A recreational vehicle is capable of combining all the advantages offered by a mobile home while also giving you the chance to explore and travel to new places on a regular basis. While staying in your recreational vehicle today gives you access to modern conveniences, such as power and water, there are still instances when phone services are unreliable.

In this case, you may want to invest the best cell phone booster for RV. With the help of this device, you can significantly increase your chance of receiving a usable signal once you are in transit or once you park for the night. It is a good product to invest in, especially if you really need good cell phone reception wherever you are.

What Is an RV Cell Phone Booster?

A cell phone booster designed for your RV actually works in boosting your 3G or 4G LTE signals. It captures the spotty or weak signal you are receiving then amplifies it up to 32 times. It then rebroadcasts the increased signal within your vehicle.

Based on the cell phone model you have, it is actually possible for you to boost a small area or desktop up to your entire vehicle. The best cell phone booster for camping and RV, therefore, works in giving you crystal-clear signals, fast and constant internet connection, wide-coverage, and a higher number of bars.

It also ensures that you can deliver and quickly receive text messages quickly. What’s good about these cell phone signal boosters is that they are compatible with all cellular devices, including tablets, hotspots, and cell phones.

With the help of this device, you no longer have to be frustrated with a weak signal often caused by outside interferences, like hills, trees, tall structures, and mountains, weather, and the distance from the cell phone tower. You can start enjoying a decent signal, which allows you to connect and communicate no matter where you are.

Best Cell Phone Boosters for RV

Which one will you take with you?

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Cell Phone Booster for RV Buyer’s Guide

To choose the best cell phone booster for RV use, it is highly recommended for you to seriously consider these factors before buying:

Types

A cell phone booster designed for your recreational vehicle actually comes in different types. There is what we call the cradle booster, which many actually consider as the easiest to use. This type comes with a cradle, which sits on the booster to capture the boosted signal.

It also utilizes a magnetically mounted antenna, which works by boosting the signal. You have to stick this antenna outside or on top of your rig. Many consider it beneficial because its portable and small sizes make it appropriate for use on a car or your recreational vehicle.

4G and LTE

You can also choose the 4G and LTE cell phone booster. It is actually the most recent choice for cell phone signal boosters. In fact, almost all cell phone carriers offer a 4G network nowadays. Most of them are also using the LTE option, which is known to work faster.

This type of signal booster actually serves as a permanent additional feature to your rig. It may or may not need relay units based on your RV’s length. Another option that you have is the 3G booster kit, which works on older cell phones or those that use smaller 3G networks.

If you choose this signal booster kit, then note that you will need to mount it permanently into your RV. It offers amplification for the whole rig. It also tends to work well if you have a smaller recreational vehicle.

Wireless cell phone booster

You can also pick the wireless cell phone booster. It works by creating an amplified signal inside a wireless coverage area. This gives you and the people inside your vehicle a chance to take full advantage of its positive effects.

Now that you know the different cell phone booster that you can use for your recreational vehicle, it is time to compare the capabilities of each so your choice will really be that which supports what you prefer.

Signal Boosting Performance

Aside from the type, it is also advisable for you to check the signal-boosting performance of the booster you are planning to buy. It should be noted that a typical signal booster designed for cars can actually have a max of 50 dB gain based on certain restrictions as a means of preventing the over-amplified signals from causing interference on cell towers.

It would be best to look for a booster, which supplies such gain as it is known to deliver a decent signal. If possible, go for wireless boosters because they offer higher amplification. A cradle booster typically offers lower amplification, which is perfectly serviceable based on a single connected device.

You should also seriously consider the range of the frequency bands that the booster supports because it also plays a major role in boosting the signal. You know that you are getting the best one if it is capable of supporting 4G and covering up to 5 bands.

Installation Features

Another important thing you have to take into serious consideration during the selection process is whether or not the booster is easy to install. Note that the cable length plays a major role in identifying where you should install the components of the booster.

If you choose the wireless booster, then note that it comes with two antennas that you need to connect to the amplifier using coaxial cables. To promote ease in the installation, especially in RVs and other large vehicles, then it would be best to use longer cables.

If you are buying the cradle booster, then note that it houses the inner antenna and amplifier inside its cradle. With that in mind, the only factor you should consider is how long the coaxial cable is for the outdoor antenna.

Also, note that if you plan to use a permanent booster, then you will be in need of an external antenna that you need to mount outside of your vehicle. You can mount this on a ladder or pole or glue it to a roof. You can also install it through a hole but with the help of a professional installer.

Antenna Features

You also need to note that cell phone boosters come with inner and outer antennas. The inner antenna works by transmitting and receiving signals coming from the closest cell tower. The outer antenna, on the other hand, sends the increased signal to your cell phone.

Also, take note that you also have options for lower-gain and high-gain antennas. You can choose the lower-gain antennas if you are planning to visit mountainous places and terrains that tend to have physical barriers that block signals.

High-gain antennas, those that have at least 5dBi, on the other hand, are known for their long-range. They work well for rural areas as it is the distance, which weakens the signal in this case.

Brand

You also have better chances of finding the ideal cell phone booster for your RV if you compare different brands. The most popular brands in this category are actually those offered by weBoost and SureCall. One of the most popular products in weBoost is its 4G cell boost kit as it tends to be compatible with all RV sizes.

It also offers a higher signal strength without the need to connect your phone to the unit, making it more convenient. It strengthens the signal from and to the cell tower. In addition, it is also effective for 3G and 4G signals.

This unit is even capable of handling a max of four separate cell phone signals, giving the whole family the chance to use it while on the road. It would be best to check other brands and compare multiple options. That way, you have a higher chance of getting the specific signal booster that you really need for your phone while on the road.

Installing the Cell Phone Booster

Once you picked and purchase a cell phone booster, the next step is the installation. In this case, the first thing that you have to do is to route the external antenna to your rig’s roof. It is highly recommended to find existing ways to the roof prior to making new ones.

These include through the vent of a fridge, waste tank vent, or cable routing for other accessories on the roof, such as an air conditioning unit or TV or satellite antenna. Also, take note that several manufacturers require both the external and interior antenna to be separated by a minimum distance often measured in feet.

This distance is necessary for preventing signal oscillation, which usually happens when the external antenna picks up the signal, not from the tower but from the inner antenna. This will eventually result in a feedback loop.

In case you wish to use an upgraded and large antenna, then you have to be extra cautious when it comes to positioning it. There is also a higher chance for the external antenna to deliver even optimal performance if a ground plane is installed.

Final Words About the Best Cell Phone Booster for RV

With the best cell phone booster for RV, you have a higher chance of enjoying your life on the road. The best one is actually powerful in that it can boost the signal of the entire RV while still being compact that it can fit a typical sedan. It can give you a decent signal, which helps you stay connected while also boosting the call quality, especially in those areas that often have spotty service.

Learn more about how to choose the best RV GPSbest WiFi boosters for RV, and best RV backup cameras with a buyer’s guide and in-depth reviews. By the way, have a look at our best RV tire pressure monitoring systems, best TV antenna for RV, and best RV TVs to make living in an RV easier and more comfortable!

Last update on 2024-12-13 at 16:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API