HiBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster For RVs

This started out as a simple review of HiBoost's cell phone signal booster for RVs but ended up as a tutorial on it's use and how to get the most out of it when the signal is really weak. At our off grid property we're lucky to get one bar of service and we tried to get an improvement with the HiBoost, hoping to at least be able to send texts reliably. At first we were disappointed and almost gave up, but we learned the trick and after a few trips out there we were able to make and receive phone calls!!! Anyone can see an improvement in signal strength, but what you learn from this video will help you when the signal is almost not there at all.
Right now you can get a 20% discount and free shipping by using the discount code "rickh20" when you order through one of the links below:
HiBoost RV Cell Phone Signal Booster: www.hiboost.co...
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Mailing Address:
Rick Herzog
P.O. Box 6932
Great Falls, MT 59406
Our gear and equipment list (These links were functioning when this video was uploaded. If a link isn't working please search for the item on Amazon by it's name):
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but the cost is the same for you! We need all the help we can get :0)
The gear we use and feel comfortable recommending:
Camera gear:
DJI Osmo Action Camera: amzn.to/2YBMKpl
Canon Vixia R82 camera: amzn.to/2oLHxxu
Rode G 2 Wireless Mics: amzn.to/3sBILXL
Takstar SGC-598 microphone: amzn.to/2IW7elP
Survival Gear:
Garmin Inreach Mini: amzn.to/3aF7Rxg
Garmin Inreach Explorer+: amzn.to/2N3FAsk
My broad brimmed hats:
Stetson Wildwood wool felt: amzn.to/2MKIQVG
Henschel Crushable Soft Mesh Aussie Breezer Hat : amzn.to/2nRAO4R
Camping gear:
ICECO JP50 12volt Refrigerator: amzn.to/3fq3Ukb
Clam Screen Shelter "Venture": amzn.to/33zGorG
Clam Wind Panels: amzn.to/2MMFzVH
Roll Cot: amzn.to/2nMYqHE
Coleman Single Burner Propane Stove (like the one we drop through the hole in the table): amzn.to/3jLoRWx
Lixada Stick Stove/Grill: amzn.to/35dJeUC
NuWay propane heater: nuwaystove.com/....
Ceramic Water Filter - Amazon: amzn.to/33BB6Mf
Solar panel tilt mounting brackets: amzn.to/2KqNxDn
Newpowa 200 watt solar panel: amzn.to/2Kecj9x
Renogy Rover 30 amp MPPT controller: www.renogy.com...
Playlists:
Traveling the Western States With Our Converted Cargo Trailer Camper:
• Traveling the Western ...
More videos about cargo trailer, camper modifications and upgrades:
• More videos about carg...
Car maintenance and safety on the road and tips on getting out of trouble while traveling:
• More on car maintenanc...
Montana Camping Destinations:
• Montana Camping Destin...
Doing maintenance and making improvements to our off grid property:
• Our Off Grid Property,...
Getting out on the road is what Linda and I love to do with our converted cargo trailer camper. We're part time nomads and the nomadic lifestyle suits us to a Tee. Whether your RV is a camper van, camp trailer, travel trailer, motorhome or just a car and a tent, there's going to be something interesting for you in the videos we produce. Back roads and overlanding are part of what we do while exploring the western states for beautiful, peaceful and sometimes remote places to camp on BLM and National Forest land (public land). Taking care of ourselves as much as possible and doing our own repairs is a must because we travel on a fixed income and a limited budget. If your into being off-grid and boondocking, or doing dispersed camping whenever possible then you'll appreciate the discussions on batteries, solar panels and solar chargers or power stations and 12v refrigeration. Come on along, we're happy to have your company!
#cargotrailercampers #convertedcargotrailer #gonagain #desert #solarcharger #12voltrefrigerator

[@tglenn13]

Thank you. I wish the manufacturers would understand we dont read their mind in the design of this technology. I do not always have my 13 year old nieces around to guide me through my phone for knowledge and understanding. Great explanations in your presentation.

[@tonyhunt1230]

Couple things Rick. Get the antenna up as high as the coax allows. Wont swamp out the receiving antenna. At those frequencies higher the better. Omni directional means it works poor in ALL directions. You might look at a directional antenna ( Yagi ) to replace the one you have for 1 to 2 more Bars. Seems to work as is just fine. Ham radio guy here. Congrats and enjoy your channel.

[@gonagain]

Thank you for your advice, Tony. Since then we've gone to Starlink since we go to more places that have NO cell reception at all. The Starlink has been working well for us so far.

[@Steve-Goff]

I enjoyed watching your trial and error. I like that it doesn’t have to be a permanent setup.

[@jamesjackson7752]

I am all ways learning something looking at your videos.👍😎

[@SamuraiMama]

Glad we were finally able to get it figured out and that you'll be able to use it on the road to keep those videos coming out and give your family peace of mind that we'll have better chances of reaching you, if needed.

[@gonagain]

I think it's going to be a big help while we're on the road.

[@jim8142]

I enjoy watching you two guys wander around, enjoying life. My wife and I have done much the same for decades, but we travel on water via a small sailboat. I'm a long-time ham radio operator and use my ham gear along with my computer to send and receive email by radio to/from anywhere in the world. Let me pass along some truths about how to significantly increase weak (cellular) radio signals which I've learned along the way. With respect to signal strength, nothing, absolutely nothing, will beat a good antenna. In the cell phone and Wi-Fi world of 2.4 GHz, antennas are very small. An omnidirectional 2.4 GHz antennas can be -- most are hold-in-the-palm-of-your-hand small and will not be a "gain antenna". Your best possible solution to getting a strong signal for your new indoor cell phone signal amplifier is to purchase or make a DIRECTIONAL antenna to replace the omnidirectional antenna that came with the new signal booster. You're setting up in a fixed location in your cabin, so a highly directional gain antenna is good since you can ignore all cell phone towers other than the one tower that provides the signal at your site. Once you mount a directional antenna on your mast (or are waiting to get one), you need to know what direction and what angle up or down to aim the antenna. The better the directional antenna, the more gain you have and the more carefully you'll want to aim it to enable it to do its best. You must locate your closest cell phone tower. You can do this by searching online for free software that will help you find the physical location and altitude of the closest cellular tower for your cellular service provider, such as T-Mobile. You can also call your provider and ask them for the precise location of your closest line-of-sight tower. Get on Google maps to see where the tower is located relative to your fixed location, then rotate and tilt the antenna to aim directly at the tower, thus collecting as much signal as possible of that signal. Then watch your phone come to life! It will help if you understand that antenna gain is specified in dB and that every 3dB of gain from your antenna means a doubling of signal strength to your amplifier. For example, let's say that you acquire or build a simple 9 dB gain antenna (antennas are commercially available with 25 dB of gain or more). The example 9 dB gain antenna will double the signal strength to your phones three times. Doubling the signal strength 3 times means it provides 2 X 2 X 2 increase in signal strength, or 8 times stronger. A 12 dB gain antenna will increase signal strength by 16 times! My best antenna when boating was an old parabolic satellite dish that was modified to receive 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signals. That antenna only worked properly when the boat was tied to a dock, thus allowing me to accurately aim my gain antenna. I could not use it while at anchor since the antenna was mounted on a boat that moved around constantly. I never calculated what the gain was, but it was very substantial and provided an excellent 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. If my phone only had an external antenna connection (like in the early days of cellular phones), I could have used the antenna to connect to my closest cell phone tower. But, alas, external antenna connections on cell phones have gone away. For those who are interested in this topic, you can find everything you need online. Search for high gain directional antennas (simple wire antennas are NEVER gain antennas). If you need a kick-start or help or both, hopefully you have a ham radio operator friend. They should be able to help you or will know who to ask. You can always attend a meeting of your local ham radio club and introduce yourself to members. Hams typically will volunteer to help if you ask. Good luck!

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Jim, for taking the time to explain this in detail. With the HiBoost system that I use I've found that it works best for uploading and not so much for downloading video. That's fine because that's what I got it for anyway. From your description, I can see how a directional antenna would be better.

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Saved me a lot of grief and a possible trip for the unit to the garbage can. Thanks!

[@ChuckisOutside]

I have been looking at these. Thanks.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I have too.

[@Albertwildhorseshoer]

Thank you once again for your effort to benefit we viewers with honest critiques of places, merchandise, ideas, and businesses you use on your trips. I like you two and your family.

[@gonagain]

Thank you T CR.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I have a cargo camper as well, and I use a Weboost Studio Lite cell booster. It works great. I have the directional antenna mounted on a 10' stick of pipe, and use an app to show where the tower is to line up the antenna. I place my cell phone next to the inside cell antenna as a hot spot to run my smart TV and computer. It works great. I have a couple of older videos about my cargo camper, but haven't made any in a while.

[@gonagain]

We used the Highboost for awhile and liked it for giving us a better signal, but have since gone to Starlink

[@douglasmckee9574]

Where I live in Oregon. We have scrappy cell service. A 30ft pole is what we have to receive. Great video thanks

[@jimb5113]

I was wondering if these signals are like TV signals. My outside antenna height had to be adjusted. At first I raised it for better signal but wife said to lower it some to get better picture. That meant the best signal was not at the highest I could go but at a certain level from the ground. It was like aiming the dish antenna at a target. My best signal for TV antenna was about 14'. Maybe cell signals have a "best height" too. Many omni-directional antenna are more directional than "omni".

[@davidpettit6727]

I've been watching you two for a while now and this video finally convinced me to subscribe. Thank you for your time and energy in producing these vids, I have enjoyed each and every one. Looking forward to more!

[@gonagain]

Thank you for subscribing David!

[@mkkrafts9261]

I appreciate the step by step realistic set-up including the frustration. This is all good info!

[@teresaf5480]

Sweeeeeeeeet😃👍👍 I have to get this. Thanks for ALL the information. Glad you can make calls at the property!!

[@gonagain]

Us too! Heading out there today and bringing it with us.

[@martykong3592]

Well DONE! Helpos MUCH as your method of persistence and setup made it work! Not so much for instructions, or lack of.... who would have thought, and returned it as no good... but now it seems worth it IF you know what you just shared.... Thanks again and all the BEST to both of you and family! Cheers :)

[@ccmccmCCM1]

Thank you again for another great, informative video!

[@chrislincoln489]

My daughter has a new metal roof and can't use her phone in the house. She will love this Thank you.

[@nomadmac2001]

Thanks for the info, currently looking for some type of booster. This video was a huge help.

[@gonagain]

The residential model gets a better signal, better than the RV model in my video.

[@shopart1488]

Sometimes I think the signal bars are only to make the cell user feel good. I get 4 bars in my garage and still have trouble making or receiving a call and this happens constantly. We enjoy your videos, thank you!!!

[@gonagain]

There's a place on your phone where you can see exactly how many decibels it's receiving at any given time and it's more accurate than bars, which have a delay. On my Android phone it's in settings, "About Phone" and is under the sim card tab. It's different on different phones.

[@shopart1488]

@@gonagain I’ll take a look on my phone and see if it is on the iPhone Thanks!!

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Oh Yes, a 'Have to Have' item without a doubt. I Need one of these. But as you said, one Must-Have at least One Bar for this to work. And Rick, you Did Describe Everything about How to install and How it functions Just Fine. Good Show. (I'm thinking what do we all need next??? A Sattalite System that 'Works-Anywhere' on the planet) I'm going to guess, that will be coming soon, but Not Soon Enough??? Thanks for the Good Review 👍🤗

[@amyslaughter8788]

Very informative. I have one and didn’t know about not pointing towards the outside omni antenna! Makes sense and explains my struggles sometimes. Thanks!

[@jodyseaman1885]

Thanks for showing how it really works. Nice safety for your property or when traveling.

[@kennethwilson8633]

I think you did a great job explaining the set up and hope you do follow ups reports in the future. You two have such fun travels keep rolling.

[@brucegeary6705]

Damn Rick. Great review. I have property up in hog valley. Nooo signals no calls. But this may be the game changer. Thanks man

[@gonagain]

I hope it helps, Bruce.

[@journeysbegun]

Great video and I liked that you led us well through the trial and error process. Thanks!👍

[@tismyelevate9748]

Outstanding description of using the cell booster, as always appreciate your diligence on using products for us followers.👍🏽

[@vizio213]

Thanks for the tip on the inside antenna !

[@gonagain]

You bet! Thanks for watching, Mike. Aloha!

[@cotter9751]

Well, that just opened a whole new area of learning for me. thanks!

[@cynthiadickey3055]

Now that was a very helpful video if you want to get cell service everything I've learned from you guys has been on spot I thank you for everything you're doing for us.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

I was wondering about the Hiboost if it was something good or not! Thanks! 🤙🏻

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great informative video Rick. Thanks for sharing it. JT

[@gonagain]

It could come in handy. We just used it again out there this past weekend.

[@3generations393]

Love your tenacity & thank you for passing the info on to us 👍👍💕

[@fudd6478]

Great video, I said it before and it's worth repeating... The videos You and Linda make are always informative and honest. Appreciate what you guys do. Got my sticker in the mail when I came back from my recent travels... Thanks :-)

[@gonagain]

Thank Mark!

[@michaelmitchell9612]

Thanks for the info, First Sergeant Mitchell

[@sandrakenney4839]

Excellent review. It was especially useful because of the issues you had and the information you shared as you solved them. Thank you!🙂

[@gordonvanlieshout8134]

Thanks! I purchased a weboost RV reach for my trailer. Got it registered with Verizon. That's as far as I've gotten. Didn't know about facing antennas towards each other. Thanks for the heads up on that! I didn't read far in the instructions, didn't know about the app down load yet. Live in El Mirage AZ. Too hot to mess with any thing here right now.

[@gonagain]

That heat stops me too! Can't take it like I used to.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Those devices sure helps… here at the farm trailer we always had to go outside to get a signal… sometimes drive across the field to get one … never any signal inside the trailer… in 2016 I bought one those devices and after learning how to set it up properly have not had any issues making calls sending text getting on the internet etc… in 2018 AT&T put down fibra down my frontal property now there was WiFi service but I still use the device for placing phone calls … mine was a lit pricey…$580 I think at that time but has given great service

[@gonagain]

I think competition has brought the price down to where it's more affordable.

[@p-dub22]

Nice review, would have been even better if you could have done speed tests of upload and download speeds while trying to use data from remote areas. Keep up the great reviews.

[@jimv.661]

That would have been great to have at our cabin in CO which was at 12,000 ft. I spent many hours trying to find a place to either text or call from. Most times I had to leave the phone on the railing of the porch and check back later to see if the text went thru. If it was cloudy or stormy all bets were off.

[@gonagain]

This would have worked in that situation. We're heading back out there this weekend and will be bringing it along so that my daughters can stay in contact with the outside world.

[@jimv.661]

Now you tell me. Ha!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Expensive but well worth the investment - we have gone to so many parks with poor service. Too bad they cant make the inside antenna more omni directional with no interference from the outside -- than it would be perfect. Cheers

[@lauratibbles6598]

Th is is full of great information thank you for sharing

[@terririggle6106]

Very nicely done!

[@jimmybutler3728]

Just a suggestion for improvement! mount it to a dish small antenna to make it directional to find best receive ability of long distance antenna that are away from you, you should be able to get a map of antennas close to your area off the computer, hope this help you in your need to get help when needed, I use to make antennas miniaturized for citizen band that got signals around the world best on skep land receive ability...

[@gonagain]

Thanks Jimmy, that would help and I'll look into it. In that valley we're in, the signal bounces around.

[@k9blood01]

Great video, very informative Thanks

[@lawmandod233]

Great information!

[@webtomboffgrid9725]

Hello hope all is well. You would think they would give that info in the Manuel ? Good thing your patient person . most of us are not .. good vid !

[@gonagain]

The manual does need improvement, but I watched a couple of good videos that helped.

[@knutblaise9437]

Maybe HIBoost can provide a directional antenna. If that doesn't work better try a longer pole. If you have a jetpack style router for your data with an external antenna port try connecting a Mimo antenna and placing it in the window where you get a connection.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the suggestions, Knut!

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Hey Rick, great video. What brand solar panel do you like and where do you source it?

[@gonagain]

One of the best is probably Renogy, but I went with less expensive panels, Newpowa. I can't say that they are good or bad because I have nothing to compare them to. Renogy is a good bet though and I may switch at some point.

[@rreveler6705]

Hey Rick, just wondering if you have a video about your off-grid property. Thanks! Thanks again!

[@Robin-kf1yz]

Look under his playlist. He has a section for the off grid property with about 8 videos.

[@jimb5113]

kzbin.info/aero/PLjbAEjEnY6a3r0ySuYKt88Rag_AfEhujA

[@rreveler6705]

@@Robin-kf1yz thanks! Will do.

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks

[@stevewheatley243]

Just stick a coat hanger in the phone jack.😂lol

[@danbaxley]

What if you changed your outdoor antenna to a directional? That might eliminate the interference you experience between the indoor, outdoor?

[@gonagain]

I'm not sure, but I know that the model designed for homes is more powerful. This video was done awhile ago and the product may have had upgrades since then.

[@silvaranch]

What is the app you are using to get the signal graph?

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

❤

[@raymonddriggers]

Your family seeing now that you have cell phone service out in the woods away from town brings to mind caveman and the discovery of fire

[@jimmybutler3728]

By the way what does it cost for the booster? did not catch that in your video!...

[@gonagain]

Hello Jimmy, I put a link in the video description because the prices vary so much over time. Click on that link and you will also get a hefty 20% discount when you use my discount code "rickh20"

[@jimmybutler3728]

@@gonagain Thanks!...

[@stevewheatley243]

Don't mind me,I'm just actin up.😆lol

[@donovanw.2943]

You keep mentioning the app. Which app? Thank you.

[@gonagain]

The Hiboost app from the Play Store.

[@chrislincoln489]

Do you have a bigger trailer on you site.

[@chrislincoln489]

This must be your Daughter's camper. Looks nice and roomy.

[@gonagain]

That's an 8x25' cargo trailer that we converted for our property several years ago. It may not be pretty , but it also didn't increase my property taxes any either! It's pretty comfy though and has water piped in from a spring.

[@chrislincoln489]

@@gonagain I do like it, you did a good job as usual

[@s.mas.w]

⭐️👍⭐️👍⭐️👍⭐️👍⭐️👍⭐️👍

[@faresesam1192]

starlink dish

[@gonagain]

I'm waiting for Starlink to provide dedicated RV service, but I think we will still need a cell phone booster.

[@billchapel5483]

The window acts as an antenna.

[@gonagain]

That must be true Bill, because if you stand outside that window you get nothing at all.

[@raymonddriggers]

When you’re at locations like that you’re not supposed to be worrying about phone service or having Internet because you’re supposed to be chilling out and relaxing maybe you should start seeking Products you can try out for relaxing to review

[@jimb5113]

Maybe find the best gravity recliner

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Like a bottle of Vodka???

[@gonagain]

I'm liking your suggestions Raymond.

[@raymonddriggers]

@@vincenzodemarco7983 No not really because that causes problems

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

@@raymonddriggers Oh, forgive me. Sometimes I add a Goofy Retort to things I read. But never did I mean to be rude. I have those Moments All too often. No ill intent was meant at all.👍

[@Cockeyed_Den8213]

I have seen video's on this and some people have found out the higher you get the outside antenna the better service you get. One guy had two of the extension poles that he could put together if I remember right he said it gave him like 20 feet. If you try it let me know if it worked if you would.

[@gonagain]

We'll be trying the Hiboost out from now on and will report back on occasion on how it's doing.

[@bust6665]

Have you tried it uploading or downloading video from your property?

[@gonagain]

No, there's not enough cell signal for that, but now you can get Starlink there and that would be perfect.

[@bust6665]

@@gonagain Thats why I will not waste my money on any other type of internet system. Starlink will be a game changer for RV and Marine use, it's going to happen.