Investing in the best RV cell phone booster can make all the difference, giving you reliable coverage no matter where you roam! Do you need help getting a signal while on the road? Don’t let dropped calls or weak signals spoil your travels.
If you’re an RV camper, you know the importance of cell service. No one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any way to communicate with the outside world.
So what happens when you’re in a remote area, and there’s a poor signal? Or the campground has lots of trees obstructing an already ropey connection. Or a weak signal means your GPS navigation and mapping services keep dropping out.
Cell boosters can be a lifesaver if you rely on your cell signal for a crucial WiFi connection, such as remote working.
This blog post discusses the best cell boosters for RV campers and their pros and cons. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide, so you know what to look for when choosing a cell booster for your RV!
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At A Glance: 3 Best RV Cell Phone Boosters
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1. weBoost Drive Reach RV
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2. Cel-Fi Go X
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3. SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit
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What Is An RV Cell Phone Booster? (And What It Isn’t)
An RV cell booster is a device that helps improve the signal quality of your cell phone or other mobile devices.
An antenna fitted to your RV roof captures signals from nearby towers, amplifies them, and then sends the boosted signal to your phone via an internal antenna.
This makes it easier for your phone to pick up clear signals and make calls or use data even when you’re in a place with poor reception.
A boosted cellular signal will provide a more reliable cell signal. As a result, you are less likely to experience dropouts.
But a signal booster doesn’t necessarily mean your upload and download speeds will improve.
It is also important to note a cell booster can’t create a signal where there is none. In other words, your signal booster can boost existing signals from the nearest cell tower but can’t create a new one where there is no coverage.
It’s Not A WiFi Extender
A cell booster works differently from a WiFi extender. While both are designed to extend your connection range, WiFi extenders work by rebroadcasting existing signals, while cell boosters actually improve the signal quality before they reach your device.
Cell boosters are ideal for RV campers because they don’t rely on existing WiFi. They can improve the signal quality in places with weak reception, such as remote camping locations and campgrounds surrounded by trees.
Furthermore, an RV cell signal booster is designed to handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing signal quality. This makes them ideal for RVers with more than one device or carrier.
Now, let’s look at our top picks for the best cell boosters for RV campers in more detail.
Features
- Compatible with all U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and UScellular
- Omnidirectional antenna, so there is no need to aim it
- Magnetic external antenna makes installation easy
- 12v power source
- FCC approved with 50 dB max gain
- On-Off Switch
- Use when parked or on the move
- Support multiple users and has multi-device capability
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
What We Liked
This modular antenna is easy to install—no drilling required!—and will work with any of your favorite phone carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.
Plus, it’s 5G compatible for even faster speeds.
Installation is super straightforward, with simple instructions included, suitable for most DIYers.
The On-Off switch allows you to power the booster when not in use. That’s a crucial feature for boondocking and living off-grid.
The Drive Reach is also an excellent choice for RVers who need to support multiple devices and users simultaneously, as it has multi-device capability.
What We Didn’t Like
Some customers have mentioned that installation has been tricky for them. We’re not clear on why they struggled, but we felt it worthy of note here.
Pros
- On-Off Switch
- Well-tested in the RVing community with good reviews
Cons
- Some customers have reported tricky installation
2. Cel-Fi Go X
Features
- Compatible with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T
- Omnidirectional antenna, so there is no need to aim it
- Easy installation with a magnetic external antenna
- 12v power source
- FCC approved with up to 100 dB max gain while parked and 70db on the go
- Has multi-device capability
- 2-year warranty + lifetime tech support
What We Liked
The Cel-Fi Go X offers the best gain of all the cell phone signal boosters available to RVers.
RVers who need a reliable service will love it because it gives them a cell phone signal almost 1000 times better than the next best thing. That means you can be further away from a cell tower and still be able to boost the signal.
Installing it is also a breeze, with an included magnetic external antenna and easy setup.
The Cel-Fi Wave App also makes it easy to monitor your signal strength in real-time and switch between carriers.
What We Didn’t Like
The price tag of the Cel-Fi Go X is huge! Almost double that of the next most expensive signal booster.
That may be prohibitive to some, but if you run your business from your RV or have any other reason to depend on a reliable cellular signal, the Cel-Fi Go X is the best cell phone booster available.
It also doesn’t support multiple carriers at a time. You will have to switch between your carriers manually if you have multiple users onboard on different carriers.
Pros
- Highest dB gain of any RV cell phone signal booster
- Real-time monitoring with Cel-Fi Wave App
- Easy installation and setup
Cons
- Only supports a single carrier at a time
- Expensive price tag
Features
- Compatible with all North American cell carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint
- Omni directional antenna, so there is no need to aim it
- Easy installation with a magnetic external antenna and mast mount option
- 12v & 120v power sources included
- FCC approved with up to 50 dB max gain
- Supports multiple users and has multi-device capability
- 3-year warranty + lifetime US-based customer support
What We Liked
This RV cell phone booster is one of the most compact units available. It fits into any tight space and is perfect for boondocking.
As with other the weBoost, installation is straightforward. The included external magnetic antenna makes for a quick setup with no drilling or other modifications required.
The SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 is also ideal for RVers who need to support multiple devices and users simultaneously, as it has multi-device capability.
SureCall’s excellent 3-year warranty and US-based customer support team make this signal booster kit a great choice for RVers who need reliable cellular service.
What We Didn’t Like
Only recently, SureCall included around 10 feet of cable, not nearly enough for installing in even a small RV.
Fortunately, they’ve resolved that now and include 40 feet, so that should be good enough for most RVs.
Pros
- Compact and easy to install
- Multi-device capable
- Long cable included now
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- As a more budget-friendly signal booster, the quality of the product is perhaps not as good as even the low price tag suggests. It’s worth reading some of the more negative reviews before buying.
- Relatively low maximum gain at 50 dB compared to higher-end Cel-Fi Go X booster
What We Looked For In The Best RV Cell Phone Boosters
To decide on our top three picks, we looked at the following criteria:
- Supported Carriers: an RV cell phone booster should support all major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
- Antenna: we looked at the gain rating and the coverage area to gauge its effectiveness.
- Ease of installation: we considered the setup process and customer support to ensure a hassle-free setup.
- Power Source: hard-wired vs. wireless. 12v is the ultimate power source for RVers that love boondocking.
- Multi-Device Capability: many of us use more than one device in our RV. Maybe your RVing family has more than one cell phone onboard, plus a laptop or tablet.
- Range, Signal Reach & Reliability: we rated each RV cell phone booster based on its ability to provide a reliable connection and a wide range of coverage
- Price: we considered the price tag of each cell signal booster, bearing in mind its features and performance.
How to Choose The Right RV Cell Phone Booster For Your Lifestyle
Of all the RV cell phone boosters we’ve reviewed, the weBoost Drive Reach RV was our favorite. But it doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.
If you’re trying to figure out which booster is best for your needs, it helps to understand what you need and which features you can pass on.
Before you buy, there are a few things you should take into consideration. We can’t cover every single factor that could come up, but these questions should get you most of the way there.
Antenna Features & Capability
When selecting a cell signal booster for your RV, the antenna features and capabilities should be one of the first things you look at. Make sure to choose an antenna that is FCC approved, as this will help ensure your device doesn’t interfere with wireless networks.
Additionally, you should consider the gain rating of the antenna to judge how powerful it is; higher gain means better performance.
You should also take into account the coverage area for the device—will it be able to provide coverage for the whole RV?
Finally, assess whether you need an omnidirectional or directional antenna based on your specific needs.
Installation & Power Sources
Next, think about the installation. Most RV cell phone boosters require no drilling, and setup should be relatively easy.
But consider whether the kit comes with enough cable.
An RV, especially for boondocking, must run on a 12v power source, so it’s as energy efficient on your battery bank as possible.
Multi-Device Capability
When searching for the right signal booster for your RV, get one that supports multiple devices. This means you need a device capable of simultaneously providing a strong signal to multiple users.
If your RV is large and you are traveling with more than one person, having a signal booster with multi-device capability will be invaluable.
Look for cell signal boosters that specify they are designed for multiple users to enjoy optimal performance and guaranteed satisfaction.
Price & Value
When choosing a cell signal booster for your RV, you’ll want to consider both price and value. While more expensive products may offer additional features, they may be optional for your needs. So think about what features are essential and worth the cost.
On the other hand, plenty of good-quality cell signal boosters are available at budget-friendly prices.
These often offer acceptable performance with few bells and whistles that may be unnecessary for your setup.
Consider assessing the different options in terms of price and value before making any final decisions.
Which RV Cell Phone Booster Is Best?
When selecting the best RV cell phone booster, there are a few factors to consider.
The Cel-Fi Go X is the best option on the market if you want maximum gain, but it comes at a super higher price tag.
For a more affordable alternative that still offers plenty of features and good performance, we recommend the weBoost Drive Reach RV.
For those on a tighter budget but who need good signal-boosting capabilities, the SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 could be a great choice.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs and budget demands, so research each product in detail before making any final decisions.
Expert Tips On How To Maximize Your Cell Signal In An RV
- Go outside of the RV. Your RV walls will block at least some of the cell signals. So more often than not, you’ll be able to get a better signal by standing outside.
- Park the RV in an area where the signal is stronger. This isn’t always easy or practical, but parking in an open area without too many trees or other interference can help.
- Keep your cell phone up to date. Most cellular providers offer free updates, so download them as soon as they’re available.
- Keep your cell phone as close to the RV’s window as possible. This will help boost a weak signal and ensure you get the best connection.
- Install a cell phone signal booster with an appropriate gain rating. You’ll need to consider the size of your RV and the coverage area you need when deciding on a signal booster.
- Keep your RV antenna clear of obstructions. If you have an external roof antenna, make sure trees or tall structures do not block it.
- Use WiFi to make calls instead of relying on a good cell signal.
FAQs
Are cell signal boosters worth the money?
Cell phone boosters can be an invaluable investment to help ensure you never miss a call or message.
Whether you’re in an area with a spotty signal, traveling frequently, or just want to boost the reliability of your signal, installing a reliable cell phone booster is worth the money.
With the right antenna setup, you’ll enjoy clear, uninterrupted service almost anywhere!
Where is the best place to put an RV cell phone booster?
Installing a cell phone booster in an RV can be a great way to get better reception in remote places.
The best place to mount the antenna is usually on the RV’s roof, as this ensures maximum reach and range.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy reliable cell phone service wherever your RV takes you!
What’s the difference between RV WiFi boosters and RV Cell Phone Boosters?
RV WiFi boosters boost the range of your home or RV WiFi network. You can use them to extend the reach of your existing router and provide additional access points to ensure seamless coverage throughout your vehicle.
On the other hand, cell phone boosters pull in distant cell towers and amplify the signal for your device. This makes it easier to stay connected no matter where you are and even helps boost data speeds when coverage is spotty or weak.
The most important thing to remember is that both products can help make your RV life more enjoyable and stress-free by providing reliable internet and cell phone service.
Read more: Best RV WiFi Boosters For Life On The Road (coming soon)
In Conclusion
Choosing the best RV cell phone booster for your lifestyle and needs can be daunting.
But by:
- understanding what features you need,
- researching antenna capabilities and gain levels,
- considering power sources, and
- looking at reliability ratings,
you’ll find that finding the best RV cell phone booster doesn’t have to be so difficult.
With all of this in mind, we hope our guide has helped point you in the right direction in choosing the best for your family!
Now that you know what to look for, we hope that you’ll be able to pick the perfect RV cell phone booster for your needs. Good luck out there!
Happy travels!
We want to hear from you! Do you have any experience with RV cell phone boosters? Leave a comment below to let us know what booster you use and if it works well.