, turn the plate 90 degrees and assess the reception quality again. Repeat this process until you have scanned a full 360 degrees, then reposition your antenna in the direction that gives you the best reception.
• Use a digital signal finder: There are digital tools that can help you evaluate TV signal strength. You plug the cable coming from your antenna into one inlet and the cable running to your TV into the other. Then, you can reposition your antenna until you find the strongest signal possible. However, this method can be inconvenient as it requires access to these cables, which may be difficult to reach.
• Ensure your amplifier is on: If you have an omnidirectional over-the-air antenna, it likely includes an amplifier. If your amplifier is turned off, your antenna will pick up fewer channels. If you're camping in an urban area and your TV doesn't find any channels when it scans, check to make sure your amplifier is turned on.

Mobile hotspots

There are two types of mobile hotspots: smartphone hotspots and mobile hotspot devices. Smartphone hotspots are convenient and easy to use, but they have limited hotspot data, can only connect a few devices, and can be expensive if you need to buy more data. They also drain your phone's battery.

On the other hand, mobile hotspot devices provide better Wi-Fi, connect more devices, and offer more data. However, they are more expensive and limited to the carrier's coverage area. You can also experience speed throttling during peak hours and data overage charges.

When choosing a mobile carrier for your hotspot, consider T-Mobile, which has the most comprehensive 5G coverage. Their base plan is affordable at only $10 per month for 2GB of data. AT&T has the second-best coverage in the US, and their prepaid, data-only plans are a good option to avoid overpaying for data you won't use. Verizon has the least coverage but offers affordable plans, with their Essential plan starting at $10 per month for 15GB. However, to get the low prices, you must be a Verizon mobile customer.

If you're looking for a more affordable and flexible option, consider Visible+, a prepaid phone data plan offered by Visible (owned by Verizon). It provides unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps for $35 per month. However, only one device can be connected to the hotspot at a time.

For those who want to use their hotspot for streaming, an unlimited data plan is recommended. Streaming video is one of the most bandwidth-intensive activities, and limited data plans can result in overage charges.

When streaming with a mobile hotspot, keep in mind that you may experience speed throttling and data caps. To avoid this, you can look into third-party resellers that offer unlimited, unthrottled streaming plans. However, these plans may come with hidden restrictions and risks.

Overall, mobile hotspots are a great option for RVers and campers who want reliable internet on the go. They offer flexibility and affordability, but it's important to consider the data plans and carriers available to find the best option for your needs.

Frequently asked questions