The Best Cell Phone Boosters for RV (Review) in 2023 | Autance

The invention of the mobile phone opened the door for wireless communication, allowing people to stay in touch and build connections that were otherwise impossible. Fast forward a few years, and you have smart phones that allow you to access the internet and stream road trip music while traveling. The possibilities are endless thanks to the rise of wireless technology and cellphone boosters. These incredibly functional devices are used in both stationary homes and moving vehicles, and their job is to amplify a cell phone signal in order to reduce call drops and establish a stable connection to the network. Installing a booster in your RV can make a world of difference to your overall road trip experience. Our buying guide below will help you choose the best RV cell phone booster so you can enjoy faster internet download speeds and crystal-clear phone conversations while on the road.

The Best Cell Phone Booster for RV

Best Cell Phone Booster for RV Buying Guide

Our guide below was created for the sole purpose of helping you choose the type of booster that will complement and serve your travel needs. There are so many factors you need to consider before making your purchase and we will also be discussing them in this section. Plus, you will learn how to install your very own cellular booster for RV in order to make the most out of your new purchase.

Things to Consider When Buying RV Cell Phone Booster

• Mobile Carrier

You need to narrow down your search depending on your mobile carrier of choice. Some boosters were designed to support only a handful of carriers while others work with only one main U.S carrier. This compatibility issue plays a major role in the effectiveness of the booster itself. For example, both Verizon and T-Mobile sell their very own exclusive boosters. These boosters work incredibly well with phones and other wireless devices with the same company sim card. However, not all boosters support the same network. If you need a comprehensive device that is compatible with 4G, 3G as well as 2G, then it is always recommended to splurge on a more expensive and durable booster to help you and your house guests remain connected 24/7 no matter their network. Network and carrier compatibility will usually be mentioned on the package, so make sure that you double check this detail before adding the booster to your online shopping cart.

• Antenna

There are two main types of exterior antennas that come with each signal booster kit. Yagi antennas are typically used when the entire household uses the same carrier or when you only want to boost the service on your phone while traveling. This directional antenna was designed to send and receive a signal from one main direction. If boosting the signal of more than one carrier is your goal, then an omni-directional antenna is the way to go. This type of antenna was designed to receive a signal from all directions and is not limited to one carrier. Many carriers in Canada and the U.S use similar frequencies for their 2G and 3G networks, so you need to factor this in before making your purchase as well.

• Living Space

The size of your RV or home will also dictate the type of signal booster you need. Some boosters can cover an area of around 1000 square feet while others have limited reach. Some boost the signal in a four-bedroom household while others cater to recreational vehicles. If your phone suffers from constant call drops in placed like the garage or basement, then you might as well invest in a signal booster with high area coverage so you can make phone calls and use mobile data service in every square inch of your house. Always remember to read the different features offered by each brand and choose a booster that complements the size of your living space.

The layout of your house can also dictate the type antenna you need to install in order to make the most out of your kit. Multi-story homes require a panel antenna in order to properly expand the signal and evenly distribute it throughout your home. Apartments with open spaces and minimal walls typically have better coverage and are an ideal fit for dome antennas.

• Location

Location also matters a great deal when it comes to choosing a signal booster. If you enjoy traveling to remote locations where call drops and poor service are inevitable, then you definitely need a powerful booster with a longer reach. These boosters can connect to the nearest available cell tower so you can make calls and access the internet from the comfort of your own RV. Streaming all kinds of video and audio while traveling also requires fast download and upload speeds. This can also be achieved by installing a signal booster kit on board your RV.

• FCC Certified

Cellular frequencies in the Unite States are managed by a governmental agency called the FCC. The Federal Communications Commission gave users the green light to use cell phone boosters back in 2014. New boosters must undergo several tests before earning their FCC certification. These tests ensure that the best and most durable signal boosters become available to the public. Boosters that are compatible with more than one carrier over the 700 MHz band should have a gain of maximum 64 Db. You will also find that FCC approved boosters must be registered with your carrier before use.

Benefits of an RV Cell Phone Booster

• Better Audio and Video

Having an unstable connection while traveling can become a terrible inconvenience, especially during long road trips. Fast internet speeds are needed for browsing the internet and for making calls via Skype and Face Time. So many people prefer streaming music and watching videos online rather than depend on traditional radio and television for entertainment. Installing a reliable signal booster in your RV can make a world of difference to your cellular service. Your calls will also become clearer with minimal noise or distortion on your end.

• Portable

When it comes to size, signal booster kits are on the small end of the spectrum and are extremely travel friendly. You can pack them in your suitcase and install them in your vehicle of choice once you hit the road. The antennas can be easily mounted on the roof and the interior antenna can also be placed on any flat surface inside the cabin.

• Low Maintenance

Modern signal booster technology relies on automatic rather than manual recalibration. Many premium brands design boosters that can sense the strength of the signal and make the necessary adjustments in order to maximize their performance. Both the antenna and the amplifier work together to improve the signal without your help or interference.

•  Extended Battery Life

 Phone batteries also suffer due to a weak signal because they are forced to work overtime in order   to locate the nearest cell tower. Once you install a signal booster inside your RV, you will start noticing a change in battery life.  A powerful booster allows your phone to send and receive data without overworking the battery. This means less time spent on charging your phone and more time spent on making calls and reading the morning news online.

Types of Cell Phone Boosters for RV

• Cradle Booster

The first type is an ideal booster for solo travelers or small groups who don’t mind sharing the same device. You can easily mount the booster on the dashboard and place the phone inside the cradle in order to amplify the signal. This single user cradle is easy to use and comes with an antenna with a magnet that is mounted on the roof of your RV.  Cradle boosters are compact and less expensive than multi-use devices.

• 4G and LTE Booster

The sophisticated 4G and LTE boosters were designed to keep up with the ever-evolving nature of cellular networks. The new generation of 4G and LTE offer users faster uploads and downloads and therefore, need an equally efficient device to keep up with this rise in speed. The 4G booster was built to last and was designed for permanent use onboard your RV.  Some brands sell modern boosters that are also compatible with 2G and 3G networks. These boosters can also accommodate more than one user and are ideal for large groups of people.

How to Install a Cell Phone Booster in an RV

Make sure that you have everything you need within reach. This includes all the separate components and tools needed to install the booster kit inside and outside your RV.

• Mount the outside antenna to a pole or a ladder. Higher is always better especially if your road trip involves driving through forests and mountains that can easily block the signal. Use the mounting bracket to attach it securely to the RV and slide the U-bolt around the pole and through the bracket. The antenna must be mounted vertically.
• Use any existing entry points or vents to run the booster cable into the RV. You can do a trial run first by simply running the cable through a window or a door before connecting all the components together.
• If your trial run was successful, you can then drill a hole in the exterior of your RV to permanently run the cable. Remember to stay clear of any water lines or gas vents when drilling.
• Connect the cable to the outside antenna and route it through the rubber ring of the entry cable cover and then into the newly drilled hole.
• Secure the signal booster in place by removing the mounting bracket from the back of the booster and drilling it to the wall. You can then snap the device back into the bracket.
• Fasten the end of the outside antenna cable to the outside antenna port on the booster.
• Pull the outside antenna cable through the rubber gasket and then put the cap of the entry cable cover in place. Use screws to secure it in place and make sure that the cable is exiting the bottom.
• Use the cable mounts and ties to secure this cable to the RV.
• Connect the second, shorter cable to the inside antenna port on the booster. Route the cable where you want to receive the boosted signal before connecting the inside antenna.

Best Cell Phone Booster for RV FAQ:

Our Top Pick

This extremely functional device has earned its title as the best cell phone booster for RV in our book for several reasons. The weBoost brand is known for its quality boosters and this model is no exception. The 4G-X RV was designed for 3G and 4G LTE with a high gain antenna and easy to install components. The booster works in both moving and stationary vehicles and is compatible with all U.S carriers. It also supports multiple users so everyone can browse the internet and make clear phone calls simultaneously while on the road.

Sources:

1. A Short Guide to Cell Phone Signal Boosters – Lifewire
2. How to Get a Better Cell Phone Signal in Your Home – Gizmodo