Internet Access for RV Travelers: Maintaining Connectivity While “On The Road”

How to have reliable and affordable Internet Access while traveling in your Camper…

This is a post I’ve been thinking about writing for a long time but didn’t compose until one thing fell into place: affordable, reliable internet access that wasn’t too “techy.”

I’ve been “on the road” now for 8 years – spending much of my time in the “intermountain west.” The intermountain west is a largely rural, mountainous region which has been the last to receive good internet connectivity in some areas. I’m confident to report to you that this region is now ready for people to access the Internet in MOST areas – including some, where you’ll wonder how they’re doing it!

RV traveler internet access
Modern life almost demands Internet access – especially for travelers who earn their living online. Dry camping (boondocking) to me is the pinnacle of the RV Camping Experience – especially alongside a pristine lake. Even here – in Northern Nevada, I had an AT&T Signal and a ToGo WILL work!

“They” would be your cell providers as they are leading the way with the best plans for heavy data use that is affordable. The two leaders are Verizon and AT&T – their coverage by far and away exceeds any others.

Frankly, and it pains me to say this as I’ve been a Verizon user for about 20 years now, AT&T has taken the lead in connectivity throughout this region. Verizon has a more consistent signal in many city areas across the nation and throughout much of the east, but out west here, AT&T has edged them out.

For years, Verizon has been my primary mode of connecting to the Internet, and I don’t mean by simply using the browser on my smartphone. I learned early on, I can use “Foxfi” (a phone app to turn my phone into a “hot spot” and that let me use my laptop to “surf the web” as if I were connected to WiFi at a coffee shop. This was (and is) a secure method of connecting and with the latest Verizon unlimited data plans, I have yet to trigger the “throttle monster” (the ongoing threat that your cell provider will slow your data speed if you exceed a certain level of usage.)

The biggest downside however to using an app is that you still have to be somewhat “tech-savvy” to make the whole thing work. So, this held me back from sharing it widely as I knew it would only result in frustration for some.

Last winter, I stayed in a deep valley where there were no Verizon towers, BUT there was an AT&T tower. That situation motivated me to get a device that I adapted for use in my camper and provided me with Internet access where there otherwise would be none.

It was through the use of this device that I discovered that AT&T had taken the lead on connectivity in this region. I can state this as I’ve recently traveled extensively through Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Eastern Oregon, and Nevada and experienced similar results – AT&T’s signal is typically stronger and faster in these states than what Verizon is providing.

The problem was the device I was using was not designed to be used as I was using it and you still needed to be fairly tech-savvy to surf the web with it.

Finally a good, affordable solution to Internet Connectivity for RV Travelers and Campers…

As is always the case, technology continuously advances and I now have something to share with my fellow campers and RV travelers that will facilitate connectivity – and it’s affordable and not too “techy.”

With a “ToGo”, you’ll be connecting to the Internet using a device that mounts on your RV’s roof, is easily wired into your camper (its a 12v device so it will work when boondocking) and provides unlimited data use through the AT&T network. The ToGo* device itself costs about $400. (or click on the image below and save about $65. through Amazon for the SAME thing) and the service works out to be $30/month when paid annually. *When you click the link, scroll down to where it says “learn more” under “TOGO Roadlink” – this will introduce you to the device AND show you the AT&T plans.

The ToGo is by far the best deal I’ve seen to date – especially if you use the Amazon link I’m providing – considering the speed and availability of the service along with access to UNLIMITED data. I have yet to see satellite-based service that is affordable and easy to work with.

If you visit the Amazon page I’m linking HERE, not only will you save money, but you’ll see a number of reviews on the “ToGo.” As I read the reviews, the positive reviews expressed what I know to be true about AT&T and this device; the critical reviews in some cases do not even refer to the ToGo and in others, I believe do not reflect the experience most are seeing with this device.

Final thoughts on Internet Connectivity for RV – Camper Travelers

When it comes to “tethering” your cell phone, its a bit “techy” and most companies have data usage limits beyond which they (at least threaten to) throttle (slow) the data.

For those who are thinking about relying upon campground wifi – DON’T! Campgrounds are NOT very tech-savvy (in general) and the wifi they provide is often slow or unreliable.

If you’d like to try some of the same (more tech-intensive) approaches I use, contact me directly. I will tell you though, my strategies will save you little, and may actually cost you more now that ToGo is available – and at some point, I’m likely to move in this direction as well. I should also note that even though I do not have a ToGo, I’m confident about its construction as it’s built by Wineguard, and I’m using the SAME network with my current device as the ToGo uses. In fact, the ToGo will perform better than my device as it’s mounted on the roof!

As always, I appreciate my readers and viewers and welcome hearing from you. If you’d like to be “in the loop” and know when my next article is released, please join my newsletter using the form below…

Connect with us:

11 thoughts on “Internet Access for RV Travelers: Maintaining Connectivity While “On The Road””

  1. Still reading and listening to info on your site. Is ToGo with AT&T basically cell technology. I know you indicate in northern Nevada you get internet. My concern is sooooo many places I do not get cell service even in some campgrounds. I live in the Nevada/Utah desert and half the time I do not have any bars on my cell phone. Also in most places in Yellowstone my cell service was iffy. I have been a Verizon user for years so maybe that is the issue but I will say I switched from AT&T to Verizon I guess 15 years ago because of service.

    Reply
    • In Nevada/Utah and much of the intermountain west, AT&T has a strong lead over Verizon. I have both, and 99% of the time one works. The ToGo will work better than a cell phone as it sits on the roof of the camper – hence better reception.

      Reply
  2. Have you done a speed test on your internet? Just curious especially when boondocking. Also I don’t understand where the signal is coming from.

    Reply
    • The signal is coming from cell towers. With the right device (togo or a cell phone), you can receive the signal and then send it to a laptop computer. Speed varies from place to place. Personally I’m happy if I’m over 2meg. I’ve seen as much as 20-25meg while boondocking. In most cases (99% of the time), I have a signal AND its fast enough to watch videos or as I do create videos and upload them.

      Reply
  3. have you tried the AT&T Nighthawk mobile hotspot? i am using one from the county library right now and it works great. I am in the above mentioned canyon you lived in last winter.

    Reply
    • I have not used the nighthawk. Since its AT&T, its performance is likely similar to the ToGo. What do you pay on the monthly plan with AT&T for that device? Is that device 110v only? (in other words, can it run on 12 volts?)

      Al

      Reply
  4. A very needed post. This is the most important aspect of traveling as a nomad or sightseer. Thank you very much.
    Robert Winter.
    soon to be full time traveler.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)