Ultimate RV Mobile Internet Setup: Our Super Connected Travato Van with Starlink & 5G Cellular

Рет қаралды 27,931

Күн бұрын

A big update to our mobile internet setup setup we use in our RV life when out exploring in our Travato GL van.
We've been working remotely from the road since 2006. In 2014 we launched the Mobile Internet Resource Center - it's now our 'day job' to track, educate and test mobile internet gear.
After years of testing almost every piece of gear out there - our current setup consists of Starlink satellite internet, and two cellular embedded routers from Pepwave. Plus two different cellular antennas for our roof.
We have one super connected little van!
To learn more:
Our full mobile internet setup blog post:
www.technomadia.com/internet
Links from the Mobile Internet Resource Center
Mobile Internet Overview:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/gett...
Getting Starlink for RV & Boat Use:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/star...
Top Cellular Data Plan Picks:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/plan...
Smartphones vs Mobile Hotspots vs Routers :
www.rvmobileinternet.com/cell...
Mobile Routers
www.rvmobileinternet.com/routers
Pepwave MAX Routers:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/pepwave
www.rvmobileinternet.com/maxt...
www.rvmobileinternet.com/maxbr1
Cellular Data Performance
www.mobileinternetinfo.com/per...
Antennas & Boosters:
Pepwave 42G: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear...
Parsec Akita: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear...
weBoost Reach: www.rvmobileinternet.com/reach
MIA Membership Info:
www.mobileinternetinfo.com/mem...
(Save $5 with code: TechnomadiaRocks)
0:00 - Intro
1:33 - Starlink
4:32 - Mobile Internet Options Overview
5:33 - Our Pepwave Routers
10:33 - Current Top Pick Data Plans
15:20 - Access Point
16:50 - Cellular Data Performance - Antennas & Booster
20:30 - Cellular Tablets
21:34 - Do We need this much?
22:23- Boat & Bus Internet Setup
24:24 - Wrap-Ip
Opening song:
'Straight Up' by Shakiban - shakiban.bandcamp.com/album/za
Camera Gear Used:
iPhone 13Pro Max
Mavic 2 Pro Drone: amzn.to/2DAn9nY
Shure MV88 Microphone: amzn.to/2Qys3I6
----------------------------------
We're Cherie & Chris and we've been full time technomads since 2006. We are owned by Kiki (meow).
We have a fleet of nomadic vessels that we split our time between - a 1961 GM 4106 vintage bus, a 1999 Bayliner 4788 motor yacht and a 2016 Travato 59G van conversion. You'll find RV, van and boat life content here, as we feel inspired to share - sometimes topical, sometimes travelogues, sometimes just hanging out.
We love sharing a slice of our life with others, and also blog at www.technomadia.com, Facebook and Instagram. We use the name 'Technomadia' in all those places. Come join the adventure however you choose!
Income generation is NOT a goal of ours under the 'Technomadia' brand - we do this for fun. While not an expectation, sharing the love back sure keep us inspired to keep sharing. Ways you can say thanks here: www.technomadia.com/thanks (but honestly, leaving comments is awesome!)
Our full time 'job' is running the Mobile Internet Resource Center, where we track and educate RVers and cruisers on their options for keeping connected. Come join us at www.MobileInternetInfo.com for news, guides, reviews and courses. We also have a dedicated KZfaq channel / mobileinternetresource... you can subscribe to. Through member funding, we can give away a lot of free content - and our members get even more.
© Technomadia 2022
For entertainment purposes only. See our website for a full disclaimer.

Пікірлер: 97

@larryvolenec9851 2 жыл бұрын

You guys rock! The Mobile Internet Resource Center has helped us select cellular providers and hardware and configure the components to keep us connected as we celebrate our three years of a nomadic adventure travel lifestyle. Keep up the great work, and thank you for sharing your super-connected van.

@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 2 жыл бұрын

My son has been studying as much as he can, to get my stepvan (my future home on wheels) set up for internet capability......your videos have been a huge help! THANK YOU!

@burgesskj 2 жыл бұрын

KZfaq really needs to add a LOVE emoji to their LIKE button for videos like this. I take notes.

@AaronSchmidt52 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your setup in depth. Lots of great bits of info. 👍

@brucefay5126 2 жыл бұрын

Always interesting to see your personal setup. Thanks.

@mikemoxley9477 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the presentation !!! Super stuff. Just downloaded and save so I can revisit over and over.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.. glad you enjoyed it!

@dflood316 2 жыл бұрын

Love it! Great stuff as always.

@nasseral-momen1463 2 жыл бұрын

your van has more gadgets than the ghostbusters. Great stuff

@dude999642 2 жыл бұрын

Love you guys!

@SavorTheJourneyDave Жыл бұрын

Totally Awesome!!! Thank you for doing this.....! We appreciate it!!!!!

@Chupabrah Жыл бұрын

I love y'alls videos! I noticed some of your latest videos were taken in Sanford FL. I just moved to the Orlando area from VA where some of my family lives. We've been taking the autotrain back and forth to move some things. It's not for everyone, but I think it's a blast! I also have the old Verizon grandfathered plan! So glad I found your channel!

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

Yes.. we have been based in Sanford the past few years. We love it here!

@dude999642 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@martymain1907 2 жыл бұрын

Two years ago, upon your posted recommendations, we jumped into mobile internet by purchasing a Max Transit Duo (Cat 6) without any external antennas in a fiberglass-walled RV trailer and never looked back. It has done all we ever needed utilizing ATT and Verizon (no bonding); primarily streaming video/audio content and Web surfing wherever we find ourselves. We use it in our sticks and bricks (stationary) home, too. It just seems to work, subject to only the carriers' problems. Still Starlink is on my radar for some day.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

The dual Cat-6 was a great product for the time. If it's still working for you, that's awesome. At this point in time, we consider Cat-6 to be near obsolete for LTE as the carriers have added so many frequency bands not covered by it.

@girouxcampingadventures 2 жыл бұрын

Great starlink info. That is definitely my next investment especially after some spotty service this past summer trip of 2 months. I have ATT for phone plan and Visible in my peplink, but I need Starlink as alternative too. Thx team!

@timf6916 2 жыл бұрын

Good information

@FollowTheJohn 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite geeks.

@sandyevans3883 2 жыл бұрын

I've learned more from you in hours than I have in YEARS of prior effort. EVERY TIME I hear you mention your upload or download speeds, and which signal sources work best at any given moment, I wonder HOW you measure such things real time. You discuss bonding and how that increases total throughput and again, HOW do you measure the specifics of such things? Even knowing which band or frequency being used is not simple to find out. Can you share your methods?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Here's our guide on just that topic: www.rvmobileinternet.com/testing

@RichardDeAgazio 2 жыл бұрын

Love your channel. I keep getting notices from Peplink for upgrades on software. I have Pepwave Max Transit LTEA. I can seem to figure if I have to do it?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

You should always keep your firmware updated.

@diegofernandez1454 2 жыл бұрын

You guys are awesome. I just got my transit pro, but haven't gotten an external mounted antenna. One question I have is how you use your booster? When you turn it on, do you replace the antennas on your router to the stock antennas so they can catch the signal from the repeater antenna (which I assume you have inside?)

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly that. On the very rare occasions we need a booster, we switch the router back to indoor antennas.

@diegofernandez1454 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia awesome thanks!

@Etheoma 9 ай бұрын

I know this was a year ago, but right now there are pretty futureproof 5G modems, like as long as you have MIMO and get the newest modems you should be good.

@Technomadia 9 ай бұрын

Yes.. we track them all over at RVMobileInternet.com

@RonMDavis 2 жыл бұрын

Need that tablet stand. Very nice! I thought we could not move the Calyx sims to other hardware? Has that changed?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We love that tablet holder.. here's a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/33rB1MK For Calyx - moving the SIM isn't officially supported, and on some devices doesn't even work. We happen to have one that it does just work.. at least for now.

@ericmed 2 жыл бұрын

Do you think shortening the external antenna cell booster cable would help any?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Every bit of cable length does contribute to some cable loss, but the cables kitted with boosters are well balanced between length and loss.

@abennett 2 жыл бұрын

If you had the non lithium version, do you think you'd have power anxiety with all of the internet stuff connected?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We did have the non-lithium model before we got Blooper. Never really a concern - as we still had battery power when away from shore power, and cellular gadgets don't take the much power. But we honestly didn't do too much dry camping in the non-lithium version - which is why we upgraded to the GL. Definitely if we're using Starlink when off grid, we'll need the extra juice.

@cathysupp9493 2 жыл бұрын

Wondering if you could purchase abilty to connect on several 'grids' as the home grid That could ensure connectivity in the area in future in those densely populated areas you might be visiting regularly I can imagine the number of users per grid could fill up fast in areas like Orlando for example

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Are you referring to Starlink? Right now, their Business service at $500/mo does give priority access. Or you can purchase a separate Dishy setup for each location you want. When they release a truly mobile service in the future - it'll be interesting to see how they handle it.

@stephenbeale9520 2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to have to watch this again. I'm planning out my internet setup now for my East to West 386MB-OK 5th wheel. It came with the winegard pre installed, and If I can modify the antenna to work with the pepwave cellular antenna I might go that route. Even though I'm not a fan of the Musk dictatorship I want to get starlink and pair with cellular. You know what, the premium membership is really sounding good as I have so many questions and this really isn't the right medium for them.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

All depends on which Winegard you have. The Air 360's 2x2 antennas can be used with a single sub-Cat 12 LTE modem with a adapters... but it can be an awkward installation. The ConnecT isn't really usable outside of itself. If you do join, our team looks forward to assisting you over in our 'office'. :D

@atomiq911 2 жыл бұрын

I find hard to believe that you didn't mention the T-mobile home internet router, aka the Trash can, that's what i use now, it really not designed for roaming, but if you do it occasionally they do allow you to use it, now is there any way to connect the trash can to any of the peplink routers?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We don't personally use the T-Mobile Home Internet service - it's not authorized for mobility. And the 'trash can' way too big to fit into our van's tiny tech cabinet. And we already have plenty of other options in our setup that keep us connected.

@venezo1234 Жыл бұрын

hello guys , was thinking about purchasing a weboost drive rv reach for wi fi booster and a hot spot from verizon , will this be enough to get better internet connection ?

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

weBoost is a cellular booster, not a Wi-Fi booster. As to what will meet your needs.. so much depends on your needs. Recommend starting at: www.rvmobileinternet.com/getting-started

@vanwhalen3719 29 күн бұрын

Totally unrelated. I love that blue color on your van! Can you tell me what kind of van is that?

@Technomadia 29 күн бұрын

Blooper is a Winnebago Travato GL - the blue was a very rare color they did. Technomadia.com/blooper

@RichardDeAgazio 2 жыл бұрын

I have Starlink and I am waiting for the dongle to hook it up to my Pepwave with CAT. Any tips?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We have been sharing lots of tips with our members over at the Mobile Internet Resource Center, including a recent webinar on the topic.

@dude999642 2 жыл бұрын

Question: I'll be living/working on my boat, and mostly on anchor, where the boat swings maybe w/in a 30 degree arc. Would that work with Starlink "RV" plan!?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

It works.. but there can be drop outs as the boat moves and Dishy has to re-aim. When at anchor, we always bond to a cellular connection to keep a stable online experience.

@dude999642 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia Awesome!

@jeffdickey6305 Жыл бұрын

What blinds are you using on your windshield?

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

Just what comes standard with the Travato. They actually recently broke - was very happy to ditch them. Nice concept, but poorly implemented.

@Mudford63 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, did you guys do a video on how to setup the access point on the pepwave?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Our partners over at MobileMustHave likely have that in their knowledge base for their customers.

@Mudford63 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia thank you. Looking at their membership now.

@ToniAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Wondering how all the equipment is powered!

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

At this location, we have 30A campground power. But our van also has the Volta 48v lithium system with lots of off grid power.

@kelcaba7914 Жыл бұрын

I want to go on the road with my husband but my job requires me to be hardwired I can’t use Wi-Fi to directly connect, I’m wondering if there’s a way around this

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

All depends what they mean by hardwired.. does just your laptop need to connected via Ethernet? Or does your internet source have to be cable/DSL? We cover this in more in this guide: www.rvmobileinternet.com/working-remotely

@steventoney4018 2 жыл бұрын

I have the BR1 Pro 5G and 12v 8port POE switch and the AP One AP in my Travato 22GL. I would be interested in the details of your cable routing into van -- the dealer installed a weboost and ran the cable thru the WGO black box conduit port - but now I have parsec husky 7n1 so lots more cable to go inside -- I have not tackled -- the wgo conduit box does not have a removable top that I can tell like other weather resistant boxes. so I can not yet see how big a hole goes through the roof -- is it worth removing the wgo box and use one with a gasketed top to work on getting cables through into the van and then resealing and adhering the new box. what are the mounting hardwire details for your pole for mounting the akita and starlink dish.. these device work well .. I have verizon and t-mobile sims in the peplink 5G router and a ATT sim in a netgear 5G nighthawk that is portable but can ethernet link into setup as well. my current issue is tackle the mounting of outside antennas. and get the cable inside the van.. some of your experience / solution details would be helpful I probably will add starlink in the future -- maybe an akita on a pole if height helps over the husky mounted on roof.. where do you run all the cables??? thanks

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

I am using the stock plastic box that Winnebago provides, with I believe a 1" hole drilled into the side of it. Through that hole I've been able to fish all 12 antenna cables down through the Access Port into the tech area behind the TV. The hole in the van roof under the box is plenty big - it just requires some patience to work the wires around a bit of an S-curve. Getting a fish wire through and then pulling the rest is the best way to go.

@steventoney4018 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia thanks... are you using any gasket on the 1in hole or just gooped for sealing with manus bond or dicor.?? I'm also interesting in your ladder pole and mounting hardware configuration for starlink and your akita. are the cables from those going through the WGO port or just via window or door when setup? I mounted the parsec husky to the roof rack today - added two more cross bars upfront - one extra to do a 12 inch square aluminum plate for the husky and another to mount a yakima fairing to try -- in the long run may fabricate a larger custom fairing.. now to run the husky cables through the holes. I may end up putting 4 POE bullet cameras on top and run those cable inside to the POE or do another POE switch in a waterproof box and only run one ethernet and one 12v power to the outside .. still thinking -- has I have the BR15G, NUC computer, QNAP NAS, HDHOMERUN, and AP One on switch - so only have 3 ports open.. thanks for the info I almost tempted to cut the top off the WGO box and mount another waterproof box with rmoveable lid down over the wgo box for easier access

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

The Akita cables go through the roof port. The Starlink is not full-time installed, so I just run that cable through the back door edge. To seal the 1” hole, I have a screw on clamshell cover. Though honestly I mostly tend to just use a temporary cover made of duct tape since I tend to want to change out the antennas easily.

@jenspeterkold5454 2 жыл бұрын

Would you use the same setup for your boat ? Specific Starlink.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, as we covered at the end of the video (with video of Dishy cruising with us) .. pretty much same same setup on the boat, except we use the MAX Transit Pro instead of Pro E.

@jenspeterkold5454 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia sorry, was too impatient.

@shi4llc812 2 жыл бұрын

Have you guys ever tried Google fi

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Here's our coverage of it: www.rvmobileinternet.com/googlefi

@dhincks1 2 жыл бұрын

How did you get starlink? I'm mobile most of the time. Unfortunately my " home address" isn't prioritized so even though I'm an early subscriber .... Dead air from Starlink.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Our full guide, as linked in the video, to getting Starlink is at www.rvmobileinternet.com/starlink

@jimbrown9817 Жыл бұрын

Did you find and go for the RV version? I was waitlisted for 9 months, with poor odds of either home or work addresses being served. When the RV option came available, I bought in. Received the unit in

@rd4660 2 жыл бұрын

Love your content, but I’m at the point in my retirement that when I don’t have a cell signal it’s a good thing. I have a Kindle that is full of books, so when I don’t have a signal, I celebrate and read,

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We look forward to such a time in our future as well... where connectivity is an option, not a need. Well done!

@radnelac26 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent informative and educational review of your most recent mobile updates. Thank you for sharing. Also, I really like the look of your Ipad holder . Can you direct me to where I might find a similar model? Thanks so much and best of luck working towards a less demanding schedule.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We love that tablet holder.. here's a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/33rB1MK

@radnelac26 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia Thank you!!

@brucefay5126 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia We bought one based on your recommendation and use it whenever we ZOOM. It’s excellent.

@genoropesa9896 Жыл бұрын

Do you take it out when you are driving?

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

Take what out?

@genoropesa9896 Жыл бұрын

I mean the pole? When traveling…

@Technomadia Жыл бұрын

No, we keep the pole permanently attached to our ladder. When underway we just lower it so the cellular antenna is below the roof line, and take Starlink down if it had been set up.

@jasonthemason1971 2 жыл бұрын

Hell……. I still use my Ellipsis Jetpack from Verizon. Works great !! It hasn’t caught fire yet. I removed the battery and just plug it in. I’ve given up trying to get a replacement from Verizon !!!!

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

That certainly works.. but such an old device. Missing out on their newer frequency bands, and no antenna ports for signal enhancing.

@jasonthemason1971 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia I’m ready to go to Verizon and just buy a new one. But, it’s connected to 8 devices and will take time to switch everything over.

@jasonthemason1971 2 жыл бұрын

@@Technomadia looks like the Orbic Speed 5G UW has the best reviews. Is it worth the $300, compared to the other one for $79. Thanks.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We have the unit in review over at the Mobile Internet Resource Center: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/orbic-speed-5g-uw/

@keithhart3689 2 жыл бұрын

And I bet it cost a fortune what is monthly cost??

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Monthly cost is dependent upon the plans you choose - we track all the current best options at www.RVMobileInternet.com/planpicks . We share our personal plans (many of which are retired now) at www.technomadia.com/internet

@tomkeating65 2 жыл бұрын

Or, with a little studying, you could be a licensed amateur radio operator. Doing this would open up communications that you never thought of.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We actually both have had our licenses for well over a decade.

@michelemarsden 2 жыл бұрын

You guys for hire?

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

We no longer provide private advising, but we offer tons of content, guidance and even a classroom with office hours at www.rvmobileinternet.com.

@brandyboone 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure if it is just me but almost none of your links actually work.

@Technomadia 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for letting us know - it looks like there was some sort of cut-n-paste glitch that somehow added an extra .com to the end of some of the links on KZfaq. We just fixed them.