Whether you run a business from your RV or just love streaming movies and watching cat videos, having a fast, stable internet connection is essential for many Workampers. The good news? Reliable internet for RVers is now easier to achieve than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology and better data plans.
The Importance of Internet for RVers
When I was full-time RVing from 2014 to 2017, internet options were limited and expensive. Back then, people often paid hundreds of dollars for cellular plans offering just 40 gigabytes of data per month – barely enough to stream 20 hours of video content.
To make matters worse, campground Wi-Fi was often unreliable, and congestion on nearby cell towers made data speeds frustratingly slow. Fast forward to today, and internet connectivity for RVers has improved dramatically. With evolving technology like Starlink and advanced cellular equipment, RVers can now enjoy fast, reliable internet from almost anywhere.
Technology Evolution: From Cellular to Satellite
Eric Johnson, co-owner of TechnoRV, has been at the forefront of this internet revolution. Since 2015, TechnoRV has provided RVers with tools like routers, antennas, and signal boosters, in addition to RV power cords, surge protectors, tire pressue monitoring systems and other gadgets to improve life on the road.
In addition, TechnoRV also offers its own data plans to RVers that are ideally-suited to connecting people while they are traveling. Most of the equipment the company sells is designed to tap into cellular networks; however, TechnoRV’s best systems enable people to seamlessly use cellular, Wi-Fi and satellite connections.
“My wife, Tami, and I have used cellular service for many years to operate our business from the road and to stay connected to friends and family,” Eric explained. “There are so many cellular towers in place today that coverage is often good and reliable. In fact, in six years of full-time travel, I can only recall one time when we didn’t have coverage, and that was while traveling in rural Oregon.”
Campgrounds have also upgraded their infrastructure to meet the growing demand for internet. With more RVers carrying laptops, tablets, and streaming devices, strong internet connectivity has become a top priority at parks nationwide.
“Back in the day, most RVers were interested in whether the campground offered a pool and laundry facilities, but today, that has turned into, “Do you have good Wi-Fi?” he explained. “In the past, RVers relied on puck-like devices to create wireless hotspots in their RVs. The antennas in them worked okay, but could be better, so we sold equipment like WeBoost to enhance cellular signals and make them stronger.
“Today, we sell Pepwave routers that enable people to tap into campground Wi-Fi, 4G and 5G cellular connections or even plugin a Starlink receiver,” Eric said. “The Pepwave routers seamlessly tap into multiple signal bands, which increase options by automatically connecting users to whatever signal is strongest.”
Best Equipment for RV Internet
When it comes to reliable internet on the road, the right equipment is key. While basic mobile hotspots can work in a pinch, they aren’t built for long-term, high-demand use. TechnoRV specializes in robust solutions like Pepwave routers, which seamlessly connect to campground Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and even Starlink satellite service.
Why Pepwave Routers?
- Automatically switch to the strongest signal (Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite).
- Durable and designed for heavy, consistent use.
- Easy setup with pre-configuration provided by TechnoRV.
With prices starting at $349, Pepwave routers are a cost-effective way to ensure reliable internet in your RV. For more advanced users, TechnoRV offers models capable of supporting multiple SIM cards and delivering data speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.
With the Pepwave router, users can configure the device to select one source as the priority service to be used when possible. That’s a big benefit for remote workers and business owners because, when data is required for important meetings or to meet deadlines, users have multiple options to maintain an unbreakable connection, Eric explained.
Understanding Data Plans for RVers
Cellular data plans remain a popular choice for RVers, but not all “unlimited” plans are created equal. Many providers throttle speeds after reaching a certain data limit, which can render streaming and remote work impossible.
TechnoRV offers its own data plans specifically designed for RVers:
- Basic Plan: $129/month for 300 GB of high-speed data (25 Mbps).
- Enhanced Plan: $289/month for 650 GB of high-speed data across three cellular networks.
These plans are contract-free, allowing RVers to pause or cancel service anytime. Combined with a Pepwave router, these plans provide a reliable connection for remote workers and Workampers running businesses from their RVs.
Starlink: Internet from the Sky
For RVers venturing far off the grid, Starlink is a game-changer. This satellite internet service, powered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, offers high-speed connectivity virtually anywhere.
Starlink Pricing:
- Personal Use Plan: $150/month with unlimited roaming data (ideal for parked RVs).
- Mobile Plans: Starting at $250/month for 50 GB of data while moving.
Starlink equipment includes a portable receiver ($599) or a roof-mounted flat receiver ($2,500) for mobile plans. While tree cover can interfere with connections, Starlink is perfect for boondocking in deserts, beaches, or remote locations.
Hardware Options for Every RVer
While Starlink is an excellent option for off-grid internet, many RVers are content to rely on campground Wi-Fi and cellular networks. For these users, a Pepwave router is a reliable, long-term solution.
While it is often possible to create a mobile hotspot using a smartphone, those type of connections are not really designed for long-term use, Eric explained. It’s also difficult for the phone to serve as a router to connect multiple devices.
Cell companies still sell the hot spot devices, which enable multiple connections to laptops, tablets and phones. The downfall is the devices are not built for full-time use. Keeping them plugged in and powered on all day, every day causes the batteries to wear out quickly.
Eric said it’s usually better for Workampers to connect to a dedicated router in their RV. That way they can maintain a constant source of internet service for devices.
TechnoRV has researched a variety of equipment and settled on the Pepwave routers as the only ones the company sells. Eric said he likes those routers for their durability, speed, and reliability. Each Pepwave router has at least one modem in it, and some have two.
“I really like the Pepwave devices because they are easy to use. When you get to a campground, you don’t have to get equipment out, stretch cables or log in to individual devices,” he explained. “Once the Pepwave router is powered on, it automatically establishes connections to cell service and, if enabled, the strongest campground Wi-Fi signal.”
If the campground has a hard-wired ethernet connection at an RV site, Workampers need only connect a cable from the pole to the Pepwave router in order to take advantage of that service. The same is true if the RVers are using Starlink.
Technical Support Made Easy
Setting up internet equipment can feel overwhelming, but TechnoRV makes it simple by pre-configuring routers before shipping them to customers. If you encounter any issues, their U.S.-based support team is just a phone call away.
“We’ve got to give our employees time off, so our support isn’t 24/7,” Eric explained. “But RVers can submit help requests anytime, and we’ll respond on the next business day.”
Free Resources from TechnoRV
TechnoRV provides a variety of free guides to help RVers improve their lifestyle, including resources on:
- Mobile Internet
- Electric Safety
- Tire Safety
- Propane Safety
- Water Filtration
These guides are available at technorv.com/pages/guides. For additional tips and tutorials, check out the TechnoRV YouTube channel, featuring over 160 videos.
Get Started with Reliable RV Internet
Whether you’re a Workamper running a business or an RVer streaming your favorite shows, reliable internet is within reach with the right equipment and data plan. From Pepwave routers to Starlink, today’s technology offers fast, reliable solutions to keep you connected.
For more information on internet equipment and plans, visit TechnoRV to explore their free resources and tutorials or connect with them on Facebook.
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