WiFi boosters aren’t the same as routers even though many people mistake them as such. You need a router to establish a proper connection to the internet regardless of where you are.
It is the job of the boosters to increase that signal if your network is unstable. As a result, for traveling RVs, you do need good WiFi boosters.
Wifi boosters are devices used to boost the Wifi signal of your router and extend its range. Besides extending range they also improve the internet stability in more distant points within the router’s range.
The further you move away from your router the weaker the connection becomes. I’m sure in an internet ruled world that is something you’ve already experienced. What Wifi boosters do is relay the information emitted by your router to extend its reach.
For small RVs, I don’t really think a Wifi booster is really that necessary. But if you have a large family sized RV then it can be essential. Mobile internet in RVs are already pretty weak. And being out of range at the back of your RV can make things even worse.
What To Look For When Buying RV WiFi Boosters?
Just as RVs come in all shapes and types with different features, so do the RV WiFi boosters. Thus, you need to have proper knowledge of the specific features to find the one that’s most suited for you. Here’s a brief overview of all the factors you should look for while buying RV WiFi Boosters:
App Configuration
Considering you’ll remain inside an RV; you won’t have much time to manually configure the WiFi booster at all times. I mean, technically, it’s still not much of a hassle if you think about it. But what if you could configure the settings directly via an app or something?
Well, that would indeed decrease the overlapping time issues by a lot. With direct access to an app, you won’t have to get up from your seat at every minor inconvenience. You can just check the status on your phone and implement the necessary steps.
As a result, WiFi boosters that have an integrated app configuration are a pretty great help. So, while buying, you can go for boosters that come with such settings to minimize the efforts on your trip. Then you can control the settings directly and effectively via your android and iOS device. Provided that the app is indeed compatible with such devices.
Whether Resistant Configuration
Needless to say, you will come across a bunch of weird weather situations if you are traveling. And they will take effect in even greater ways just because you’re inside an RV. Because the RV tends to pick up the wind speed by quite a lot due to its large structure.
While shopping for an RV WiFi booster, weather-resistance is what you should prioritize the most. If your booster gets busted just after a drizzle of rain, then no number of flashy features are going to matter.
Read through the specifications thoroughly to find out whether the booster build supports outdoor usage. Especially focus on the receiver and antennas as they are the main network maintainers.
Here’s a little tip on checking whether the booster can actually handle some wobbly weather. And that is – read up on the material used to build the framework with. If it’s got a premium quality frame with industrial-grade materials, stay assured.
Installation Requirements
In hopes of getting the speed and strength up, some modern boosters tend to go way out of line nowadays. They end up making the system so much more complex that it becomes a lot harder to even operate it. And when that happens mid-trip, it’s a pretty big annoyance.
That’s why you have to separately check for the installation requirements before buying an RV WiFi booster. For instance – does it support the plug-in system that my RV can offer? Or do I need to get some extra hardware just to make the booster function properly?
Again, some boosters need completely different software systems as well to function smoothly. So, if you think you can’t handle all those extra settings, it’s best to not go for such boosters.
Instead, look for a booster that doesn’t take up all your brainpower just to install it. That way, even if the booster faces some set-up issues mid-journey, you can fix them easily. And in my experience, boosters with plug-in systems work the best in such scenarios. With them, there’s no extra hassle with installation and they are quite easy to operate as well.
Network Bands
If you use a WiFi router at home, you already have some experience with network bands too. Well, such bands are as much of an important parameter to WiFi boosters as they are to routers. As a result, you’ll need to focus on the bands as well while shopping for them.
Furthermore, if you are looking to get better boosts, you’ll need to get more network bands. For instance – it’s best to get dual network bands for RV Wifi boosters since it requires more bandwidth then.
So, make sure the booster you’re selecting supports dual network bands. Normally, a 2.4 GHz WiFi booster is enough for normal i.e., casual usage in an RV. But if you’re looking to get more action, you can go for the 5 GHz boosters.
That way, you’ll get high-end service with more bandwidth for the money. However, it’s important to note that the price for such boosters will also go up considerably.
Size & Weight
Both size and weight are important factors while buying WiFi boosters. Multiple users decide to not focus on this as much due to a lack of proper acknowledgment. They keep thinking – it’s a simple WiFi booster after all, how much space is it possibly going to take?
And while they are entirely not wrong, they aren’t aware of the full facts either. Knowing the size of your booster can save you some precious time during installation. Because it’s hard to set something up inside an RV and especially if it connects to the outdoors.
Think about it. You’ll need to find a way to put both the receivers and antenna outside the RV for better connectivity. So, if you end up buying an RV that’s too heavyweight to mount up there, how will you do that?
Again, WiFi boosters that work both as a router and a booster tend to come bigger in size. And if you don’t have a pre-existing router, you might just need to buy such a booster. What are you going to do if they don’t fit inside the pre-installed RV cabinets? Make a new one?
It doesn’t take much to realize what a magnitude of a hassle that can be. That’s why it’s best to plan such set-up factors in advance and then buy the boosters. So, prepare a chart of specific measurements in advance and browse according to that while getting boosters.
Power Supply Preferences
How efficiently you’ll get to use the booster depends on the power supply system in your RV. It will directly or indirectly affect the signal range, strength, and stability as well. Constant and uninterrupted power supply will ensure better connectivity at all times.
Again, you’ll find boosters that can adapt to only a certain type of power supply to function properly. For instance – most RV WiFi boosters nowadays don’t require an external AC power supply for smooth operation.
On the other hand, some boosters with hardware integration can only function with proper AC or DC power supply. So, you’ll have to actively watch out for that while buying boosters. Check the power supply that your RV offers and then select a booster with similar preferences.
Device Compatibility
Just like power supply compatibility, the booster requires proper device compatibility as well. Otherwise, you’ll never get to set it up in the first place. Remember how you can’t install apps from the apple store on an android device? A similar concept applies here too.
Some boosters are more accustomed to computers and related software. While other boosters work better with normal cellular devices. In most cases, you can’t interchange the preferences which can cause quite a bit of a problem at times.
So, to battle that, it’s best to get the booster that conforms to your respective RV systems. Again, you can get one of those boosters with universal compatibility. They might cost a bit more but at the end of the day, they will provide the best service too.
Signal Range
Well, RVs are known for being family-friendly as they are pretty spacious. So, to counteract that friendly space, you’ll need boosters that have a long signal range. Normally, you’ll only find such long-range boosters with home WiFi boosters.
The boosters made for traveling purposes don’t even have half the range that the home ones provide. And understandably so as the vehicles are definitely never as big as a literal home.
However, things are a little different when it comes to RVs. Using normal range boosters can often fall short and cause disturbances in the network. So, to battle that, you have to specifically look for boosters that offer a long-range.
It will indeed cost a bit more if you want more coverage but you don’t really have any other choice. Unless you want to spend the entire journey sitting near the receiver, long-range boosters are the way to go.
Signal Strength
Like signal range, signal strength is also an equally important parameter for WiFi boosters. And it’s an even bigger factor for RV WiFi boosters as the weather will continuously mess up with the signal.
As mentioned above, that’s why weather control configuration is so necessary for RVs. But even then, you need a reliable signal strength to maintain smooth connectivity. Not only should it enforce proper strength, but it should offer high stability as well.
Nowadays, many boosters come with auto signal detection which lets you know about signal strength. It also helps you to find the best spots where the signal is the most stable and upright. So, besides strength capacity, you should watch out for proper stability as well.
Durability
If you are planning to roam around the country with your RV, you can’t take a fragile booster with you. It has to have the capacity to withstand all the incoming weather changes including sudden storms, hailstorms, etc. As a result, durability plays an important role.
Normally, WiFi boosters for RV usage already come with industrial-grade frameworks keeping the durability factor in mind. And if you’re buying from a reputed source, you can stay assured that the booster will have premium-grade materials.
Again, the warranty is a nice little specification to check if you want an idea of the durability. If you are paying good money for it, you should expect at least three to five years of warranty. Any less than that, especially one or two years is a pretty big red flag in matters like these.
Antennae Adjustability
Have you ever had one of those televisions with antennas at your home? Then you know how you often have to adjust the antennas in different directions to get a good and strong signal. Well, a similar concept works for WiFi boosters since they need a good signal as well.
In the cheaper boosters, you’ll find that the antennas are either too rigid or too loose. That’s because they aren’t made with proper bendable materials. So, when you go to adjust them, they will either not move at all or will end up getting broken.
Unless you want that to happen to you too, check out for antenna adjustability by moving them around a little. It’s good if they move quite easily and even better if you can get 360° rotation. All in all, it’s perfect as long as you can adjust the antennas without breaking them.
Mounting Options
You’ll find boosters with different installation features in the market. Some can just hang up against the wall while others need a complete set-up of their own. So, depending on how much space your RV can offer, you need to go for the right mounting options.
Well, whichever one you do decide to go for, check whether it has a sturdy base. For instance – if you are intending to mount it up somewhere high, make sure it can stay stable up there.
Because, while traveling you will most definitely come across lots of bumps and turns. And the last thing you want during a harsh brake is for the booster to fall on top of you.
Dead Zone Elimination/ Directional Capability
The signal is not always equally strong in every direction. If that were the case, you wouldn’t need to adjust the antennas now and then, would you now? Precisely. And this is what’s known as directional capability in, well, electro-mechanical terms.
Think about it for a second. The mere existence of a direction where the signal is stronger directly implies an equally opposite direction as well. A direction where the signal is not as strong or available i.e. a dead zone.
This happens due to the lack of network towers in that direction. Anyway, the point is that these directions are useless while you’re trying to use a booster. As a result, you need a booster that can automatically detect such dead zones and eliminate them.
Again, nowadays, you’ll find many such advanced WiFi boosters with upgraded directional capabilities. In addition to detecting, they can rotate the antennas on their own to get a better signal.
As a result, if you have such boosters, you won’t have to manually eliminate the dead zones. And whether or not such advanced features are worth the cost, is completely up to you. But for RVs, where it’s tough to control the configuration, they are indeed a blessing.
Router Reliability
You already know how routers and boosters are not the same devices at all. The first one establishes the connection while the latter one amplifies the connectivity. However, it’s sometimes quite an annoyance to bring both routers and boosters inside the RV.
So, to counteract that, many boosters nowadays don’t even need a separate router to function properly. They are like this two-in-one version that can both apply and boost the connectivity at the same time. And such boosters are highly popular among RV owners.
If you, too, can’t afford a separate router for the RV, you can go for these boosters. That way, you’ll at least have one less setup to worry about while traveling around the country.
Security System
Even though the booster will stay in your RV, still, you can’t go wrong with some added security. And that’s why a great security system is a final factor on today’s list of best features for WiFi boosters.
Whether you’re buying a WiFi booster for your home or RV, you should highly prioritize your network security. Because if not, you can fall victim to data snatchers who can steal all your important information from under you.
All you need is a basic yet effective security system to make sure that doesn’t happen. Even something as simple as a four-digit password can keep your internet traffic much safer. And, you can always go for advanced measures if you need to ensure more security.
Types Of RV WiFi Boosters
Sometimes, WiFi boosters are categorized according to their differences in features and functions. So, let’s have a look at some of the types of RV WiFi boosters to know how to use them appropriately.
- Wireless Signal Boosters
As the name suggests, these boosters don’t exactly rely on any separate hardware setups for proper signal detection. They are completely wireless and can identify signals from any direction once you enable them.
Since they don’t require any extra settings, they are also the best types of WiFi boosters. You don’t have to go through the hassles of setting the receivers and antennas up to get a manageable signal. Nor do you have to install or operate any added software.
You can just simply set them up with your existing Internet router and amplify the signal. They are not just easy to install but they are also quite affordable price-wise. As a result, you can go for these boosters if you want to improve your existing weak WiFi connection.
- Mobile WiFi Booster
Wireless signal boosters are indeed great for amplifying the network connection. But they can sometimes malfunction if you’re not stable and always on the move. So, if you’re supposed to travel a lot, you should go for mobile WiFi boosters instead to support your connectivity.
The reason why they’re great is that they don’t require any existing router for network amplification. You can simply attach them anywhere and receive the boost wherever you go. And that’s precisely what makes them so perfect for RVs due to all the traveling around.
Furthermore, unlike normal boosters, mobile WiFi boosters are much more compact and lightweight. As a result, they don’t take up much space, and nor do they require any extra installation period. All they need is a reliable power supply/outlet for effective amplification.
- Dual-Band WiFi Booster
Finally, the third type of WiFi boosters are dual-band WiFi boosters which were practically made for RVs. Mobile boosters are great but they sometimes have some issues with coverage and signal strength. That probably happens as they are so compact.
Dual-Band WiFi boosters, on the other hand, were made to adapt to such situations with great versatility. They have a broad reach and can find good signals even in remote places.
The upgraded bandwidth certainly plays a fine role in achieving this magnitude of signals. And even though they are a bit costly, they are quite easy to install and operate. Since they are portable, you can set them up with an existing network and boost your signals instantly.
Top 15 RV WiFi Boosters
Let’s have a look into some of the top RV WiFi boosters to see what they offer:
- Google WiFi System
At this point, it’s pretty much a crime to talk about WiFi boosters and not mention the Google WiFi System. It’s hard to find such all-rounder performance from a single device.
Like, the dual-band 5 GHz radio frequency is instantly a show stopper. In addition, you get a 1200 Mbps WiFi throughput with advanced network assist technology. And since it has a coverage of almost 4500 sq. feet, they are perfect for using in RVs as well.
Pros
- The system supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Comes with two ethernet ports for a wired internet connection
- Enables app control method
- Data transfer rate stands at 1200 Mbps
Cons
- Doesn’t work with anything below Android 4.0+ and iOS 8+
- ALFA CampPro 2 Universal WiFi
This one’s more of an extender kit that retrieves internet access from nearby WiFi hotspots. They are perfect for not only RVs but also caravans, boats, motorhomes, etc.
It’s especially best for RVs as the kit works wonders in isolated conditions. In addition to extending the signal from a remote distance, it can significantly boost it as well. And the actual kit being super lightweight certainly helps out while traveling constantly without breaks.
Pros
- Multiple device integration availabilities
- Great for mounting in RVs
- Supposedly provides universal coverage
Cons
- Signal suffers from stability at times
- The connectivity takes longer than expected
Finally, if you want something good under a hundred bucks, this is the one to go for. It’s actually incredible how far Securifi has come due to their great products in an affordable price range. This touchscreen wireless extender is one such prime example.
Thousands of users rely on this amazing extender for their RVs. It doesn’t even take three minutes to fully set it up before you can enjoy the 2.4 GHz radiofrequency. And the dual antennas offer 300 Mbps speed which is an incredible feature for this model this size.
Pros
- Enables app configuration so you can control it right from your smartphone
- Supports 802.11 b/g/n networks
- Can provide an incredible network speed of 300 megabytes per second
Cons
- Requires app registration for total control
4. Bearifi BearExtender
5. weBoost Drive Reach RV
6. Winegard ConnecT
7. NetGear Wifi Range Extender
8. TP-Link Wifi Extender
9. Amake Super Boost
10. Urant Extender
11. King KWM1000
12. Amazon eero Pro mesh
13. Galaway extender
14. CC Vector repeater
15. Rockspace extender
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