Often, people who travel do so in remote locations where the cell service is lacking.
In these cases, you might wonder if an RV cell booster is worth the money, because they can range in price from $500-900 depending on the size and the strength of the signal.
They also take some time and patience to install. You may have to drill a permanent hole in your RV, which some people don’t like.
It requires affixing an antenna to the roof and running cable throughout your RV. It’s understandable to question whether they’re worth it or not.
However, I’m going to set your mind at ease by telling you that they are worth the money, and there are several top solutions from which you can choose.
What is an RV Cell Booster?
An RV cell booster, also known as a cellular repeater or amplifier, is a device designed to improve the strength and reliability of a cellular signal in a specific area. It boosts your cell service using two antennae and an amplifier so that you can have a stronger signal and faster speeds, even in remote areas.
After the antennae amplify your signal, the repeater broadcasts that signal throughout your RV.
However, each device has a different specified range, so it’s important to place the repeater in a spot that will reach the length of your RV.
There are many different models and brands on the market, offering different signal strengths and capabilities.
Some work while your RV is stationary while others will continue to offer the best signal possible while you’re in transit. However, they all work to do the same thing – give you a better cell signal.
Most of these solutions are installed permanently in your RV, and they come with an external antenna that you attach to the roof.
Once installed, the RV cell booster will pull in a signal from the nearest cell tower and amplify it so that you can have a stronger signal inside your RV.
Installation instructions are typically included, and you can usually do it yourself without having to hire a professional.
How much does an RV cell booster cost?
The cost of an RV cell booster will vary depending on the model and brand that you choose.
However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-900 for a quality booster.
You can certainly find them cheaper than this, but you won’t get the same signal strength or range.
While these smaller devices are great for smaller RVs, you’ll need a stronger device for a larger RV.
Reasons Why they’re worth it
There are a variety of reasons that an RV cell booster is worth it, the most important of which is to keep you connected while you’re on the road.
Here are a few other examples of how an RV cell booster adds value to your travels.
They keep you connected.
Traveling full-time can put a strain on your relationships at home. It’s understandable that you miss your friends and family and want a way to keep in touch.
An RV cell booster gives you the ability to do just that by keeping you connected to the outside world.
They’re great for safety.
If you’re ever in an emergency situation, having a strong cell signal could be the difference between life and death.
Being without a way to contact the outside world leaves you vulnerable to a number of risks.
They’re great for entertainment.
If you like to stream movies or TV shows while you’re on the road, a cell booster will give you the fast speeds and strong signal that you need to do so without any buffering or interruptions.
This isn’t always true if you have a large family or more than one device streaming at a time, because it could overload the booster. However, it does make streaming for one device faster and easier.
They’re perfect for work.
If you regularly work while traveling, having a strong cell signal is crucial to your success.
Whether you’re making voice calls or sending emails and texts, you’ll have the ability to do that right from your RV.
Plus, thanks to the fact that it’s so simple and quick to install an RV cell booster, you can always be connected to the office while you’re on the road.
They allow you to be more spontaneous.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to go off the beaten path, an RV cell booster will give you the flexibility to do so without having to worry about being out of service.
This means that you can explore more and worry less, which is always a bonus.
Things That Can Affect a Cell Booster’s Performance
There are a few things that can affect your cell booster’s performance, and it’s important to take them into consideration before making your purchase.
Evaluate these key factors before choosing the right cell booster for you.
The size of your RV
If you have a large RV, it’s going to need a stronger booster to reach the farthest corners of your rig with a strong signal.
On the other hand, a small RV won’t need as much power, so you can save some money by opting for a less expensive model.
The number of devices you’ll be using
If you have a lot of devices that will be using the cell signal, you’ll need a booster with more power.
This is because each device that’s connected to the booster will use some of the available signal strength.
The type of terrain you’ll be in
If you’re traveling in mountainous terrain, you might have a more difficult time getting a strong cell signal.
In this case, you might need a booster with more power to reach a tower that’s further away.
Why an RV Cell Booster Might Not Be For You
RV cell boosters aren’t for everyone. There are a few reasons that you might not want to invest in one, including:
Our Favorite Cell Phone Signal Boosters
I’ve done the research and chosen these particular models because I think they’re simply the best options on the market.
Other options are available on the market to meet your requirements, take a look at our article on the Best RV Cell Phone Signal Booster for more options.
weBoost Drive X B081BMLXG3 Cell Phone Signal Booster
The WeBoost Drive X RV is one of the most popular cell boosters on the market, and for good reason.
It’s a great choice for RVs of all sizes, and it can be used with multiple devices at once. It’s also relatively easy to install, which is a plus if you’re not familiar with electronics.
This is the one I use personally, and it’s helped to boost our signal, even at home. We live in our RV full-time in a rural area, so our cell signal isn’t always the best.
This is a problem because we’re here most of the time, and we work from home! We also used to homeschool our kids, and access to technology was critical.
We did a lot of research, and chose WeBoost because it presented as a reliable company and got excellent reviews from other full-timers like us.
Plus, they had a ton of options to choose from, so we knew we’d get something that suited our needs perfectly.
Our RV is 45 feet long, so it was also important to us that the signal would extend throughout the RV and out to the patio, which WeBoost assured us it would do.
The WeBoost Drive X RV solution allows for multiple users at a time, works far away from a tower, and is versatile enough to use while you’re moving or stationary.
It arrived promptly with all of the instructions we needed to install it. Installation took about an hour and it was very easy.
Within minutes, we had a couple of extra bars on all of our devices and were able to use them in places we couldn’t before.
Installing a Cell Booster in Your RV
If you’re considering purchasing a cell booster for your RV, there are a few things you should know about the installation process.
Mount the booster
First, you’ll need to find a place to mount the booster on the inside of your RV.
It’s important that the booster is placed in an area with good ventilation, as it will generate heat while in use.
You’ll also want to make sure that it’s mounted securely, as it will vibrate while you’re driving.
We mounted ours on the inside of a kitchen cabinet so that it wouldn’t be visible, but in some cases, this can decrease your signal significantly.
You may want to use your booster for a few days in several different locations to see where it works best before you permanently install it.
Once you’ve found a good location, you’ll need to connect the booster to a power source.
Most boosters will come with a cigarette lighter adapter, but you can also hardwire it into your RV’s electrical system or plug it into an outlet.
Install the antenna
Once the booster is ready, you need to connect it to an antenna. The booster will come with an external antenna that you can mount on the roof of your RV.
Make sure that the antenna is placed in a location with a clear view of the sky, as this will help to ensure a strong signal.
The best place to mount your antenna is on the top of the ladder that leads to your roof.
It won’t require drilling any unsightly holes that are an eyesore if you ever decide to take it down.
Connect the cable
Once the antenna is in place, you’ll need to connect it to the booster using a cable.
Most boosters will come with all of the necessary cables and adapters, but you may need to purchase them separately if your booster doesn’t.
Because the booster is inside of your RV and the antenna is outside, you’ll have to get creative about where you feed the cable through.
In some cases, you can use a duct or a vent of some sort. In other cases, you may have to drill into the side of your RV.
The kit should come with everything you need to drill a hole and cover it back up when you’re done, but if it doesn’t, make sure you’re comfortable doing this step on your own, or hire someone to do it for you.
Power on the booster
Once everything is connected, you’ll need to power on the booster and wait for it to initialize. This process can take a few minutes, so be patient.
Once the booster is up and running, you should see an immediate difference in your cell signal. If you don’t, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.
Troubleshooting
First, make sure that all of the connections are secure and that the cables aren’t damaged. Next, check to see if the booster is placed in a good location.
If it’s too close to interference from other electronic devices, it may not work as well.
You should also check the signal strength in your area. If there are no cell towers nearby, you’re not going to get a strong signal, no matter how good your booster is.
Finally, if you’re still having trouble, you can contact the manufacturer of your booster for assistance.
Do I Need an RV Cell Phone Signal Booster?
It depends on your specific needs and circumstances. An RV cell booster can be useful for improving cellular signal strength and device performance in areas with poor or weak coverage, which can be particularly important for staying connected while on the road. They can also be helpful for maintaining a connection for tasks such as navigation, communication, and entertainment.
However, they can also be expensive, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific booster model and the strength of the existing cellular signal.
So It’s important to consider the potential benefits and costs before deciding whether an RV cell booster is worth your investment or not.
Just make sure that you understand the installation process and have all of the necessary supplies before you begin.
Once everything is up and running, you should see a significant improvement in your signal strength.
