Getting Stuff on the Road: WeBoost Cell Booster Review

[@SlimPotatohead]

Note from Slim: PLEASE DO NOT ADD LINKS TO COMMENTS!!! They get filtered out and I don't have the data and time to review them. Any product suggestions just include brand and model with the comment. Thanks! SP

[@hsteven9248]

I've been watching the series of your clips for the past one week. Compare with other KZbinrs, your clip is really good, and comfortable to watch. English is not my first language...The way you talk and your tone is really easy to understand, especially for me. Thanks for your editing effort, you must have given a lot of time and thoughts for that. I'm not able to travel around like you , altho I wish i could, but watching your video makes me feel like I am already on the road trip. Thank you so much.

[@MarianRehersals]

Slim Potatohead A few years ago I tested a radio that had a small solar panel, a crank and a battery at my remote cabin. I think multiple sources of power was a good idea. The cranking function was worthless to me because it took over 60 cranks to get 15 minutes of radio. Maybe OK if you only needed a weather report. The solar charging was very slow too. Thanks for the careful testing of products useful to travelers. I learn as much from all the comments and will be checking out their suggestions. Hope you’ll do a video when you find a good one.

[@kenjohnson9498]

SORRY, i've done that -- not again

[@IsabelleIsabelle01]

@@hsteven9248 I'm french and i also have no problems to understand because it's not too fast like many others

[@brendanbattlefield1265]

Hey slim, still Loving the videos, my recommendation for chargers would be for a company called anker, they make portable battery packs from small to big, and they have fantastic charging cords.

[@vickypastrana1245]

There is never a boring moment with you

[@livingthelife6284]

I agree. You have a gift for great presentations. Whether it's an product review, RV repairs or travel trips you present everything in a very entertaining and informative form.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

Remember, every 3dB is effectively double/half the strength of signal. It's impressive if the device can go from -120dBm to -100dBm. That's about 128x the signal strength.

[@CC58]

You might consider a Ham Radio Technician license. Only a few questions to memorize to get get that. 2m/73cm handy talkies work where cell phones do not due to 20,000 repeaters in US. There have been incidents of RVers getting stuck in the desert and perishing that a ham radio would have saved. Plus you have folks to talk to if you wish. Plus most handy talkies have weather radio too. If no interest in that, Garmin Inreach is a emergency satellite radio the size of a bic lighter that works anywhere and can save you. It can send cell text messages by satellite also.

[@karinhart489]

Charles, my cheap BaoFeng Ham Radio may not work well for amateur frequencies at times, but it always pulls in at least one NOAA/NWS transmission. In some places I can pull in 5 different areas. Now I look up the weather frequencies of where I’m going so I can dial the correct one in where I get there.

[@billreid2066]

Canada and the USA have a reciprocating agreement with ham radio, so if Slim decided to get his basic (or advanced) licence in Canada, he still could use it while traveling down south

[@the10thman58]

WEATHER ALERT SUGGESTION Slim, I have a C.B. Radio with a weather channel and absolutely love it. Even at home I will sometimes sit out in the Jeep and listen to the loop. Obviously a C.B has other advantages. However you might want to look into getting a H.A.M.B. Radio which for an emergency is very valuable and the signal travels much farther than a C.B. You DON'T need a H.A.M.B license to own, listen and use in case of emergency - only need a license if your going to use it for conversations with others. I always look forward to your videos. I'm living vicariously through them cause I still have a job and can only do weekends. Slim; I appreciate your videos very much, you have a relaxing narrative voice and your eye for filming the same things I appreciate about nature is awesome and rejuvenating - Thank You!

[@fredprobst199]

Slim, look at the Midland Public NOAA Radio. Living in Kansas with our tornados they are a necessity. They also give warnings for wildfires, freeze warnings, hail, blizzards, floods, and etc. You can pick and choose what warning(s) you want to hear. The National Weather Service broadcasts 24 hours a day on I think 8 different frequencies. The frequencies are spread out across the US in groups of 8, so no matter where you are you should get a strong signal. Anytime you want to hear the weather you just push a button to receive the latest forecast for your area and push the same button to turn it off. When a warning is a broadcast a tone alert is sounded with a verbal and visual warning. If you're away from your radio and miss the warning, the radio will be flashing the warning when you return. Anyway, we've had ours for about 10 years now and it still works like new. There's more to it, but this should give you a good idea of what they are about. Happy camping. - Fred

[@azclaimjumper]

I also vote for Midland ER310, have one, & highly recommend. It WORKS. I, too, am left-handed. Sold @REI

[@susancronk8512]

We have one of these. It gets a very good signal. Also runs off AA batteries if electricity isn't available. Walmart used to sell them for about $29. And they will pick up the local alerts wherever you happen to be in the country. I don't think they cover dust storms or sand storms in the desert, though, so it has its limitations. I could be wrong. Midland NOAA also has an emergency crank one with flashlight through Northern Tool. They have brick & mortar shops as well as online ordering.

[@markfellhauer352]

@@susancronk8512 - I'm not sure where you got the notion that the NWS doesn't issue dust storm alerts or high wind warnings. I live in the Phoenix area and they certainly do issue those warnings as an alert to weather alert radios. There is specific code they can send to SAME Weather Alert Radios in regards to Dust Storms.

[@susancronk8512]

@@markfellhauer352 That was intended as a bit of a joke. We don't have a lot of dust here in the Midwest, because every field has something planted in it and what isn't planted is covered in grass or other vegetation, or has trees. We only have to deal with little old tornadoes, like the five we had here last summer, 90-mph straight-line winds on occasion, hail big enough to play golf or baseball with sometimes, and, in 2007, ice that brought down very large branches and weighing hundred pounds. We depended on that Midland radio a lot, and being without power for over a week, we liked the fact it took AAs. Just saying, the Midland NOAA is the right radio to have, wherever you may be in the U.S.. They get the job done. We also get the high-wind advisories here for high-profile vehicles, just never heard a dust storm announced here. Enjoy your sunshine today. It's negative digits here for tonight and perhaps morning. I also tried one of the phone apps, and if SP can cure the lack of signal that might be a good choice for him. But, I found, after getting caught in a storm that was worse than what I was seeing, the app I was using clearly failed. I started using the Weather Underground app since then and the alerts come through wonderfully. Hope you all have a terrific day. Great videos Slim.

[@smjones4238]

I have to add my use of weather radios has included several different types, mostly years ago, but lately, the Midland seems to be the one. They are very programmable and you can custom program them to ignore a lot of the garbage you get when IN RANGE of several towers. They have the same (maybe stronger) short telescoping antenna, BUT they have a jack for a better antenna which would be best for camping. We used them a lot in SD on the ranch, and now on the eastern plains of CO, NE of Denver. The programming is nice for here as there are four strong towers and five weaker ones. Great Video, thanks so much for sharing. Michael in Co.

[@kevinholland4156]

When I used to travel the State of Utah for my job; I bought a trucker scanner. It will scan police and fire but mostly I used it for the weather from NOA. It would pickup the closest broadcast for the area you were near. Or the closest airport you are near. I bought a Uniden scanner. The nice thing is you do not need to mount the antenna on the outside of the vehicle. You do need an antenna, but draped over a seat works just as well as outside. I think I paid around $100-120 for it. I also found out that the State snow plow crews used CB's to communicate and I knew where they were plowing and which roads I wanted to avoid. Sometimes I would listen to the truckers on their CB's during bad weather and ascertain the road conditions.

[@billiebarker2619]

Your approach to simple logical inexpensive organizing and maximizing space seems to take me back to the heart of myself. You seem to be the first person I've found who is adequately specific and clear while keeping things simple. Hugs to you for that! I'd actually love to meet up with you and learn from you while exploring and relaxing and laughing. Right now I really need to "RV" in my Prius (so of course simple inexpensive storage ideas can be invaluable) & my home is in Sacramento, CA. I'm spending hours and hours searching for a high roof van that I can convert very simply (voila your ideas are spectacular for that!). I know that van will turn up any day now - hopefully synched with places opening up safely for traveling and camping. I do love the AC and heat that I can run all night in my Prius while using mainly the battery and less than 1/3 gal. of gas.). Your sense of humor seems to be kind and subtle - so easily brings a smile. Take care.

[@markfellhauer352]

I would recommend getting a weather radio that is made by a name brand known for quality - Sangean, Midland, Eton. I would also look for a Weather Alert Radio with S.A.M.E. Technology. My top recommendation is the Sangean CL-100, which also has AM and FM tuning. My second choice would be the Midland WR-300. For a small handheld radio with weather alert, but without S.A.M.E. I would recommend the Sangean DT-800. It also includes AM and FM tuning. When tuning a weather radio, select the channel with the strongest signal. Weather Radios use FM with a signal that generally only carries about 60 miles maximum. Weather reports and alerts are regional, so even if you are near an adjacent state, the weather report and alerts will most likely cover where you are. You will have to re-scan for the strongest channel every time you move more than 10 or 12 miles. Listening to the radio for a few minutes will confirm if the weather forecast is relevant to you. Some coastal areas will have an additional Weather channel for Marine forecasts. The NWS usually sends out a test alert signal every Wednesday around 11:00 AM to Noon. If you have a S.A.M.E. Radio DO NOT set any county (FIPS) codes on the radio. Leave it at default settings. If you enter county codes the radio will not alert when you move somewhere else in the country. For full information on weather radios - Google "NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS" and go to the NOAA web page that comes up. This will give you information such as broadcast coverage maps and transmitter outages.

[@kirbola]

I bought tile suction cups at Lowe’s used to pick up tiles with. Every time I park my RV I suction them to the body of the Rv and tie strap a 20’ extending paint pole (again from Lowe’s) with my weboost antenna to the top. Works great no matter where I am

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Very nice. What model weboost antenna are you using?

[@MrSparks54]

Thanks for the reviews Slim. As for putting the booster at the rear of the vehicle, remember you are boosting the weak signal to a stronger signal and if placed too close, the booster can interfere with the signal coming from the mag mount antenna. The farther apart, the better

[@RetroDiver]

I'm late to the party, but I've only recently discovered your channel: great informative videos! As a travel radio I use my old Motorola G3 smartphone that has a built in tuner. The phone itself is water resistant, compact, and can be charged via USB. It also can pair with a Bluetooth speaker so you can place the phone where the best reception is, and bring the speaker where you are and have clear stereo sound. Another handy use is you can download offline maps from Google and use it as a handheld GPS where there's no cell service. The downside is the tuner is only FM and it needs an antenna in the form of a headset/earbuds. For a weather radio I recommend picking up a set of bubble wrap GMRS radios that have the weather channels and alert function. Other features I'd recommend is usb charging, scan, and vox--this will allow you keep an ear on base camp while you explore. Sometimes, other drivers use these radios when caravaning and you can get nearby traffic data. This is rare, but does happen during busy travel times like long weekends.

[@herojh]

I love the idea of being somewhere peaceful, buying some new toys, reading instructions, and trying them out.

[@herojh]

And drinking beer.

[@phillippmorris4109]

you bring sunshine into my adventures thanks for sharing safe ,enjoyable and healthy adventures ahead

[@EKEACRES]

The Weather radio I use works great and it's real small. It's made by Midland and it's a hand held radio like a CB. It runs on both electric & batteries, and you can tune it in to your area no matter where you are. I have used it for 3 years now without any fail at all. It also has a LED lit screen that can go off after a few seconds, or made to remain on permanently. It's GREAT!

[@cdb4464]

Slim, I've got the Midland ER310 and love it here in Fla. Hurricane and tornado weather alarms, hand crank, solar, what else...price runs around $60 on amazon. Very pleased with its functioning and durability. Nice vid. All very helpful. Keep up the good work!! :D

[@brucel399]

Good morning Sir. I've read a few comments of people suggesting getting a amateur radio license. I am in fact a ham operator myself. These can prove to be life savers, but if you aren't interested in this I may suggest buying a GMRS radio with weather alert. GMRS licenses cost less then $100 if memory serves correctly, but it covers your whole family. These radios can be either hand held or mobile units. There is an expanding network of repeaters that these radios use for communication. Midland Radio makes several good units that you may look into. Happy Travels and Safe Returns home

[@barascr1]

I would recommend a baofeng UV-R5 (because it's cheap) so you can use it as a weather radio, but the most important thing you can use it in case of an emergency, also, depending on the place you're at, it can be used as a police scanner. Also a trunked radio is a better option. And before anyone says anything, you can own and use this type of radio without a license, you only need one (license) if you want to transmit. And as I previously said, you can use the radio in case of an emergency without a license.

[@doctitan2112]

Slim, I really enjoy your videos, your ability to think outside the box, and your sense of humor! I know this is an older video. I the beginning of the video you mentioned having no printer. I was going to suggest a UPS store as they will print your label, but by the end of the video you brought that up. Another suggestion is Wally World (Walmart) you can order online, pickup at a any Walmart of your choice and return at any Walmart if needed. I am an Amazon-a-holic and have been looking for a 12 step group to work on that. Lol! Safe travels and love your new camper! Doc

[@SlimPotatohead]

@Doc Titan, Walmart was not an option for me the last time I tried it. You need to be a resident to use their service, which is no good for travelers. Thanks! SP

[@doctitan2112]

@@SlimPotatohead didn't know that. Seems like a terrible business decision to eliminate a traveler's ability to buy from their website. It is so convenient to order online and pickup at a local Walmart. I have done it in Florida, New Orleans, and several other places. I do have a US address though, 😞. Again, be safe and enjoy a beer in the woods for me eh! Doc

[@64maxpower]

I enjoy your channel. I enjoy doing things on my own. it takes balls to put your life on the Internet for everyone to comment about

[@cathylarsen7967]

Really like and enjoy all your videos. You are so knowledgeable about doing so many repairs that you must have been a contractor in your life off the road.

[@margaretashlock2531]

Wait anxiously for the new uploads. Don’t even care what the subject is. Thank you

[@thenickfoxx]

I just discovered this guy about 2 weeks ago or so and I cant stop watching his videos! I dont know what it is about slim, but I get a lot of enjoyment watching his videos after work with a coffee lol. I dont even own a camper! Thinking about it now lol

[@black_widow_overland]

Great video. Love the Wyoming shirt (i'm from Wyoming) I never had good luck with cell phone boosters. Keep up the great videos. Safe travels.

[@GospelTruth37059]

I am glad now I didn't get the crank up weather radio ( i was thinking of ordering it), and needed advice on booster for phone..thank you so much for this video. I find your videos entertaining (the weiner dog race one was hysterical) . and helpful. Thank you again Slim, have a blessed day.

[@s.campbell6394]

Hey Slim, two things. C Crane company, Fortuna California, has been selling all types of radio's, including weather, for 20 years that I know of. Might be worth a search. DeLorme publishes an Atlas & Gazetteer for each of the 50 states. Extremely informative with detailed topo maps and information about campgrounds, recreation areas, unique natural features, outdoor adventures and more. My Arizona copy cost 19.95 six or eight years ago. I thumbs up every video before watching. You are always entertaining and educational, thank you for the adventures.

[@davidmohr4606]

Slim, I've found the REECOM Model R-1650D to be a very usable weather/AM/FM radio. It uses S.A.M.E. technology so you can fine tune the areas and types of alerts you receive. I have one at home, in my camper and in my control room at work. Very pleased and though it doesn't have a hand dynamo or solar panel, it does its jobs well. Available on Amazon, but not Prime shipping.

[@hsteven9248]

Hi Slim, I really admire you for your creativity , how you reinvent things and able to roam freely around the country. And the way you edit your video clip is clear and perfect. If one can have a friend like you, would be really great to learn a lot from you as well. Hope to see more of you clip in the future and I surely will subscribe. Cheers from Los Angeles.

[@nickglover4038]

My dad was a salesman for WeBoost👍 it is a good product. Thanks very informative!

[@wyattholliday1]

Hi Slim, I agree! You just can't beat an old-school road atlas. GPS is great if you know exactly where you want to go and just need turn-by-turn guidance. BUT...to know where you are in relation to everything else and to see what else is around you and off the main roads, you got to have an Atlas. I've seen so many cool things by just looking at where I was and what looked interesting around me. Plus no signal or batteries needed!

[@rescueraver]

Hi Slim enjoy your time on the road, my wife and I love your videos. You have world wide KZbin appeal, David from Cruising the Cut in England put you in his top 5 channels that he watches. The other thing I wanted to tell you about is a little town in Arizona called Jerome northeast of Perscot , home of the Thunder Mess Studio Dave Meeks is a great artist and model railroader. Never met him but love his work. Thanks safe travels

[@coxm001]

Garmin Inreach handheld GPS delivers weather reports on demand over Iridium satellite network. Not cheap and very slow but it works well in my experience. Really enjoy your videos - thanks!

[@richarde3435]

Two items...I am a radio nut. Item 1. For your weather radio check out the Midland - ER310, well built, weather resistant, long and strong antenna although the sound quality isn't that great, all of it's features work well.. Item 2 - you might enjoy a small, but well built shortwave radio. Digital is nice, but one with dial tuner is usually more enjoyable - although make sure you get a digital display. Love your videos, keep it up!

[@danielbicknell63]

Hey Slim, if you need to print a return Amazon label on the road, find a public library in a medium to larger town. They will usually have a public printer available for a small fee.

[@sybilyap7949]

I am not a camper, ha ha, but I am hooked watching your videos.

[@lemmingdot]

Slim, you're the best. Can't stop watching your videos.

[@dcarter505]

I’m new to your channel but really enjoy your videos. I certainly hope someday to get on the road like you. Wonderful content and like your sense of humor.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Glad the affordable weboost works. I understand that there are a plethora of antennae that will plug into your weboost to help even further. Note that some of them are directional and some omni-directional. The latter often need a ground-plane (metal flat surface) to work properly. I am looking for a booster and am very happy you gave this unit a review.

[@websterbarstone]

Slim, I've stopped at many a local public library to print out a page or two, usually about a quarter per. Love your videos.

[@ManWander]

on my weboost i swapped the magnetic antenna for a directional one and it made a huge difference

[@SlimPotatohead]

What brand and model did you use? I was looking at one from Wilson. Don't send a link though! Thanks, SP

[@ManWander]

@@SlimPotatohead WILSON ELECTRONICS Wideband Directional Antenna - $52

[@SlimPotatohead]

Awesome, thanks! SP

[@azclaimjumper]

@@SlimPotatohead Give us an update if you swap/exchange for the directional antenna.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I think I found it but the end connection appears different. What do I need to hook it up to the booster? Thanks! SP

[@joeblan9426]

Slim they make several CB Radios that have NOAA built in ,you just push a button and tune to the nearest one.Also having a CB might come in handy sometime,although I don't like having them on all the time.The NOAA phone app that you talked about sounds Good!God Bless!

[@Seastorm-nh8cv]

Glad I found your videos. It's going to be much better when I get on the road, thanks to your wealth of shared info! See you down the road!

[@kawaikui]

Thanks for your helpful Weboost review, Mr.Slim.. I definitely need this and look forward to learning from you how to boost your signal even more. Stay safe and happy adventures💕

[@luciodarocha4737]

Hey slim love all your videos . I am the new proud owner of a Aliner scout lite offroad . Was at the Toronto RV show and fell in love with it. Will be picking it up in the spring. Opted out for the ac unit. will be trying out portable units if I go south.

[@vickibarringer513]

We use a Oregon Scientific NOAA All Hazards Emergency Alert Monitor model # WR-8000 handheld, it uses 3 AAA batteries which you could use rechargeable batteries for. It also has a liquid compass on it, time, date mode, mute speaker and standby mode. It also has a belt clip. We have used it for at least 20 years and it is still working.

[@alexanderlowe4236]

I always recommend people who spend a lot of time in the back country consider a cheap Baofeng uv5r radio. They can be programmed with the NOAA weather channels as well as the FRS channels found in little walkie talkies. The main advantage though is that, in the event of an emergency where there is risk to life and property, you can use it to get help when cell phones aren't working. There is a whole community of HAMs who communicate via radio and if you can make contact with one they will be more than happy to assist and contact help for you. It will take a little research on your part as you will need to program the radio and familiarize yourself with it, but once you have you will be very happy to have it. If you find you want to chat with folks on the radio when there isn't an emergency you might consider getting your amateur radio license.

[@plove523]

I use the Eton American Red Cross hand crank/solar/battery weather radio. I’ve had it for years. Living in Florida, I need to be alerted to storms, floods, tornados, etc. It’s dependable which is all I ask. The newer model would be the FRX. I use the Weatherbug app for my phone for notifications and real time weather where I am located. Have you checked with your cell carrier for a booster? I live on the edge of nowhere and got a free booster for my home through my carrier. I’ve found Anker power core 26800 to be the best recharging block that isn’t too heavy to carry. I ended up buying another as everyone was always borrowing mine on trips. As far as Amazon delivery, Walgreens will hold your packages too.

[@elwynsmith5092]

Thanks for the comments-always great to listen to your reviews !

[@whatsaguygottado2669]

Another excellent video, Congrats!! I have to compliment you on putting the time hashes in the description section. Keep up the good work!

[@darylphipps2919]

Slim, thanks for the info on finding signal strength in the phone. I am in Y AZ. And showing -74db. Thank you sir! As always another great video!

[@cody.johnson1994]

Have you considered installing a CB in either your jeep or aliner, something like a cobra 18 with a weather band? You would get your weather radio plus have a means for emergency communication or just have some fun conversations with locals. Love the videos hope this helps

[@MichaelRCarlson]

That's not a half bad idea. The only weather radio I had that was worth much was on my Cobra 19, and the bad weather alert was well worth it,

[@foodpornchef6484]

And pick up girls too

[@kidsplasticcarfun7998]

Slim, another idea to get stuff on the road is to order from Walmart and pick up at their stores.

[@cyndifoore7743]

Thanks Slim, good reviews. Did you know you have another Canadian friend named Ray from ‘love your RV’? He does reviews and upgrades all the time. You’d probably enjoy his channel if you don’t already know about him.

[@noahcount7132]

Informative and entertaining. Keep 'em coming, Slim!

[@travelnc2g]

The unit needs to be separated or it causes feedback loops. You will get better increases if you place it in the back as they suggested.

[@herbclark2476]

I always watch your new videos before I look at any others!

[@TheChayLonsdale]

Hello from one of your fans from the UK!

[@debbiemorad8755]

Chay Lonsdale me too, up early, drinking coffee and chilling before the work day starts with my favourite KZbinr 😊

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I’m from the U.K. originally, currently in the Pacific Northwest of America. If you like Slim you should check out Jason at Primal_Outdoors. He has some great videos especially the last 3 years or so. Great photography, laid back calm beautiful scenery and a couple of wonderful dogs. Highly recommend his channel and for me the extra is he’s only 2-3 hours north of me. Cheers mates and happy trails

[@lindaboyd6067]

Hi Slim , thanks for sharing your ideas, information on different things to buy, be safe traveling

[@SpectreOZ]

Been using a *Nitecore Intellicharger* for the last couple of years, I use a lot of 18650 Lithium cells (torches) and it is still going strong👍

[@beachbum9869]

Yet again slim, great video. As shawshank said, would even watch a "crappy" video and enjoy. LOL...... Just to let you know, as for dB levels, every 3 dB increase doubles your strength. Likewise every 3 sb decrease cuts your signal strength in half. I know that doesn't sound logical but that is how it works. Usually with electronics you get what you pay for. Take care, be safe and keep the videos coming.

[@bradwartman3647]

Hi Slim, What bad luck with your radio. Short of getting dental work that allows you to receive stations with your teeth you might try the Kaito Voyager Pro KA600. I bought one on Amazon 4 years ago and it has worked so well I keep 1 in the camper and a 2nd one in our emergency kit. About the only thing it doesn’t have is a Bluetooth connection...but what would you want with blue teeth, anyway? 🤪 Safe Travels 🚐🚐🚐

[@janebray9392]

Slim..the teeth thing only works if you have a TinFoil Hat on..and if it still isn't working, just make the hat taller!!😁🤣😂😎

[@paulallison6689]

Recieving radio signals thru your fillings in your teeth works when wearing a white sailor's hat! Gilligan proved that back in the early-mid 70's!😜

[@paulfedorisin2981]

Always a pleasure to sit and relax, watching one of your videos. Keep them coming brother!!!

[@lnazworth]

We have the Eaton "American Red Cross" emergency radio. It's pretty decent. Also, they call it "Noah" instead of N.O.A.A. Great video!

[@bubl8015]

I watch a lot of You Tube Videos - your videos are so organized - well done - well thought out and filmed that anything you make is a treat to watch. Wish you could go camping with Xplorer Steve - you guys would be an awesome pair - Dave from Wisconsin -

[@garlandstyle5797]

Way cool review on the Weboost! So nice to see an honest review that you weren't paid to endorse. I didn't know about the SLEEK model. That may be just perfect for me. Thanks so much Slim. :) Michael

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Try a good quality walkie talkie, both of my have weather info access from NOAA plus you have the added benefit of being able to readout should you ever need to. Ham radio would be an alternative as well. Appreciate your reviews because you always take a scientific approach to most everything you do 👍🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@lorenedwards5527]

Love your videos, Slim! I agree with your frugal habit, the way you responsibly share and care for our environment, the joy you have spending time in the wide variety and different seasons of our wonderful land, if something needs improving, modify it, and now it all comes together. You are left handed, I should have known! Only us left handers are in our right minds. Thanks for sharing your life with us, I await your next video!!

[@WJ0NF]

How D Slim. Well, I went and bought a pop-up A-Frame camping trailer today. Upgrading the hitch on the truck this week and will probably pick it up next weekend. Looking forward to a great year of adventures! Oh, by the way, I told my wife: "It's Slim's fault". I would give it a couple of weeks before you come visit in my area again! lol Take care and safe travels. JohnnyF. PS: You do need to get a Ham Radio license. WJ0NF

[@cmmbsnyder55]

Really enjoyed this video. Both the map and the booster would come in handy. When I was in Yellowstone, I could easily have utilized both of your tips, so thanks! I think I saw a past video of you playing a musical instrument or saw it in the background. I play a guitar and am learning the ukulele. OutDoor Ukulele in Bend, Oregon has some outdoor ukuleles that I am very interested in. I have some valuable wooden ukes but it wouldn't be wise to travel due to the temperature changes. Maybe you could do a video on it.

[@gloria5873]

You are really an interesting guy. I love your videos and I always look forward for the next one. Thank you!

[@jonnhickok6948]

Slim I use a Marine radio with NOAA alert Handheld by Uniden . First its water proof and will float , 2nd its rechargeable and comes with 12v and a 110 charge systems . They come programmed for the US and Canada .also they are a multi pal use for me we use them when hunting and are very reliable , also some you can tether a GPS and use them with the distress feature that is monitored throughout the US not just on the coast

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Slim, there are a number of apps that can alert you regarding dangerous weather (but you need a signal...). I use a local tv station's weather app when home, as well as Weather Underground, NOAA Weather Free (which can give you the forecast discussion, which can be helpful), Yahoo Weather, 1 Weather and Flowx. Flowx works best when there's a Wi-Fi signal and accesses the NOAA GFS predictive maps, which is kind of cool. A great review tool for the Weboost would be to use an app such as speedtest, to see how fast your signal is when it's boosted (and when it isn't). As far as a NOAA radio, you can go fancy, but having a simpler one that runs on batteries isn't the worst thing. Mine is cheap, about 10 years old, and it has a dial tuner, but you can pick up the local signal more easily that way. I would only rely on it when I'm out of cell and wf-fi signal (when really needed). Thanks for the great videos, keep up the good work.

[@javaman2883]

I like those Amazon lockers. Handy for getting things on the road, and can find them in many places in most cities. It has saved us on a couple of vacations when someone forgets a charger or something else at home. I agree on the charges, hit an miss. I don't think the more expensive ones $30ish are any better than the $10ish chargers.

[@karinhart489]

Recently Walgreens started a free service for customers to receive their FedEx packages at their stores. There is info on their webpage. Smart move to drive customer traffic through their stores.

[@bobshaw4063]

Hi Slim . I hope the WEBOOST works well for you eve in the most remote places you might go to . Other RVER's I ve seen on I've seen on YOU Tube Mount a tall telescopic pole mounted on the RV w/a bracket allowing them to receive a real strong signal .

[@eugenebreindel]

Great video! I have been looking at the drive sleek from weboost. Some people review and only talk bars of signal. Knowing the decibel gain was very valuable. Keep up the good work and play!

[@christee2908]

All the way up to Europe, I enjoyed your review of the little radio... and Amazon

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Great video. I purchased the larger truck version of the weboost and on initial setup I was not impressed (I'll be honest and I hadn't watched this video before installing). I called weboost tech support and they basically said the bar readings are crap (I think you said the same). For an Android, they suggested the following "On the Android platform you will need to download an app named Advanced Signal Status and disable the HD voice and video on the Samsung. You are looking for Verizon’s CDMA or 1x RSSI Number.” For an Iphone, you need to put your Iphone into Field Test Mode to see your true signal strength. They also suggested the booster and antenna have some separation from the internal antenna - in your case the dock. Try putting the antenna on the back of your jeep, stretch the cord to place the booster somewhere in your second row of seating (I've heard just laying it on the floor board works), then run the cable to the dock. The separation avoids any interference from the two antennas being too close. Finally, weboost won't help if you don't have a signal. Per tech support "you have to have something for weboost to see and enhance".

[@marksommers6764]

Hi again Slim ! The best NOAA signal travels, from my observation, less than 40 miles Line of Sight.

[@softin5199]

For your shipments, there is also Kinek, specially for a canadian, there is always one near a custom, yes they charge but they will receive the big packages, just in case.

[@glenlynch1]

Hellooo Slim. I don't know if anyone has mentioned(with@ 17K views) this IMPORTANT feature yet. But the reason for extending the wire/cord to the back of the vehicle (at 15 minute mark in video) is because the wire itself is an additional antenna. More better signal strength!!!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Glen, thanks for the tip. Can you please confirm where you found this info? I can't find anything on weboost site the says the cable between the booster and the cradle is an antenna. Thanks! SP

[@SlimPotatohead]

Glen, I just tried it. Strung the cable full length across my camp, 15 feet from the cradle. Made no difference in the signal. SP

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks Yar. Looking at purchasing a better antenna soon. SP

[@ohillbilly]

I've been using them little walkie talkies like ya get at walmart ,etc, for years. Think Midland, Uniden, etc. Just make sure they receive Weather (WX). Tap the mode button till ya get weather, then tap the channel buttons till ya get a station close to you. They're small. Easy to fit in a pocket or tackle box. And ya get two of them. And usually for bout half what a real weather radio costs.

[@dananelson3534]

I've seen the signal booster used with a directional attenna. There's a app that shows where the the nearest cell tower is. Thanks for the review.

[@pradolover]

Love your videos, such a watchable style. Have a Jayco popup myself but your A-frame is cool.

[@meyaenyo2593]

Your real problem is reason they say to put the booster at the back end away from the outside antenna is so the booster doesn't interfer with the outside antenna getting booster signal instead of the cell phone signal. SHould be lights on that thing to indicate if it's encountering interference like that, but basically more distance between the two should get you better performance.

[@pathfinder9759]

Slim - from one lefty to another. You have always been entertaining and very informative.

[@vickiebuchanan9116]

Variety in the videos has made this a nicely rounded channel! Q? What measures to you take to secure the Aliner when you are doing your "walk abouts"?

[@lyfandeth]

Weboost is the new name for Wilson, great folks, great reputation, and great customer service. If you have any issues, call them! The booster does need to match the service type you have. And the antenna MUST be outside the car, and they can supply better high gain antennas. If your cell phone is fairly new (3 years?) look at the "emergency alerts" settings, you can get emergency wx alerts that are pushed out to all phones by reverse-911 type service. Free! Oregon Scientific make good little wx radios, if you want a dedicated one.

[@matthoward1174]

A good battery charger is a thrunite MCC-4S. Charges AA, AAA, 18650, CR123R, and most common size Li-ion and Ni-Mh batteries. Only downside is its a normal household style 110v plug, not usb micro. About $30- on amazon. I have an EBL usb charger that will charge AA/AAA off of a solar panel, but they get pretty hot,.. not good for the batteries, so that's emergency only.

[@nickknight9134]

Check out the Eton weather radios. I have two and they are great. Also the Red cross uses them. For the booster... You will want to increase your ground plan for that antenna. Just getting better ground will most likely increase the signal with very little effort.

[@philc.9280]

I slowly watched how you pulled and jammed that antenna back in. They are sectional and sensitive to the angle and force. I've replaced many of them over the years as a former repair technician. The fault was the force and angle you placed on that section not necessarily the radio itself. Wish you had tried the radio to see how good it was.

[@helidude3502]

Slim, (and anyone else) smashing the antenna down was what all the cool heroes did in those 70s tv shows. Smashing the antenna down from the top is a great way to break the antenna and possibly stab your hand. Pulling each segment from the bottom start omg largest to smallest is the correct way. It is a very hard habit to break. Raising the antenna with the broomstick helped in your situation. Other times it may work better with different placement on the roof of the vehicle because the sheet metal acts as a ground plane. Placing the other antenna in the rear as instructed my also increase results. Some systems are designed with distance between them to work properly. One of the companies that I order from uses UPS sure post. Package leaves their facility via ups picking it up. Travels to my town via Ups. They then transfer it to a usps postal facility. The post office finishes the delivery. This is the cheaper option for delivery from that company and the one they use for free shipping promotions. I don’t know how it’s cheaper when it just adds extra days, labor, and two entities to the mix. The funny part is I get my deliveries to a ups store post box. But yet they don’t deliver to P.O. Boxes and the usps won’t accept them. Except this one time........

[@helidude3502]

Why is there not an “edit” button? Omg = from

[@umgadan]

Running Snail I bought it worked for me, picked up my local network, I feel the same about, Amazon "The good the bad, and ugly" cool videos.

[@JamesBabb]

Thanks for the Weboost review. I've been thinking about getting one for my "working from home" adventuring. I look forward to hearing about any bandwidth tests and your personal experience. Great channel, BTW!

[@guidobauer9184]

I use the NOAA Radar App ... works like a whistle ... excellent local weather reports ... however, cell phone signal is needed ... great video, thanks for reviewing cell phone booster, maybe do a follow up in a couple of months?

[@locopixel463]

Sometimes those magnetic mount antennas require a certain size of 'ground plane' to work effectively. You may want to research that or contact weboost and possibly increase the size of the plate of metal you were using on the end of your pole.

[@semco72057]

As for the NOAA radio you purchased it don't sound like it is very good. That is why I purchased one recommended locally and got at the local Wal-Mart. The two units I have is working just fine. As for the signal extender it sounds like you got a great deal there as many people are living out of their campers and is moving around.

[@billreid2066]

That magnetic mount antena may be design to work with a ground plane (such as mounted directly to your vehicle) If that is the case when you mount it higher in the air on a pole you may want to ground the antena base to get best results.

[@ricklathan5541]

Hi slim. A suggestion for a good battery charger is the Nitecore D4, it will charge just about any kind/size of battery. Iv used one for a couple years, works great.

[@johnsparkman2007]

Slim..great video as always. Sometime could you do a vlog on your cellphone/plan in the US coming from Canada? Alot of people would be interested I think. Thanks!! 😁

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi John, sorry for the first reply. I am having great difficulty with phone plans now and it makes me very frustrated! If I find some easier ways I will surely post them. Thanks! SP