Community Forums

67vette · 03-21-2025, 01:14 PM

I hope to have a DS 4081 built over next couple of months, and I know nothing about Starlink, but what I’m finding out is the Mini Starlink is probably the way to go, so couple of questions
1- is the option “Satellite Prep Ground Tripod Dish on Ods with A/B Switch” the best way for prewiring??

2- Or do I go with Factory Starlink Internet System for $5,500, I’m concerned about tree blockage which I get with DISH Network,

3- I like to get local channels when traveling so would that happen thru my YouTube Network, which I have at home? Looking to get for instance NBC wherever I travel?

Any other ideas I’m all ears, I am technically challenged so any help would be great.

Thanks in Advance

Hawk71 · 03-21-2025, 01:27 PM

Curious about this too. Following!

mattebury · 03-21-2025, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67vette

3- I like to get local channels when traveling so would that happen thru my YouTube Network, which I have at home? Looking to get for instance NBC wherever I travel?

If you are not a full-time RVer, using YouTubeTV should meet your needs. To get local channels, YouTubeTV will require your current location to determine which local channels to provide.

If you are full-timers like us, it may not work. YouTubeTV requires you to log in from your home area every 90-days. We got caught out on this and ended up cancelling the service.

wildcat30 · 03-22-2025, 03:52 AM

1. No, that would be a waste of money, Starlink uses a proprietary cable that is different than satellite TV/Cable TV.

2. I had my dealer install the Starlink router and modem in my above driver cabinet and ran the cable to the outside compartment under the driver. (Forward most compartment on DS) They put an access hole through the bottom of the cabinet that I can deploy as much cable as I need to set up my Starlink dish in a good location up to 60’ish feet. It takes less than two min to set up Starlink and I have the option to position it with a somewhat clear view of the sky. We camp a lot under/near trees and have never had an issue getting signal. This is light years different than using our old Dish TV Tailgator dome that was super finicky if you did not have a very clear view of the sky.

If you have a real need for in motion internet/wifi then you can mount it on your roof permanently but you may run into signal issues under heavy tree cover. But lots of people go this route.

Bottom line, Newmar is expensive for the factory install and if money is not an issue you could go with their Starlink option. But frankly NIRVC or any reputable RV repair/dealer can do it for much less.

GUS2000 · 03-22-2025, 05:39 AM

Newmar has a Starlink Prep option when you special order.. this allows for a permanently mounted dish on the roof.. if you want to use a portable dish, you can ask them to run ethernet cable from the interior to whatever bay you want to mount your Starlink router..

Boondog605 · 03-22-2025, 06:19 AM

Like others, I wanted (and recommend) flexibility for where my Starlink was located as we move often and have varying sky view obstructions (trees).

We mounted the router/power supply in a mid coach basement which allows for ground placement anywhere to get best view or on a flagpole buddy to the rear ladder if clear sky. I like the flagpole as first option to make less accident prone.

We have a Standard Gen 3

Rev. Roy · 03-22-2025, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattebury

If you are not a full-time RVer, using YouTubeTV should meet your needs. To get local channels, YouTubeTV will require your current location to determine which local channels to provide.

If you are full-timers like us, it may not work. YouTubeTV requires you to log in from your home area every 90-days. We got caught out on this and ended up cancelling the service.

I use a VPN that allows me to show a different location so, when YouTube TV requires me to log in from home, I just change my location on the VPN.

NWLanding · 03-22-2025, 05:12 PM

I've been using Starlink for a few years and I prefer to not have a fixed application of dishy. Mostly obstructions aren't an issue but occasionally we need to use a long cable to set dishy in a spot that will can connect to the sats. I use a pole on some occasions but mostly I use a K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Camera Tripod (Amazon) with a quick release camera mount and a Bantha Overland Starlink Tripod Adapter Mount (Gen 3 - Starlink Standard) that I bought on Etsy. I drilled a 1-1/2 in. hole in the bottom of the fuse bay on the driver side where I run the dishy cable up and used an ethernet connecter between it and a 6-foot section of starlink gen3 cable I bought on Amazon. I ran the 6' length cable up into the area with the HWH jack co ntroller, window switch, etc. are located I drilled a small hole in the plastic and mounted a bulkhead RJ45 connector that I plug an ethernet cable into for my Ubiquiti gateway. On travel days I put a rubber drain plug in the bottom hole of the fuse bay to keep things dry, and when camping I use a petal-shaped buckle type wire hole cover to keep critters from checking out what's on the other side.