DIY Starlink Flatmount on a Minivan | Van Life Internet ANYWHERE

Join me as I cut into my Starlink Internet dish in order to flat-mount it to my minivan roof! Starlink is high-speed satellite internet, which means you can have internet just about anywhere, independent of cell signal. This is a total game changer for vanlife, and digital nomads!
If you'd like to see everything I use in my van, click here: www.minivancampergal.com
Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly and I camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, doing part-time van life. Here you will find van build videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan vanlife well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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[@okiejammer2736]

⚘ SO PROUD OF YOU! Cool upgrade AND it's another version of FREEDOM in being able to work from anywhere. Wow. That's just huge.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! Yes, the freedom is awesome!

[@okiejammer2736]

Holy. Moly. You're one gutsy gal! WERE YOU READING MY MIND? This is needed info for me. Brilliant. Props and kudos and THANK YOU. Wow. Courage.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks! Good luck if you do it! It's totally awesome, (once it's finished.)😂

[@williamatkins3465]

A drilling tip - When drilling larger holes start with a small drill bit and work your way up, less chance of cracking, chipping, and burning.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks William! Yeah, I wish I would've done that.

[@MrSmieglitz]

They also make special drill bits for drilling acrylic sheet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b57bi4COeM93q6Msi=2PeDcigPfA4N8vOr @@minivancampergal1554

[@StevefromOhio1972]

Hi Kelly, Very good job! Every time you run into a problem, you always come up with a clever solution. You are a very good problem solver and you're so creative. Enjoy you satellite internet on all your travels. You and your van are so awesome! Steve.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Steve! I'm a little tired of problem solving, ha! I'm looking forward to some relaxing weeks.

[@HomeGrownCountryGirl]

I love how you just jump right in and take risks. I really enjoy your channel, Kelly! Keep ‘em coming, stay safe.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Janell! I appreciate the comment!

[@z9ski690]

Another outstanding video!!! The install was very complicated, creative and professional looking. ❤❤

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@kelliesmith4068]

Wow! I've been impressed by your knowledge & abilities, but your diy bravery has exponentially risen in my eyes. Very nice work! Phew! I smiled BIG at your relief that all went well. 🤓

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Kellie! Haha, thanks!

[@JoaquinChea]

That was gutsy cutting open that Starlink! You did a great job! Congratulations

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Great success, doesn’t it just feels the best when you complete such a complex project??😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, totally! I'm recovering in the mountains now though, haha!

[@CasitaAdventurer]

The only tape I would use in a high heat critical environment is Scotch VHB (very high bond) .They use it for things like aircraft control surfaces. It is also commonly used to attaché solar panels to fiberglass trailers. The consumer scotch red tape has failed me repeatedly.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Casita! Ooh, good to know. I was thinking the extreme scotch was comparable to VHB, but I guess not. Thanks!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

To hold the washers on use two part epoxy. To level the roof channel's tape kitchen foil to the top plenty big enough to cover the area. Then use non expanding great stuff to fill gaps. When its hard peel off the foil and epoxy that to your base. It fits perfectly. And insulates the starlink from the roof. Get the rails mounted and you will love what you are able to do with the cross rails. Theres so many mount options available. I have six currently on my town and country touring. If i desire i can remove everything in just a few minutes. Just back the clamp nuts out and cross rails and gear come's right off. You are really reaching for the stars with your build Kelly! Nice job.

[@Bill-HRT]

Nice video. Thank you. Big book come in handy . . .

[@GaryNichols50]

Excellent project and well done. I've been thinking of doing a similar thing but hadn't yet worked up the courage to cut into a $600 dish.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Gary! Yeah, not gonna lie, it was stressful! I'm so happy I have it on the roof now though.

[@mcimon91]

You sure know how to build suspense!!! Congratulations I'm so glad it worked out!!🎉 📡

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, well, I'm glad it was an entertaining cliff hanger. Thanks for watching!

[@tomhettrick7813]

Wow that amazing, congrats, well done❤👌👍👏

[@junlong68]

Good job!!

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

Good job! You're an inspiration!

[@CLdriver1960]

Good call on the altitude and pressure. If it was completely sealed the air inside would expand and push up on your bead seal, no bueno. Good job!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for the reassurance!

[@Seafariireland]

Another super, well presented and very useful review, well done Gal! Thank you, SkipRay, Kerry, Ireland.

[@chrisnortheast888]

You were scaring me with your table-saw technique. I'd be selling that table saw and getting a track saw instead if I was you. Stay safe.

[@jah-jah87]

You should convert STARLINK to 12v so you dont have to use the inverter

[@CarrieMtn]

I love your “can do attitude!” I hope it works perfectly for you!

[@soundslikesweeney]

Inspiring work! I would have been so scared to cut into it!

[@tharding2870]

That is some serious ingenuity ! (And a lot of work) At the end of the day its a solution that works for you first and foremost but I found myself wondering many times as I watched . . . did you save any $$$ as compared to buying from the business that creates these (?)

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! Yes, I probably only spend around $100. Star Mount would've been around $1200.

[@bonniecreevy2642]

I will be for sure watching to see how it does. You are so handy and brave!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Bonnie!

[@ERone43]

I wish you luck for the longevity of this endeavor…however, as a fabricator I see huge glaring red flags. I am glad to have watched because it makes me appreciate my roof rails and sunroof that much more. Thank you for the video

[@tucsontom7244]

I'm impressed with your adventure and skills.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Tom!

[@stephenkirk4145]

Great job!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Stephen!

[@MaryOKC]

So I get what you’ve done. My son made me a fan unit to install in my sun roof and it’s made of aluminum and he added to it ridged insulation that is cut the exact size and then used metal tape to tape it in place…I was thinking you could have used ridged insulation as well between the aluminum and the starlink…and you could still use the bolts…and I was thinking for around the bottom of the starlink where you taped it you could have run a door seal strip around and between the unit. You did great! BTW you could probably run the cable right through the door since you have a door seal to absorb the cable going through it. I’ve mounted my solar panels and ran the cables right in through the door seal without issues.

[@ritasmoot1823]

Super cool!!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@c.maidagautierre3561]

Maybe next time, build a box and affix the starling to the box along with your bolt method. Great job!!

[@c.maidagautierre3561]

*star link

[@Judy-it5jp]

Excellent 👍

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Judy!

[@wardsdotnet]

Great job!!! Hope it holds up well

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@musicalmarion]

Kel you did great - again ! What a super fixing and once you've sorted the cable it'll be just perfect. PLUS I thought of another use for the Starlink when not connected - ironing board ! ? Haha just kidding, wow you were brave cutting that expensive thing up, well done! ❤

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Marion! Thanks for watching again!

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Warranty Void 😮 Nice idea.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, yes, totally!

[@maryhight6030]

OMGOODNESS you are amazing 👏👏 I'd hire you.❤️

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Mary!

[@nicksling-it2167]

Change to rj45 connection and leave it up all the time, it’s fine, I leave all mine on my trucks always.

[@peteroffpist1621]

Well Done, there are some great water tight trough the roof for RVs connections.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Peter!

[@richardross3172]

Dang Kelly! Does Elon have you on speed dial yet? You are one gutsy gal!!!!!😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, thanks Richard!

[@debvoz]

I would think that you would experience periodic service drops when the satellites aren't directly overhead. The whole point of the moving dish is to follow the satellite. I'm really surprised.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Deb! I guess there are so many satellites up now, it doesn’t have to move. I’ve had it on full time, and no disruptions!

[@danielseifring359]

If I ever go van life I am hiring you to do this for me. Great Job.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, thanks Daniel!

[@barbarabacker-gray9611]

Very brave. I would try oven liner between the metal and the plastic. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Barb- oh, that’s a great idea. Thanks!

[@kyungshim6483]

Great work! With the strong wind while driving, I wonder if the cocking is strong enough to hold the dish. Would love to watch another video with an update on how it's holding up.

[@minivancampergal1554]

I've driven a little bit with it, but I realized the shocks from the dirt road probably aren't good for it, so I think I'll probably remove it if I'm driving offroad at all, or at high speeds.

[@russellrlf]

You are brave! 😬

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@27ronlee]

Before you cut acrylic tape it on both sides along cutting line

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, thanks for the tip!

[@ricshar3863]

Starlink just changed the game technically banning in-motion use unless you pay a more expensive plan. If one only wants stationary use of Starlink and save some service fee, there is probably no need to install the dish on roof.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, I don't plan to use it in motion, I just like it on the roof for ease.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Very cool! How did you mount your rigid solar panel? I looked for a video on that and didn't see one, thanks.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Mellow! Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6K1qoKMmZeljc0

[@michelleb3096]

Hi Kelly. I have a question about the starling service. I understand you get cell service, but could you use it for streaming services? For example, Netflix or Amazon prime? How does that work? Can you program it like a smart tv? Do you have to stream from your phone ap to a smart tv? I don’t understand starlings application outside of getting cell service. Os. I like your ingenuity….and I learned about the good glues you used today. Thanks😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Michelle! It's just like normal internet. It has a router that you connect to the same way you connect to normal routers. Yes, you can stream Netflix, and even do video calls on it! The only catch is it needs a clear view of the sky - so lots of trees or buildings will be a problem.

[@angelinasouren]

Looks great. Have you considered any moisture issues? I didn't hear you mention that. (Also, when things can flex, they can be less likely to break, actually, than when they are rigid, but I don't think that that's an issue here.)

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Angelina! Yeah, I’m hoping moisture isn’t a problem. I live in the desert, but I do travel a lot.

[@anniebeach330]

Wow!! This is amazing! I'm curious how many hours it took doing all of that?

[@anniebeach330]

I love this--I have to work when I travel, so this is great encouragement!

[@mikegreene8461]

Great job, but can you cook? 😊

[@wardsdotnet]

Maybe it would have been good to fill in the area behind the tape with foam

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, yeah, that's a great idea.

[@marlonpape8870]

my i say somthing you have to cut your motor out you can keep that than you have better internet and les work

[@egn83b]

Star cake roof mount

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ha! Yes, it reminded me of that too!

[@jamesfalvey77]

Bet you know where the tape isle is at lowes

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, yup.

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

Nice work 👍. Be aware you may lose data connection around your local " solar noon " at your location. Elon's satalite may get between you and the sun. Rock on 🙂 .

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for the tip! I haven't had any breaks in service so far, but I'll look that up!

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

@@minivancampergal1554 That's why they tell you to point the dish to the north. No sun all day in the north sky 🌄

[@agr8h2o]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for watching!

[@seabliss22]

I don't know much about starlink and how it works but wouldn't it had been more simple to build a little box with a hole for the starlink wire to come through the roof. Then when in the city just drop the starlink down into the box? No one from ground level would know it's there and it remains portable for those times when you are parked in the trees and want to deploy the satellite dish away from the van. 🤷 I'm sure there is a logical explanation for not trying this way. I just don't understand why it wouldn't work.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Woah, that's a cool idea! Why didn't you post this last week?! Haha!

[@seabliss22]

​@@minivancampergal1554😂 if I had waited till the end of the video I would have seen that it's not a permanent mount. But I still don't understand the purpose of flat mounting. I'm not being smart I honestly don't understand.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Oh. I thought you were permanently mounting it.

[@minivancampergal1554]

No, I wanted to be able to remove it if I wanted

[@gavinwilkinson3722]

I dont me.mean to be rude..but you could of just not cut it up and just made a simpe wooden frame to mount it flat on.