Community Forums

traveldawg · 09-06-2022, 07:35 PM

We have this. It isn't cheap (but it is less expensive than dedicated routers, and cell plans. When others can't get a signal and there is a tower nearby, it works. It won't set any speed records. But it allows for phone calls and texting and will enable us to use a smartphone for a hot spot for internet, email, etc. It doesn't always work well for streaming.

I am satisfied with it.

It sounds like your needs are like ours - internet, email & such but not necessarily streaming. The trick to all this is a tall directional antenna and an inside repeater antenna.

Again, it can be considered pricy. But, for us, it was worth the money.

tetranz · 09-06-2022, 08:09 PM

Boosters obviously work judging by the number of happy reports.

I think the two most important things are:

They must be installed properly. The external and internal antennas must be separated by some minimum distance. If they're too close, one antenna will pick up the other and you'll get feedback similar to audio feedback or they automatically reduce the gain to prevent feedback.

They must have the correct radio bands for your carrier. Most are probably okay for Verizon and AT&T but the one that none of them seem to do yet is band 71 which is a big deal for T-Mobile in many areas.

Either of these two things can make them worse than useless.

fcbbob15 · 09-06-2022, 08:31 PM

In my experience you must have at least some signal for them to work. Two parks that i go to only have signal at the park entrance. In both cases the booster works well in the campground. In other places I can get enough for phone service but no streaming. I have the We Boost RV 65.

Smitty77 · 09-06-2022, 10:27 PM

So many variables! And just like 'useable internet data' signal, no 'one answer'!

As mentioned. Yes, boosters can make the difference between text/cell calls/and useable Internet Data...

That being said... Plan on an 'arsenal approach'... Have many tools in your Cellular/Internet Data Toolbox available...

RVMOBILEINTERNET is a great asset to consider using... Go slow, and add pieces as they make sense to you from our experiences as you travel.

We are now up to an assortment of 10 different methods and tools available, after 12 or so years of RV'ing... And probably another 15 items of equipment no longer relevant...

This is one of those things, that the more you travel - the more you will learn what is, or is not, important to you... Once you determine that, then prioritize and address those items with gear, data plans - as needed

!
Smitty

cobia6620 · 09-07-2022, 06:41 AM

Thks to all for comments
Starlink probably won't work for us due to camping in state parks with many trees. In the summer in the south shade is more important than anything, It gets hot
Before I do anything I'll do the research all have suggested on rvmobileinternet.com
I'm not a techy and have trouble understanding the technology that is constantly changing but understand the equipment is expensive
I have all winter to do the research before we hit the road in March of 2023
I'll continue to monitor this forum and learn from the experiences of others in real world situations

Tskadberg · 09-07-2022, 06:56 AM

Don’t forget about

mike625 · 09-07-2022, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobia6620

I'll continue to monitor this forum and learn from the experiences of others in real world situations

When I was just using one 4 LTE provider "have a WeBoost and have not used it in years", what I did most often was setup an external antenna "used the OTR antenna with a suction cup mount" wired to our hotspot.

my .02 - there is not one size fits all if you travel all over the US and the things that work 1 or 2 years ago, could not be the best today with the way hardware and plans change.

18 mts ago for me it was ATT and Verizon as primary, Now it's Starlink and T-Mobile.

Before I would spend the money on a WeBoost system today, I would first try an external antenna and/or a higher end hotspot to see how that works or purchase a second hand WeBoost.

astrocamper · 09-07-2022, 10:18 AM

I have a Weboost Drive Reach that I can move between my truck and trailer. I have the OTR on my trailer roof. I have camped about 3 times in the last few years where I could stream with the cellular booster and not get Internet without it. I have also seen my connectivity improve with fewer no signal places when driving with the truck.

We live and camp in the Great Basin where there are a lot of places that still have poor or no coverage.

vroom_vroom · 09-07-2022, 10:41 AM

So currently I have been sucked into some booster testing, the antenna used seems to be the most critical area of focus. How high you get it mattered less than we expected. Above your rig was sufficient. (We put one up 30 feet and it didn’t matter) also get a directional antenna.

Persistent · 09-08-2022, 10:51 AM

Your experiment is as expected. Height in itself does not improve the signal. Height is a strategy to get above buildings, trees, small hills, and away for interfering signals. It depends entirely on individual environments.

Cell frequencies are "line of sight". Short wave signals bend around things including the curvature of the earth. Cell signals are decreased by passing through obstacles and bend around things only a little.

docj · 09-08-2022, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper25

If I'm only getting one bar then my WeBoost will save the day, but if I have two bars or more then it seems to not help my signal.

Phones are digital devices. Once a signal is strong enough, making it stronger will have no effect.

Camper25 · 09-08-2022, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the info... I've been wondering about that for 70 years. not

cobia6620 · 09-08-2022, 02:37 PM

Joined mobileinternet.com
wow---- so much info
I'll start watching basics videos and expect to spend months of research before deciding what to purchase before our spring 2023 8 month long trip
thks for the tip

battig1 · 09-11-2022, 02:51 PM

I have the WeBoost on my RV and what I like most is the convienience. It often takes me from 1 bar to 3 or 4 and then I have decent internet service. The convenience comes when you are going down the road or stopped at a rest area. Nothing to set up, when I get to camp I pull out the Starlink. Keep that in mind. It also is good for redundancy and backup. I travel many places with weak cell phone service and WeBoost gives me access I would otherwise not have.

I have the external antenna on the back ladder and the internal one in a cubby where it can be pulled out and be up front or at the dining table. Be aware your phone has to be close to the internal antenna to make a difference. When I'm on my laptop, I set my phone next to the antenna and turn on the hotspot.

I have the Drive Reach RV.