How to Boost Cellular Signal in an RV

Photo by Hannes Egler on Unsplash

RVs serve as mobile homes, presenting the opportunity to travel to multiple locations daily. There is no guarantee of securing the perfect phone service while in transit, but you can utilize an RV cellular signal booster to improve your chances of securing usable signals.

The Working of an RV Cellular Booster

The equipment collects external signals and sends them to an amplifier inside an RV to broadcast and boost the signals within the vehicle. The system collects weak signals and strengthens them to help your cellular tablet, hotspot, or cell phone work faster. The system has an internal antenna, external antenna, signal amplifier, and low-loss cables.

The cables connect all components with the external antenna on the roof with a cable connecting it to the amplifier. The amplifier is installed inside the vehicle and links to the internal antenna. Ensure you position the internal antenna and amplifier where you need better signals when making a connection, and explore the strength of signals in your area.

Why You Should Install a Cellular Signal Booster in Your RV

It’s always good to install a cellular signal booster in your RV, especially if you have plans to camp off or drive off the grid. Sites like areaguides.net are very useful when you’re on the road to know what are the nearby clinics, restaurants or hotels. Some of the other benefits include:

• It stabilizes cell service: Losing a signal can be frustrating when texting friends or streaming videos. Installing a cellular signal booster on your RV allows you to stay connected by stabilizing the connection. The device usually communicates with nearby cell towers, amplifying the signal and rebroadcasting it to your mobile phone and other devices.
• It boosts your safety: Installing a cellular signal booster on your RV provides you with the required security during your trip. It allows your mobile phone to communicate with nearby cell towers, especially in a remote area where finding service proves difficult. If you drive off a beaten path, the cellular signal booster on your RV allows you to call for help.
• Drive off the map with conviction: A cellular booster on your car boosts your confidence when traveling to remote areas with minimal or no service. You remain connected, whether in the dense wilderness or beautiful mountain terrain. The signal booster facilitates your activities if you require to work while in transit.

Tips for Excellent Cell Phone Reception in Your RV

Traveling in an RV is an excellent way for families to explore new areas while traveling together. An RV provides access to a bathroom, kitchen, and running water, enhancing comfort. Below is a list of tips to improve cell phone reception in an RV.

Go Outside

Cellular phone signals are stronger outdoors due to minimal interference from building materials. The approach is crucial to facilitate smooth connections. Like buildings, an RV may block phone signals from reaching you inside the vehicle. Stepping outside your RV helps improve the strength of signals.

Using an RV-Designated Cellular Phone Signal Booster

An RV-designated cellular phone signal booster is a long-term solution. The device is mounted directly onto your RV or camper to boost any existing cell phone signal. Installing this device on your RV addresses the signal strength loss and the distance from the cell phone tower.

Be Stationary if Possible

When devising ways to improve your cell phone signal in an RV, you should highlight whether you plan to travel most of the time or remain stationary. Knowing this helps you better secure a cellular phone booster that does the job you need it to do. People with a fifth-wheel camper can quickly secure a strong cell phone signal when the RV is stationary, as the phone doesn’t adjust to the constant changes in location. It’s easier to hold and pick up a more robust signal when you are stationary.

Find Higher Ground

You should factor in the strength of a cellular phone signal when traveling to find an ideal location to camp. Find an excellent high point, such as the top of a hill. A high elevation decreases the possibility of the cell phone signal in the area hitting an obstruction, such as trees and buildings.

RVs Cell Phone Signal Challenges

Most RVs experience cellular phone signal challenges for the following reasons.

• RVs building material: Energy-efficient barriers, insulation, metal, and glass prevent cellular signal waves from reaching the inside of your vehicle, which leads to poor or minimal cell service inside the RV.
• Cell tower distance: Cell phones that travel long distances lead to weaker signals and vice versa.
• Outside interferences: Things like mountains, hills, tall buildings, and trees block or reflect cellular signal waves, which prevent your devices from having adequate reception.

A single or combination of the above factors negatively impacts cell service inside your vehicle, making it hard to remain connected while working or on vacation.

Types of RV Boosters

There are two primary RV boosters. They are:

• Broadband boosters: Most broadband available currently are analog repeaters. They come standard as a kit component with an antenna. They can amplify signals from multiple service providers and are more accessible and affordable.
• Specific provider boosters: These are quite new on the market. They amplify signals from single devices or carriers that enable them to boost signals by up to 100 decibels instead of the standard 65 decibels. They are costly, but most buyers claim they’re worth every penny.

There are multiple benefits of installing a cellular signal booster on your RV. It allows you to remain connected, maintains the stability of the cellular connection, and assures you of safety when traveling to a remote location.

This article was a special guest contribution by Carrie Stewart. Thank you, Carrie!