As a full-time RVer, having a reliable internet connection while on the road or camping is very important. Not just for staying connected to the rest of the world but also for work, homeschooling the kids, entertainment, and as a safety measure.
There are two major ways I stay connected while on the road, using cellular data or my Nomad Internet router. But I find Nomad Internet more convenient for my family and me as it offers faster speeds. If you are an RVer in America, you want the Nomad Internet router.
What’s RV Wi-Fi?
For RV newbies wondering what RV Wi-Fi is, I’d tell you.
RV Wi-Fi is not a special kind of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi in your RV works the same way as Wi-Fi in your home—To connect you to the internet via your laptops, smart televisions, phones, and other internet-dependent devices. But, there’s a difference.
The difference lies in where the original signal comes from, which is more complicated than internet solutions for stationary spaces like homes or offices.
The RV is always on the move; thus, getting a signal can be quite tricky. This is why you must be careful when choosing Wi-Fi for your RV. I will always recommend the Nomad Internet Travel Router for RVers, as it's portable and convenient to move around.
Tips to get the right Wi-Fi for your RV
Getting the right Wi-Fi for your RV depends on a lot of factors.
For example:
Your internet needs: To determine the right RV Wi-Fi or provider for you means that you have to consider your internet needs. What would you be using the internet for? Are you sending emails, video conferencing, streaming, or gaming?
If you occasionally use the internet, you can survive with cellular data or campground Wi-Fi depending on where you camp. But be ready to experience some crappy campground internet. I’ve had my fair share of using public and campground Wi-Fi. It never ends well.
However, if you are a big internet consumer—streaming, gaming, and video conferencing, you’d need more than mobile data.
These days, I have taken on podcasting as a hobby. In addition to my kids' online schooling and video conferencing, watching TV shows, and gaming, I’m talking about over 150 gigabytes of data usage every month. And so far, I’ve been able to do all these with my Nomad Internet.
Location: You also need to consider where you’ll be camping, as your Wi-Fi needs will vary depending on if you’re staying at campgrounds or boondocking.
As I mentioned, I’m a full-time RVer in America. And so far, thanks to the Nomad Internet router, it’s not been difficult staying connected while on the road. Even in the most remote areas of America, My Nomad Internet Wi-Fi router receives maximum signals.
Tips for Installing RV Wi-Fi
Get professional help: From my personal experience, I’d advise you to get your Wi-Fi installed by a professional. Well, unless you install Wi-Fi for a living or you have successfully installed Wi-Fi’s a couple of times in an RV, leave the installation to the professionals.
You may argue that self-installation would save you some money, but the question is, is it worth the possibility of doing it wrong and having to go a few days without any internet?
If you still insist on installing it yourself, make sure you read the manufacturer’s installation guide and have all the necessary tools and accessories.
Seal all holes: You’d need to attach your router and antennae to the roof so that your rig gets the maximum signal. This means that you’d need to run a cable from the roof inside your rig, you’d need screws, and you’d be drilling some holes into your RV roof.
To ensure that the holes are sealed with a manufacturer-approved sealant. You don’t want moisture leaking into your RV.
Be cautious of mounting locations: Always read the manufacturer's installation manual, as different providers may recommend different mounting locations on the roof.
However, when you mount your antenna, make sure there’s a clear line of sight to minimize the possibility of obstructions between your antenna and the broadcast towers it is receiving signals from. Any obstruction can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi and the internet is a big deal for my family and me. It makes traveling more fun, keeps me connected, and the kids need the internet for education and cartoons. As full-time RVers, we are adamant about ensuring we have a good internet connection while on the road. Nomad Internet has solved all our internet needs.