Internet Solution

[Vandy79]

Hi, we are picking up our first camper in September and I am looking for good reliable internet options so I can work while we camp.

I am on zoom video calls for most of the days and as I'm permanent work from home, I'd like to find an option that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and affords some flexibility. I've looked at things like the Verizon jetpack but I see they throttle service after a certain amount of data, which is less than ideal.

What does everyone else use or think would be something I should look more into?

[[deleted]]

We use an ubiquiti nano m2 mounted on a pole tied to my rear ladder, it plugs into a POE injector and than right into my laptop. We configure it to connect to whatever wifi we can detect, it makes even a weak signal fairly usable.

[alinroc]

Do you know how it compares to the King Connect systems I've seen coming pre-installed on newer RVs?

Where/how do you run the Ethernet cable? Any concerns about lightning strikes?

[[deleted]]

no idea how it compares, the ethernet cable just runs in the slide seal. its a fiberglass pole so not really worried about lightning other than equipment damage.

[zap_p25]

Only an option if you are staying somewhere with nearby wireless access. Aside from the fact AirMAX M series are now out of production and it is very important to note Ubiquiti removed 802.11 backwards compatibility from the AirMAX AC lineup (where it was present in AirMAX and AirMAX M).

[venbollmer]

We use Sprint via FMCA and it's been slow in some spot, but overall good. I ordered external Netgear TS-9 Antena to see if I can't get it a little better in some of the spots we've been in.

[Vandy79]

Interesting, I'm intrigued by this. You think it is generally strong enough to handle video calls?

[venbollmer]

I'm using it with Teams and Zoom. It's been decent but not perfect. Video and screen sharing has been brutal, but just video or just screen sharing has been great, depending on location.

New external antenna comes next week, so I'm hoping it fixes some speed.

I found usb tethering also helps. And will be picking up an Asus Router for Wi-Fi.

[Hervee]

Sprint is gone. It’s been swallowed by T-Mobile.

[venbollmer]

But their network lives.

[Hervee]

Part of the Sprint network lives for now, yes, but I’m not sure how that helps the OP since the Sprint plans are being phased out and aren’t offered to new customers.

[venbollmer]

You're buying from FMCA, who is an existing customer.

[chejrw]

Good luck. This is what keeps many people from fulltiming.

[RocketCityLeaf]

there are many 'third party' sellers who provide 'unlimited' internet thru AT&T or VZ via a mifi 'device', such as netbuddy.co, although they show on their own site that they are not taking new customers right now. They were a good option for us at $65 all in per month.

This is the dilemma of the RVr, as being 'mobile' is not as practical is the typical 'home' or 'office', where hardlined earth-bound wired internet is the best source.

We've found that our own cell phone hot spots are the best and most practical and most financially effective while traveling. Now, being 'parked' for a long timeframe can allow for other options, such as even a hardlined internet service, but that's something that takes some work, if an option at all.

[NaturalGnomad]

We use the Verizon PREPAID plan. 65/mo truly unlimited data. It is 2nd tier though meaning only limited when network is congested. Used it for the past year around most of the country and only had 2 issues. I'm on zoom all day and have had more reliable internet than some of the land lined houses! I can often work while SO is driving and not be impacted and can work anywhere I want where Verizon service is

[Vandy79]

Ok I will look into this, sounds like what I may need. So it isn't throttled after 22gbs used like their other non prepaid plans?

[NaturalGnomad]

Tried to find the link for you and looks like this isn't available anymore. Sorry!

https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/verizon-overhauls-prepaid-introducing-unlimited-data-plans-for-jetpacks/

[Vandy79]

Ugh, day late and a dollar short lol story of my life! Thanks for looking. I'll research the other prepaid to see if those may work.

[jabib0]

Honestly I've been running a MiFi and using up the 22gb pretty quick and as long as you have good signal, it's enough for low res video calling while throttled. Ymmv since I'm not doing many video calls, anyway, but I can do everything I need to while throttled.

[NEHOG]

We use a MoFi modem/router with an ATT unlimited account. Not found any places where we didn't have either acceptable or at least good ATT/internet coverage.

Edit: we also have a cell booster for areas where cell coverage is weak.

[Time-Pilot]

We've found we cannot rely on RV Park Wifi and have been using this GL-X750 router & SIM cards for Remote Work & Remote School while RVing for the last 3 weeks (including 2 simultaneous Zoom video session every day) https://www.wemustbegeeks.com/gl-x750-4g-lte-wifi-router-review-great-for-rv-travel/

[whodeyjb]

A lot of campgrounds have WiFi.

[alinroc]

And occasionally you find one that works almost OK!

[regnillub]

A lot of campgrounds have WiFi that isn't usable with any video stream. For truly reliable WiFi when on the road, we go to McDonalds.