When you’re on the road, it’s important to stay connected. Whether you’re sending emails, streaming movies, or just keeping up with your social media feeds, having a reliable internet connection is essential. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get Wi-Fi in your motorhome.
One option is to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Many camp sites and motorhome parks offer Wi-Fi access for their guests, and there are also a number of public Wi-Fi hotspots located in coffee shops, libraries, and other businesses.
Another option is to use a mobile hotspot, which allows you to connect to the internet using your cell phone’s data plan. If you have unlimited data or a large data allowance, this can be a great way to stay connected whilst you’re on the go.
Finally, you can also install a Wi-Fi booster in your motorhome. These devices amplify the signal of nearby Wi-Fi networks, making it easier to connect even in areas with poor reception. With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to stay connected whilst you’re on the road.
What are the best options for getting Wi-Fi whilst on the road
When it comes to staying connected whilst on the road, there are a few different options to choose from. One popular choice is to purchase a mobile hotspot, which will give you Wi-Fi access wherever you go. Another option is to sign up for a data plan with a local carrier.
This can be a great way to stay connected without incurring roaming charges. Finally, if you’re travelling in a motorhome, you can install a satellite dish or antenna to get internet access. Whichever option you choose, make sure to do your research ahead of time so that you can stay connected whilst on the road.
Quick Links
Portable Routers
Travellers who need to deal with sensitive work or banking information might be in the market for a Wi-Fi router that they can take with them in their motorhome as they drive. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that can easily fit any motorhomes of any size and accommodate travellers of any budget.
Huawei E5576
This portable Wi-Fi router can provide reliable 4G internet on all international providers. This HUAWEI product is the Amazon Prime best seller amongst all portable routers. It is rechargeable and advertises 6 hours of battery life, making it a viable option for a full day of remote work or a night of entertainment in your motorhome.
The Huawei E5576 offers a two-year warranty and full technical support from Huawei. It can support up to 16 devices at once and comes with a SIM card to get your internet service up and running instantly.
Most reviews of this product praise its affordability and portability. UK users report being able to use the E5576’s capabilities anywhere from the United States to Spain, but users will have to enable the SIM card’s roaming features if traveling outside of the United Kingdom.
The one main critique that customers report is some difficulty in setup if one is not technically inclined. The installation of the SIM card is the most commonly reported difficulty when starting the system, but there are several tutorial videos and customer services resources to make sure that one is installing his or her E5576 properly.
Maxview Roam
This expensive but powerful router can serve as a 3G/4G hotspot for travellers on the go. It costs just shy of 300 pounds, but the Roam can support up to 50 devices at one time.
It has been noted as being powerful enough to support Smart TVs, so travellers with luxury vehicles or that require exceptionally fast internet might be well suited by investing in the Maxview Roam.
The device can be mounted on the roof of a motorhome and is advertised as being “omnidirectional”. This means that there is no need to adjust the signal receptors in any way. Customers just need to make sure that the router is securely mounted to their motorhomes and the device will take care of the rest.
The Roam will require a SIM card to operate. Customers report a reliable signal and ease of installation as the device’s greatest strength. The most common drawback reported is an overall low megabit-per-second connection, with some even claiming signals as weak as 5mbps.
The Roam can be a viable option for travellers with limited installation skills, but there may be more powerful options at a similar price point.
Portable Modems
Rather than relying on a traditional modem, travellers would be better suited by investing in a mobile hotspot and a sufficient data plan. Most modern smartphones can be used as mobile hotspots, providing internet access as long as you have cellular reception.
This solution can be costly, as using the mobile hotspot feature on your smartphone will quickly drain both your cellular data plan (unless it’s unlimited) and battery power.
Fortunately, many alternative products are designed to act specifically as hotspots, meaning van lifers can stay online without needing a normal telephone hook-up required by stationary modems.
Mobile hotspots (also called mobile tethering) are best for travellers who don’t require a great deal of internet data. What smartphones and their more specialised cousin products make up for in affordability and portability, they often lack in network bandwidth.
Whilst a convenient option for many, mobile tethering is best suited for van lifers who need internet access for basic research and online chores. Customers who plan on streaming media or playing video games should look into more powerful internet access options.
ZTE MF920U
This mobile hotspot is a bestseller on online retailers. Costing only 33 pounds, it comes with a free Smarty SIM card, so you can sign on with a mobile provider and get online quickly. The device will also allow you to use other SIM cards and accommodate access to any network of your choice. The MF920U offers 4G WIFI that can fit in your pocket, making it perfect for travellers on the go.
Static homeowners also report that this model works well when plugged in 24/7, reporting that signal strength is adequate for zoom calls and setup is exceptionally easy. Users report between 30-40mbps of streaming and download speed as long as their devices have a reliable connection. This means that there’s little chance of your signal dropping in the middle of a media program or remote business meeting.
The most often reported drawback of the MF920U is the free SIM card. The device is typically reviewed as being a good investment for the amount spent, but the included Smarty SIM card is often considered a waste of time compared to what your network provider will ship to you.
Public Wi-Fi
Fortunately, free internet access is ubiquitous in all but the most remote corners of the modern world. Free applications and websites such as wifimap.io. This website lists all public Wi-Fi hotspots near you, offering both an interactive map and mobile applications that are available on both Android and iPhone platforms.
This is only one of a myriad of options for travellers on the go who need internet access as they travel. Those who are feeling road-weary can often stop in at local coffee shops. These small businesses will appreciate your patronage while you sip a small coffee and rest your feet after a long day on the road.
Most small brick-and-mortar coffee houses will even offer a small selection of books, so you can relax with a comforting book while you handle all of your internet chores in their establishments. The great advantage to these options is their ease of access and free nature, but this is not without its drawbacks.
Travellers who are dealing with sensitive information or need a stable connection might find that relying purely on the customer WIFI provided by small businesses might not be an ideal choice for their internet needs.
People also ask:
What other options can I use to access the internet from my motorhome?
Satellite internet is one of the best options for travellers who require high internet usage. It is especially reliable, even when camping in very remote areas. All that’s required is that users have a clear view of the southern sky, anywhere in the world. Many satellite service providers even offer telephone and television capabilities.
The greatest downside to satellite internet is its restrictive price point. Customers will easily be spending at least 1000 pounds on equipment, and installation can be more complicated than some of the other options on this list.
Subscription plans for satellite service can cost at least 50 pounds per month. Inclement weather that interferes with your dish’s reception from the satellite can also pose a problem.
Relying on satellite internet can be a viable option for those with very specific needs or who will be traveling to very remote locations, but it comes at a literal price. Less expensive and more user-friendly options will be more fitting for all but very particular sub-sections of travellers.
What are the most popular services for my 4G broadband Network?
The “Big Four” mobile networks in the UK are considered EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. These networks will provide service to your motorhome’s router via the SIM card that many of the platforms in this article will require to get you online.
Virgin Mobile also offers extensive coverage throughout the UK and can be considered another addition to the traditional Big Four.
These networks require a monthly payment plan much like a cellular phone plan, so travellers can easily set a budget to follow as they drive. The speed and data allowance for any given SIM card plan will vary greatly based on each customer’s total data requirement and frequency of use. This is an especially important consideration for travellers who plan on utilising multiple WIFI-dependent devices while travelling. Internet coverage tools such as Ofcom can help you determine which of the Big Four network providers is correct for you based on the area you plan on keeping your motor home.
How much do SIM card Wi-Fi plans cost in the UK?
Pre-paid SIM cards are available at airports and other travel hubs, but these are typically only used by tourists. Citizens who plan on spending a considerable amount of time in their motorhomes would be better served by purchasing a month-to-month data plan from one of the UK’s major WIFI providers.
These can cost anywhere between 20 to 50 pounds per month depending on how much data you plan on using in your motorhome. Various SIM card plans also range in network access, but most will be well served by purchasing the 4G capable plans over the slightly more expensive 5G programs.
Luckily the UK offers plenty of options for those who would like to go on holiday in their motor homes or live full-time in a static caravan lot. Most caravan parks will have a source of WIFI as a courtesy to the lot’s guests, but customers might have a lot that is far away from the router’s signal. In this case, a WIFI booster might be a cheap, effective option to access your sites internet signal.
Travellers who wish to go mobile but still maintain access to the internet will have a slightly more complicated time, but there are a number of options at varying price ranges.
Mobile hotspots can either be activated through almost all smartphones. Travellers with a limited cellular plan can purchase a wide variety of transportable Wi-Fi hotspots that offer sufficient speed and strength of signal for the majority of casual internet access.
Satellite internet is an option for those with the most extreme need for internet access, able to support multiple devices at once and receive an internet signal anywhere there is a clear view of the southern sky, meaning caravaners can get online in even the most remote locations.
Satellite is the costliest option and should only be considered for the most ambitious or tech-happy campers.
We use satellite internet with an EE sim card with a router on top of the van, fixed to the roof. We went for this option because we need unlimited internet connection in Europe due to the fact we work on the road, so no other option would have been viable for us.
It costs us £41 per month, which includes a Netflix and BT Sport subscription (there are other options to choose from) and we have had coverage in all of the places we have been to in Europe.
You can choose to either have the router automatically connect to its closest provider, but we choose to manually choose the best 4G provider by choosing a big known brand like Vodaphone for example.
Tips for staying connected whilst travelling
Staying connected whilst traveling can be important for both work and personal reasons. Although it can be challenging to stay connected whilst on the road, there are a few things that you can do to make it easier.
First, make sure to find out in advance whether your destination will have Wi-Fi available. If not, you may need to plan to use your data plan more heavily or look into alternate options such as a motorhome with its own internet connection.
Once you arrive at your destination, take advantage of any Wi-Fi hotspots that are available, and be sure to disconnect from any devices that you don’t need in order to conserve battery life. Staying connected whilst travelling doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you plan ahead and are mindful of your usage.
The benefits of having Wi-Fi whilst on vacation
Having Wi-Fi whilst on vacation can be hugely beneficial, particularly if you’re travelling in a motorhome. With Wi-Fi, you can stay connected to the internet, which means you can keep up with your work emails, check directions and traffic updates, and stay in touch with friends and family.
You can also download movies and TV shows to watch offline, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck without entertainment. And if you need to book any last-minute reservations or activities, Wi-Fi makes it easy to do so. In short, Wi-Fi can help make your vacation much smoother and more enjoyable – definitely a worth while investment!
There are many ways that you can get Wi-Fi in your motorhome, but the best option for you will depend on how you plan to use it. If you want to be able to stream movies and stay connected whilst you’re on the road, then a hotspot is probably the way to go.
However, if you just need to check your email and stay in touch with family and friends, then getting a data plan from your phone company might be the better option. Whichever route you choose, there are some easy tips that will help you stay connected while you’re travelling.
And finally, don’t forget that having Wi-Fi whilst on vacation has its benefits too! You can save money by cooking in your campervan instead of eating out, and because you’ll have access to online maps, it’s easier to find things to do and explore when you have an internet connection.
Summary
Motorhome Wi-Fi is a way to keep in touch with loved ones, and still stay connected whilst on the road. It can be complicated to set up, so first thing is first: determine if you have service on the route where your motorhome will be travelling. Be sure that you have proper coverage before starting the setup process.
In order for your motorhome Wi-Fi to work properly, it needs a Wi-Fi antenna and internet connection from a phone company or broadband provider that operates in the area where you are travelling. If there’s no service available in the area, then unfortunately there won’t be any Wi-Fi for your motorhome or camper either!
You can also purchase an external antenna so that it picks up signals better than an internal antenna could do; however, this option can vary greatly depending on what network towers are in range of your motorhome’s location at any given time.
However, you plan on travelling in your motorhome, rest assured that there is an internet option for you. From static Wi-Fi boosters to satellite reception, campers have a multitude of options to get online whilst on the go.
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I have always wanted to travel and luckily I always got to travel to some amazing countries while I was growing up with my family and this really encouraged me to continue this and get out into the world on my own when I was older.
My goal growing up was really to see as much of the world as I could, but then I started going to work and really concentrating on my career and travel took a back seat. I still tried to get away a few times a year but I always knew there was an end goal which was to travel as much as possible.
So I got my head down and worked as hard as I could as an e-commerce manager. I have always been techy, I love computers and websites, so that’s where it gave me the idea to start this blog and also have my own web design agency. If you want to check it out or need any help then please take a look rrwebdesign.co.uk (shameless plug there)
But after covid, we both knew this was now the right time to take the leap and go and see the world after being trapped inside our house and working from home for a couple of years. We realised more than ever that you only get one life and you really need to make the most of it and do what you love!
