WiFi/MiFi in the RV; how does it work?

There are several options when it comes to WiFi in your RV, but to make the right choice, you first need to know how it works. When I went to figure out how to get WiFi in the RV, I couldn't find any clear information on the Internet. Therefore, I'd like to give you a (hopefully) easy explanation so you can become an expert when it comes to WiFi when traveling!

What is MiFi?

You've probably come across this term more than once, but what does it mean? MiFi stands for Mobile and WiFi. Remember this because then you will understand it faster.

Option 1: use your mobile subscription.

The first question I asked myself was "why don't I create a hotspot through my mobile and then share it with my devices?". Which is not a crazy idea at all and works fine (especially if you have an unlimited subscription). But keep in mind that with many providers the speed is reduced once you're outside the Netherlands and charges are still added.

Pros

• No need to buy a router, which saves money

• Easy to use

Cons:

• Not strong service everywhere

• Speed can be reduced

Option 2: use a MiFi router

You've probably read this more than once if you're researching WiFi in the RV. How exactly does this work: you buy a sim card that you plug into the router which causes the router to create a WiFi hotspot. So you need a SIM card for this option as well. The big advantage of a MiFi router for in the RV is that they usually perform better than a mobile hotspot via your smartphone. This is because MiFi routers are specifically designed to strengthen your personal WiFi network. Therefore, the Internet is also faster, especially if you want to connect multiple devices.

Pros:

• Strengthens your own WiFi network

• Easy to use

Cons:

• If there is no coverage in the area, it will therefore not be able to create a WiFi network.

Option 3: an amplifier

The name says it all; an amplifier boosts the signal of existing WiFi networks. So if you are at a campsite, the amplifier will amplify the campsite's WiFi. So can be a great and easy solution for many. To be honest, we didn't even look at this option because we knew it wouldn't suit our situation. After all, we are also in remote locations, so a WiFi amplifier would not be useful.

Option 4: Use an antenna

Should you want even faster connection, you can purchase an antenna. Because the antenna is on the roof, you will receive even better coverage making the WiFi even faster.

For this option, you will need both a SIM card and a router. The antenna must be paired with a router, and a router must be paired with a SIM card. Please note that (almost) all antennas require you to make a small hole in the roof of your camper to be connected to the router (in your camper).

Pros:

• Strengthens your range even more

• Also works well in remote locations

Cons:

• You have to make a hole in your RV, so you have to check carefully if the tripod of the antenna is waterproof.

• An antenna is quite pricey.

4G or WiFi router or antenna?

To further complicate matters, you also get to choose a router or antenna that focuses on 4G range or WiFi range.

The difference between a WiFi and a 4G antenna is that a WiFi antenna is an amplifier of the WiFi networks offered, a 4G antenna amplifies 4G range. So an antenna for 4G grabs range from a 4G tower, while a WiFi Antenna grabs range from a WiFi point.

You also have a combination: Maxview Roam 4G/WiFi antenna. The included LTE and WiFi router can receive 3G/4G as well as WiFi signals. The router will switch to 3G/4G only when really necessary.

SIM card options

What many travelers recommend is to purchase a SIM card in the destination country. This makes the cost relatively low and the coverage quite good. Then make sure that the Internet is on demand and a prepaid sim card without a contract.

What are we using?

We are currently using our Dutch KPN sim card with unlimited data. I have that sim card in my phone and create a hotspot so Mika can also use the internet. So far that works perfectly because in Europe you call, text and internet like in the Netherlands with a subscription from KPN. I have good coverage everywhere and Mika can easily use my hotspot.

Tip: When I took out the subscription, I made sure I could cancel it monthly. If I didn't like it during the trip, I could cancel our subscription and I wouldn't be stuck with anything.

We purchased the TP-Link M7350 through Coolblue before the trip for €67, but to be honest, we don't use it anymore. We find that it cannot always create a network while our phones have coverage. So we put the sim card (from KPN) we had in the router into my phone and suddenly we could use the internet.

Our advice

So these options are suitable for different travelers. Should you mainly camp at campsites or in towns and cities, option 1 may already be sufficient. If you go off-grid and more remote, option 2 and/or 4 is recommended.

Disclamer: obviously you also need to take into account how many people you are traveling with. Our recommendation is based on two people, two devices each.

Tip: if you still cannot figure it out and need more advice, feel free to send us a message or contact the customer service of Coolblue or a mobile provider, for example.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding WiFi in the camper? Feel free to leave a comment or contact us!