RV INTERNET - BEFORE YOU BUY a Hotspot or Cell Booster Watch This Video

▶️Working from the road? Streaming TV? Getting good internet in your RV on the road is a top priority. More and more RVers are working remotely and strong, reliable internet is a necessity. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
After spending hundreds of dollars on Hotspots and Cell Boosters only to get mediocre results, we finally found the answer to consistent internet for work, online videos and streaming. Before buying anything, watch this video.
** NOV 2021 Update ** Everything in this video still holds true with a couple of positive exceptions. 1) The prices stated in the video have gone down & 2) There is now a 5G version of the pepwave modem - although that price is steep.
Best RV Internet Data Plan as of 11/21 • BEST RV UNLIMITED INTE...
--- ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO ---
Pepwave Max BR1 Cell Modem: amzn.to/3y2HP20
Pepwave MAX-BR1-MINI-LTE- 4G LTE Modem amzn.to/2S6spt6
Pepwave MAX BR1 5G amzn.to/428FxOe
Pepwave MIMO Antenna amzn.to/3S52YTZ
NOTE: We purchased any product recommended in this video with our own $$ and receive no compensation for making recommendations.
OUR FAVORITE GEAR - Amazon Store
Here is some of our favorite gear and other items that we use in our RV
www.amazon.com/shop/rvintoret...
MERCH
my-store-b5ffd1.creator-sprin...
DISCOUNTS
Harvest Host 15% off:
harvesthosts.refr.cc/rvintoret...
Start your own KZbin Channel:
courses.seancannell.com/a/780...
Epidemic Sound:
share.epidemicsound.com/8i8643
VIDEO PLAY LISTS
▶️ Travel Destinations
• Travel Destinations
▶️ RV Internet and Data Plans
• RV Internet
▶️ RV Accessories
• RV Accessories, Equipm...
▶️ Two Minute RV Tips
• Shorts & 2 Minute RV V...
▶️ Full Time RV Life
• Full Time RV Life
▶️ Retirement Planning
• Retirement Planning, etc.
▶️ RV Campgrounds
• RV Campgrounds
▶️ Working from Your RV
• Working from your RV
FOLLOW US
Facebook: / rvintoretirement
Website: www.rvintoretirement.com
Our Coach: 2009 Foretravel Nimbus
Our Tow Vehicle: 2016 Jeep Trailhawk
AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE:
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you chose to make a purchase using our links, we will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, but helps us keep providing the content we love to share. We recommend these products because we have found them to be helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make. Every product we recommend, we use ourselves, so please use our links.
______________________________________________________________________
RV Into Retirement Disclaimer
Our channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, Travel or Financial experts. We share our opinions on what has worked and not worked for us. Before taking any action or making a life change decision, you should do your own research.
#rvlifefulltime​ #fulltimervlife​ #rvliving​​ #rv​ #rvlife​ #rvintoretirement #rvtravel #rvretirement #howtorv #motorhomeliving #rvrepair #rvdyi #rvsafety #workfromtheroad #dieselpusher #rvbudget #foretravel #usedmotorhome #rvbuyingtips #rvinternet

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Have questions about our internet setup - leave them in the comments below. Also, share what you use for service and your experiences.

[@webstar12712]

I'm intrigued...

[@yosiray-zp1dw]

Thank you so much for your video it’s incredible. My question is, if I’m not getting a hotspot right from the carrier and I get a modem from let’s say Amazon, where do I get that SIM card or what do I exactly tell the carrier so I can get a SIM card with data only.

[@saltpepper1894]

Ill put that stuff on the wish list for when i win lottery

[@robertoflo4477]

Wow, this is excellent equipment used by marine and transportation agencies that provide internet service to passengers and staff. It's also used by atm machines where dedicated high speed lines are not available for rural areas and allows you to create vpns. Great find.

[@ah6136]

Thank you for making this such an easy process. Worked the first try and have 4 bars now.

[@bearco.propertymaintenance6399]

Love the fact you don’t bs about cost and the “brands” keep up the good work.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thank you!

[@flhtru1464]

Well that’s all fine and dandy if your in an area with good reception.

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Good information and presentation. I just subscribed and I am looking forward to following your channel. Peace and Safe Travels

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks Craig

[@JeffReese79]

Thank you for this thorough and helpful video! You are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JG-xn4xm]

Thank you for the advice I appreciate it very much I have been looking for a good Wifi Thanks again John

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad to help

[@richardlundquist9967]

thanks for putting this in simple terms for those of us who are clueless, but in need of wi-fi to work on the road.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You're welcome

[@corgily]

Thanks for sharing with us, great info keep it up! Also we just subscribed :)

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks for the sub!

[@wanderingintentionally]

Thanks for the great info. I'm always looking for info on what people are using to work from the road. This sounds like it might be a good option.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks. It's been working strong for us and keeps my wife connected to her office.

[@GoodLifeHighway]

Thanks for the info. We're now full timing and I work remotely. Very helpful. Thanks - Ryan and Kris

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Our pleasure!

[@SamaraSant]

Full time rv stationary work from home for a call center via VPN, what should I buy?

[@gladuwf]

Best explanation I've heard on how the Pepwave modem/router works. We use hotspots with our Legacy Att Mobley and Verizon pUDP plans. Most of the time we get better speed improvements using a cheap Netgear MIMO antenna then using our Weboost Cell Booster. Subscribed to your channel.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks Class C Explorers

[@DheerajYadav-tx7mk]

​@@RVIntoRetirementnow he's gladuwf😂

[@NormRidg]

I have one thing to say. Thank You. Made it very simple to understand.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad it helped!

[@Jasonshin1972]

I use t mobile internet on my rv works great and cheap

[@1982MCI]

Looks like excellent equipment but you’d have to want internet really bad to pay those prices but I guess when you break it down, it’s really not that bad. If you compare it to paying home internet at $100-$150 per month on average for decent speeds, and that’s every month, whereas this is a one time equipment charge, then the payback on this is just under a year which really makes it a bargain, especially if your still trying to work while on the road. Thank you for the info and the video!

[@feedtherich11]

T Mobil has a portable system. 50 a month for 5 g works anywhere u get cell service they give you the router .

[@Scrambler85]

Good information 👍just subscribed

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks

[@kamerunite]

Thank you so much.

[@Swimdeep]

Thank you. 🌿

[@heather1538]

I found this video helpful, thank you for breaking it down. Makes sense to me especially that I’d plain want internet at an acceptable speed wherever I park 👍🏼🙂

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flynndog]

Thank you so much for this video, it ended a disagreement with my wife about a 5 in 1 roof antenna I put on our cargo trailer that was 300 dollars. The main problem we were having is its all metal no windows, it's like a big Faraday cage, for instance we could be right by our friends Wi-Fi and not be able to pick it. We converted the cargo trailer into an RV/cargo trailer

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I can see how the trailer would be a problem.

[@greg925911]

So did u buy one because being about 3 blocks off the main road in a camp site I get no internet , I have to drive half the distance to get it, through cell service sure would be nice to be able to sit or lay in bed to watch videos like this on a rain day here in Tomahawk Wisconsin today at Tomahawk camping behind the race track they do accept Cargo Trailers here I'm here for a shut down working

[@wisconsinbound2123]

very informative and good video thanks

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deminoelmorrinwilcox9091]

Thanks for the info

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You bet

[@steveroberson1488]

I use a new Samsung tablet that works on cell service ,,easy peazy !

[@arizonalife7720]

I also taking incoming calls through a Cisco phone system. Does it have the bandwidth to hold these calls without dropping? I plan to convert to RV living and am researching equipment.

[@JG-xn4xm]

What is the brand name of the hot spot your holding up thanks 🙏🏻

[@sassiegarner]

thank you, well done

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You're welcome.

[@nonadifederico9951]

Thanks!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Welcome!

[@lauriedavison7444]

Thank you for such a great explanation. We had already ordered the pep wave and only have one Sim card installed (T-mobile) but we are going to order an At&t sim . Our cell phones are verizon, so hopefully we will be covered by at least one at all times

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad it helped

[@brandonmatthews4112]

We are about to buy this system and we also have Verizon. Have you added verizon? I spoke with them and they said they dont support the pepwave? The customer service rep could have been wrong but, let me know how verizon works cuz we’re thinking of getting the mobilemusthave essentials bundle but not sure if it will work with verizon.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@brandonmatthews4112 They may not support the modem but the sim will work in the modem. You would call pepwave support for any questions it works with all major carry

[@lauriedavison7444]

@@brandonmatthews4112 I did not add Verizon as a Sim card to our pep wave. We have used our phones as hotspots where T-mobile doesn't have coverage. There is a waitlist for AT&T for the referral unlimited package. I see Brandon's comment below - pls let me know if you end up ordering the verizon sim for the modem - curious to see if it works. We have a truly unlimited with Verizon from a long time ago so we are not worried about using our phones as a hotspot but I think the signal would be awesome in the pep wave.

[@andyking4701]

Thanks

[@2shay337]

Thank you so much with help of trying to buy and set up something that will provide internet/cell service in my RV...oh and as well at the house before installing it on the RV. From other videos watched...I was going to get a remote router, cell booster, antenna, modem, and the service provider added. Just in the devices my Amz costs were low 800.00 to 1200.00 plus taxes. So thank you for helping me save with the PepMax unit and internet/cell provider be lil over 360.00 / tax.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad to have helped and saved you some $$$.

[@2shay337]

I feel really stupid about this tech. situation of going wireless on RV. does the Peplink Max router have instructions how the cell/internet begin working once the sim card is inserted? I am going to order the Peplink router, & /syfix 4-1 sim card adapter fix ( several trays that allows different sized sim cards to fit from different Co.) ? buy another Straight Talk sim card. How To work in the house: ? i unbox the router, insert the sim card for cell phone & internet, or do I need 2 cards one for cell phone and one for internet? or does one card work for both devices? & for card to work for internet do I program it just like cell phone by calling Straight Talk just like cell phone was programmed when I took t out of box from store? to add a desk top comp. would I need to buy modem, plug into router to use it along w/ wireless devices : phone and laptop? when moving it all to RV do I just plug into power work?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@2shay337 There is a little bit of setup after putting the sim in or your can have the place where you buy it set everything up for you. I would call the 5Gstore @ [phone] and they will help you with your purchase and get it configured for you so all you need to do is put your sim in. I don't know if Straight Talk sim works in the Pepwave so you may want to ask them about that too. - I'm on familiar with Sprint, T-Mobile and Att they all work

[@2shay337]

Is the 5Gstore the company that sells the PepLink router listed on Amazon? I did ask questions below the Technical Details on the Amazon product page. So ? there are no set up instructions inside the box when the router is delivered? Or is it the number to the 5G store u sent how the router is set up? or call the number to find out if lesser carrier sim cards like Straight Talk will work in this router...and if it will then call Straight Talk to set up router for internet use?

[@2shay337]

OHHHH how stupid am I...I did find the Peplink manufacture website for the number. And I am so sorry for the barrage of questions that the company can help me with. So sorry but thankful for your guidance to answers.

[@standingmannequin7911]

Can you turn up the intro/outro bass any higher?

[@raymondhedland8261]

Thank it help

[@hobsonbeeman7529]

Looks like a possibly good solution. I have a situation when I travel to the farm and only cellular service is available for internet connection. I use a small Netgear/ATT hotspot. The issue I have discovered is that I get only 1 signal strength bar of 4g LTE signal. I have tried moving it from window to window, but 1 bar is all I can get. It works sorta, but is very slow and the hotspot tends to get pretty warm and locks up and you have to do a power cycle. Now…does the Peplink do a better job of cellular reception, and does it have antennas dedicated to reception? Also if needed can a higher gain external antenna be attached? With respect to provider service, can just 1 SIM be used. I typically get a 30 day prepaid SIM card. I use this setup for mainly email and internet access for remote PC access to client PCs for support. Does it allow use on batteries also?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes, by itself, the pep wave has better antennas than a hotspot. In addition, you can buy an external antenna and get even better signal. We chose to just mount ours in the windshield very high so that we get the best signal possible. Haven't had to do an external signal antenna yet. What we have done is added Starlink to the system so we run both Starlink and a SIM card through the router. If you look at the last section of the video regarding speed fusion, it will tell you why running two simultaneous signals is good. You could also do that with campground Wi-Fi if you didn't want to buy or invest in Starlink

[@2shay337]

I scrolled thru to last comment you said that you had this device working in your home before installing in RV. What internet provider gave you the best for the $50 mo. charge. I live in the dessert of NM that Verizon owns all the cell towers. And AT&T don't have any towers in my area. But I've seen videos about of subsidiary companies like BixWireless is just one I heard about but all these major companies don't really provide full uncapped, unlimited, no speed throttling for what they charge and I really need good cell phone/internet yet affordable on my small disability/retirement monthly check. I'm glad I found your vid on not having to spend money for booster, routers, antennas, hotspot device, and just the modem you talk about with a internet service provider to be able to have wireless internet and cell phone living off grid in the middle of the desert. OH I JUST HAD THIS QUESTION....THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE I'M HAVING WITH RV LIVING....WHAT TYPE OF POWER SET UP DO YOU HAVE? Do you plug in on a shore line? or are you fully OFF-GRID ? using just solar power? If you use solar, what size is your system? 12v, 2v or 48v? Before knowing more about going off-grid to solar, I bought everything in mind of 12v, AGM batteries, inverter, charge controller etc. and learned about having my RV needed more power than that either 24v or 48v to fully be able to have power of A/C in summer and be able to run a heater in winter as well as have the mini frig/freezer run at same time. Or run A/C or heater with laptop and cell phone powered at same as those appliances. So do you have any help as to what you have as for power full time to live full time in your RV?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

We lived in the outskirts of Phoenix and T-Mobile and Sprint worked equally well. If you are on a fixed income I would start with the T-Mobile data plan @ $50 a month before it goes away. There is no subscription so if it does not work you can cancel anytime. As far as power, we are full time so most of the time we are on shore power. This Pepwave router amzn.to/3rNXjCP will work on 12 to 30 vdc or 110 plug in. We do have solar too just about 1000watts on the roof and 800 watts in our batteries. It's a 12 V system. There is a place called RV Solar Electric (480-443-8520) if you call them and give a description of what devices you are using as well as you battery bank they will help you calculate exactly what you need as far as solar to boondock.

[@randyanderson2124]

Great video. I still don't understand one thing. Only service in my area is att. Can I just purchase an att sim card or do I have to invest into an att plan?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Good question - you would have to get an att sim card that has a data plan (not a phone plan). There are several resellers out there like Mobil Must Have

[@flyingtirebicycle8781]

Thank You

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You're welcome

[@joanowen1000]

Just curious, what do you know about Winegard 360+ and the matching Gateway router as well as what do you think?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I'm not familiar with the Winegard product but if you can put your own sim in the price is better than buying directly from wineguard

[@2shay337]

what is needed besides the Peplink router and maybe later add an outside antenna on top of my RV to be able to stream videos, or movies on a computer or lap top. I want to be able to have uncapped/ no throttling fast internet service AND cell phone service in my RV. And be able to be cost effective when buying all the devices, or cell phone and internet companies that give the best service for about $30.00 a month. Unlike Verizon for a hot spot with limited data capping, would charge $80 a month on hotspot device that after a week would not stream until next month.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Your choice is 1) a third party provider and not directly with a cell company. We use OTRmobile.com and they have Att Service - pretty much unlimited I think it goes to 400gb/mo 2) T-Mobile has a data only plan right now for $50/mo for $100gb data, and lastly if you join FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) they have an unlimited plan for $50 mo which is on Sprint (which is now part of T-Mobile). We us or have used all 3 of those companies and no complaints with any of them. We stream our TV, my wife uses for business 40 hours a week and I upload KZbin videos and we've never capped out any of them

[@2shay337]

@@RVIntoRetirement Thank you for the info. on service providers. So let while my RV is being worked on the solar system upgrade...I can while at home go to Amz and buy the Peplink Max BR-1 router, call up a 3nd party internet service provider like OTR mobile (ATT) be able to stream wireless internet on my laptop?)

[@jimgior]

@@2shay337 Yes. They will send you a SIM card and you just put it in the slot and power up the pepwave. Works on 12v or 110

[@jonwigby]

pepwave is going to cost 250.00\mo, not cheap at all

[@jimgior]

@@jonwigby False. Pepwave modem cost what it shows in the video and is a one time charge. The same price as most hotspots

[@ibrahimbek2804]

Thank you

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You're welcome

[@MichelleWirta]

Hello, appreciate your informative video! I live in my renovated 5th wheel on someone's property and the WIFI signal is good but undependable as I'm about 50 ft from the main house but there's a row of trees in between us. I'm wondering if a roof unit like the winegaurd would be better for me? The WIFI for the main house is decent but I need a better signal. So would you say the pepwave or winegaurd would be better? I've also heard good things about the Alpha camp pro. Appreciate your advice!TY

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Are you using the WiFi from the house and looking to boost that signal?

[@MichelleWirta]

Thanks for getting back to me:) Yes, I need to do many Zoom mtgs for my business and the connection can get really intermittent and slow. I'm using the main houses WIFI which is on Tmobil. I've looked into the Homefi option as well but quite frankly right now my internet is free and that's great, just need it to work more reliably and faster.

[@allenpardon8211]

Will the Verizon sim in our mifi8800 work with it or do we have to get a different one

[@RVIntoRetirement]

It should work. Ours did

[@ellenhannemann3874]

Would like to see how you connect it to your laptops and t.v.’s how do you set it up so it works for internet and streaming?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

The pepwave modem sends out a WiFi signal - so everything is wireless. You can run an ethernet cable to a device, but it's wifi is a fairly strong signal for our application in an RV

[@rufdiamondltd.3860]

Off topic, sorry. What is the black item mounted on the wall? It looks like some kind of RV checklist?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Remote for window shades

[@ellenhannemann3874]

Also, can you use it in conjunction with your mobile hotspot? Or is that even needed at all? Currently using Netgear nighthawk which everyone swears by, but it is just not fast enough for my working from home, which IVPN into my works network. Thanks!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You can use it in conjunction with a hotspot, but it's not the best way to set it up and defeats the strength in signal you get. You would take the sim out of the hotspot and put it in the pepwave modem and not use the hotspot anymore. Our first hotspot was the Nighthawk and found it to be inferior to the pepwave modem. Hope that helped.

[@FRANKLIN-vu1vn]

Can the crank up antena already on rv not be used to boost or recieve wifi or internet

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Not really

[@marshallmiller9300]

Hi! Awesome video. I know this is old but I have a question. Do all three of the modems you listed support multiple SIM cards? It's not listed on Amazon so just want to make sure. Thanks!!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

The first two I mentioned have two sim card slots, but only one sim at a time is active the other is a back-up. The Max Transit Duo has four sim card slots and two sims can be active at the same time.

[@tinaklassen8481]

I plan on moving into a van in the near future and I would be working 8 hrs a day from either a desktop or laptop computer. Would you recommend a certain version of the Max BR1 over another for this type of situation?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Tha would depend on how many data plans you’ll have. We run with 3 data plans so the is no break in coverage. If you plan on going with one data plan the low price model is best. The other two I talk about are better with two data plans.

[@snagrbuster7343]

Excellent Video 😊 Can what you spoke of, give a good internet signal (fast enough), for homes far from cities?! Thank You in advance!!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes it can. I would chat with the folks at 5gstore.com and tell them your particular situation and they will give you the best advice.

[@snagrbuster7343]

@@RVIntoRetirement Thank you very much for the response!!

[@arizonalife7720]

Does it have an option to tether to a meraki box I need for work?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Not sure what that is

[@JonesingforAdventure]

Very interesting and good, simple presentation. Although we aren’t full time we have to use cellular data for our home internet due to a lack of traditional options in our area. We might have to upgrade some of our tech now that I’ve seen this... Thanks for sharing!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! Before we went full time we used this modem in our house and it worked fine even without a roof antenna. Just depends where you are but certainly better than a hotspot.

[@MandMgo]

Dittos here.

[@bettywhite8407]

Lack of towers in my area re: internet. So is there a transit type pkg., to handle house etc.? TYIA

[@dedeorr3984]

Thank you for this post. I apologize for some of the ignorant comments from people that have nothing better to do. This was very informative. I will be FT living in a motorhome in a few months. I work remotely- so like your wife, will need to be able to be connected. Thank you for all of the information. One question- can you use the set up of the pep wave modem with the sim card in your home? Probably a dumb question, but before I hit the road, I would love to trouble shoot it- and heck..if I can get rid of my home internet for a few months..save a few bucks. Thanks in advance!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks for watching Dede. Yes you can absolutely use the Pepwave cellular modem from home, it's a great idea to get use to everything before you hit the road, it will be just one less thing to get use to.

[@dedeorr3984]

Thanks so much for the quick reply and answer to my question. I like that idea! Thanks again.

[@anotherjoe5675]

We're just getting started with our new Orpey cell phone booster in our RV... Have it temporarily installed in attempt to find the best location for components... Plan on using an iphone 8 as a hot spot for Mac, iPad, etc. Our objective is primarily to bypass non-existent to ultra slow WiFi service found in most RV parks... We will not use it for work or heavy data streaming... Just for email, surfing the web and streaming an occasional movie... We have a satellite dish and DirecTV service for regular TV... In your experience, will we be satisfied with this limited set up?...

[@RVIntoRetirement]

We rarely used our phone as a hotspot so it's difficult to say if you'll be satisfied or not. I can say that we didn't get great TV using our MiFi hotspot. Then again it depends on your service provider. Post back your results.

[@anotherjoe5675]

@@RVIntoRetirement Thank you... We've tested the booster on the RV in our driveway where we have good cell phone service... So far the MIMO reception on the cell phone is better than the booster provides... But we anticipate the booster will do better when go to a remote location... I'm concluding that using the cell phone as a hot spot in an area such as an RV park with good cell phone coverage will be of no benefit... Lots to learn... We're not too price sensitive so we'll upgrade to the extent necessary to achieve our objectives...

[@Mikesavariego]

hey what is the ultimate setup i am looking to get it for my airstream interstate for off grid living. i have to work full time so connectivity is everything. thank you!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Pepwave Max Transit Duo Cat 12 cellular modem, data plan from FMCA plus the New Verizon data plan. The cellular modem I suggest you get from 5gstore.com/ and ask what antenna would be best for airstream. We run without an antenna and have no issues even in remote areas so antenna is optional

[@lilmama4426]

Will the wingard gateway 4g lte work well for working from home? We just purchased a new Kodiak w/wingard 360+ and it can be upgraded w/the gateway; do we need a hot spot also? We do not travel; we will be either at a hunting camp or approx 25 mi from the largest city. Thank you so much for your help 😊

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I'm sorry but we have no first hand experience with the Wineguard product. I can say that our Pepwave cellular modem worked well in our home before we went full time, so all things being equal you can give it a try.

[@lilmama4426]

@@RVIntoRetirement Thank you so much for your reply. Will def look into the pep wave😊

[@mtnride4930]

We are looking for something that we can use for just watching videos and general internet use will the unit you displayed give us that and increased cell phone signal?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

It’s improved over a normal hotspot or using your phone as a hotspot. It requires a data only SIM card.

[@robin5453]

Great video. Would you consider starlink now by the way?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

YES and in fact I do run Starlink now, but I found you cannot depend on it 100% depending on your location and view of the sky due to obstructions so we still use Peplink at the same time with a Visible sim card in it. You can also run your Starlink through the Pepwave modem to use their Speed Fusion Product - bonding bot signals.

[@robin5453]

@@RVIntoRetirement Great to see your quick reply. I just find this bonding router not that cheap, are most RVers using it? are there any other options to compare? Thanks again.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@robin5453 Bonding is only needed if you you are working from your RV. You can easily run either Pepwave without speedfusion or starlink independent of each other. The big problem with starlink it's very spotty if there is any type of obstruction of the northern sky (at this time)

[@jamesbellon3145]

I have my camper in rural Florida and only receive 1 bar of any cell signal. Will this boost that cell signal as well? I like this for using for WiFi as well. Thanks!

[@RVIntoRetirement]

It doesn't boost signals. It gets you a better signal to begin with

[@perryb5373]

After watching your video I bought the new Cat 20 5g from Pepwave. Do you happen to know how I can change Nat Type?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I don’t off hand. 5gstore dot com has a lot of videos online as well as a great help section on their website

[@kimj1705]

We go to our rural property intermittently and mainly need a source for TV and laptop. Which Pepwave model do you suggest would be enough?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

If you only use one SIM card the base model is good enough. You may want an external antenna too but first try it without. 5gstore.com can guide you. The latest were we purchased both of ours

[@kimj1705]

Thank you for replying so promptly. I really appreciate it! I forgot a couple of questions, my apologies. My husband is a heart patient and we do virtual medical visits also I'm having to acquire a remote job which is medically required due to his care per his physician as he has an LVAD. Want to do this from the RV as well. Would the MK2 support this as the next level up is a little too expensive? For example AT&T, do you look for wireless plans or internet plans with carriers? Thank you for your time.

[@ddurick5048]

How did you get your sims setup to go in the pep wave, did you just get them straight from the cellular provider?

[@jimgior]

I have one sim from FMCA it’s on the sprint net and $50 a month. The other is from T Mobile. They have a special plan right now for data 100gb for $50. Alternatives are OTR Mobile who has unlimited ATT for $98

[@dawnholland6963]

Hello and thanks for the info!! Currently, I use a netgear router with a Verizon sims out of iPhone. Can I take that sims out of the current router and put into max transit duo and get the same results you speak of? I will need to add another sims from a different provider as well , is that correct?

[@bobskaftfeld5611]

I was looking for information for Canada, specifically Saskatchewan. That’s what I typed in the search! I’m guessing your in the states?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes in US

[@thomaswoods3559]

Would getting the Pepwave Cellular modem replace the need for a cell phone booster?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

In our experience yes it would

[@flmoseley8141]

Thanks for your video. I've been thinking about getting weboost for awhile now. The thing is we dont work from the road and only need this for streaming netflix youtube ect and for our cell phones. What would you recommend in our situation? We dont use laptops or computers so I dont want to do overkill I just want my wife to be able to tune into her tv shows at night. If I do any internt surfing it's from the cell phone. Thanks again.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Honestly it it was me I’d get the entry level Pepwave see the link in comments. It’s cheaper than a booster and will work better. Do you already have a data plan?

[@flmoseley8141]

@@RVIntoRetirement yes me and the wife are on tmobile. The plan let's us run the phone as a hotspot but after 5 gigs per month its slowed down. Do you think ii would be better with a different provider and plan? The one I have now is unlimited data and phone for $50 each but if we run hotspot its limited to the 5 gigs which is a problem for us.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

5gigs will burn up fast, you need a dedicated data plan much more than a booster. Check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6xlpyfjNdopJI

[@flmoseley8141]

@@RVIntoRetirement thank you that's exactly what I need.

[@milomms4869]

So I live in quite a big house but I keep my phone downstairs so it can connect to my Alexa but I have to have it in a sertain spot and that spot happens to be right under a metal cupboard. So my room is upstairs and since my phone is downstairs under the cupboard it barely connects. Is this what I need or not?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

No this does not apply to your situation - this is specifically for people with hotspots that travel in their RV or Boat.

[@sentientbeingslove]

Starting research for my vanlife journey, which will include working online 40 hrs/week. Would you be able to share the total cost of the setup that you have which allows your wife to work on the road and stream/upload videos?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Hi Ali - here is the breakdown. Pepwave MAX Transit Duo Router With 2 x Cat 12 LTE Advanced Pro Modems + PrimeCare $999.00 FMCA Data Connect Monthly Data Service - Unlimited No Throttle $50/mo Sprint Data Plan 100Gb data $60/mo Optional: OTRMobile.com 300Gb data $119/mo Let us know if you have any other questions

[@ZachDevine]

What was the download speed comparison between the default provided hotspot against the peplink? Is there actually a considerable speed increase w the peplink?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

The Peplink brings in a much stronger signal so it's different to compare download speeds. Even the most inexpensive Peplink will be faster than the hotspot alone. With that said it's going to depend where you travel - you can start out with the hotspot and then see if you need a unit with a better antenna like the Peplink

[@ZachDevine]

@@RVIntoRetirement awesome, thanks for your advice. We live in Alaska and just purchased the att unlimited deal via FMCA per your video. I’ll see how it does before we decide to invest in a Peplink. I had the new $1,400 5g peplink purchased on Amazon but canceled and decided to test the att hotspot unit first :)

[@jimgior]

@@ZachDevine good choice. There is also a way to get visible by Verizon to work on the Pepwave modem. I'll be doing a video soon about it

[@Gellybeanb1974]

Hi I have a desk top & am going to be living in my RV what do you think I should use for cheap internet? Thanks

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Check out FMCA tech connect for their $50/month unlimited data

[@Gellybeanb1974]

@@RVIntoRetirement THANK YOU*

[@danielbarbarito8633]

So do you need the hotspot still ? Or just cellular modem?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

No need for a hotspot with the cellular modem

[@partake305]

Well if you were having poor service and didn't use a booster, what did you do about getting good cell phone service? Thanks.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

We get good WiFi signal from the Pepwave modem and use our phones on WiFi mode.

[@danielcole8575]

Sounds like a great way to go! But my ignorance of it all begs the question, how does one acquire the SIM cards?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

There are a number of ways. Here is one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6xlpyfjNdopJI

[@danielcole8575]

@@RVIntoRetirement So I have to buy a new device in order to get the SIM card for each service I want to use. If my wife and I each have a phone on a plan with Verizon, and we want to have 2 SIMs to put in the Peplink, then we have to buy two additional devices (with their data plan) just to get the SIM cards. Is that correct? Like buying the one from FMCA and a hotspot from Verizon?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@danielcole8575 With FMCA you get the device for free, you take the sim card out and put it in the Pepwave cellular modem. You have to keep their device and send it back to them when you leave.. With Verizon you can add a data only plan to your current account and they will send you a sim card to put in the pepwave - no need to buy any additional devices. Alternatively, there are other companies that do the same like ATT or 3rd party providers.

[@danielcole8575]

@@RVIntoRetirement Thanks Jim!

[@DavidYosephSchreiber]

Can I use this device in an apartment instead of a wave amplifier with an outdoor antenna?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes you can!

[@ghstwoman]

Hello, this was a very helpful video, thank you. We just started out full time RVing and it's been a struggle. As soon as u can please let us know where you purchased all of the antennas for your max duo. Thank you again

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You can try 5gstore.com for the antenna. You can call them and let them know what system you have and what issues you are having and they get you set up. Very helpful customer service.

[@ghstwoman]

We are novices, retired not tech savvy but willing & able to learn. Did you buy your Max transit duo at the 5gstore.com along with your antenna? Thank you again for your very much needed advice.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@ghstwoman yes we purchased from the 5gstore. We did not buy an external antenna because we found the signal straight from the pepwave modem to be strong enough. They can set it up for you so all you need to do is put your SIM card in it and plug it in. Just let them know that’s what you want to do.

[@standingmannequin7911]

@@RVIntoRetirement Closest thing to sticking your head in a microwave. People are just getting smarter every day. Klauss Schwabb wants us all to be hotspots and people can't wait.

[@dasppg9737]

Does this device port the data through regular Cel signal or use through hotspot data. I’m interested in one that pulls data through the regular Cel data not the limited hotspot

[@RVIntoRetirement]

This uses a data only sim card, what limits hotspot data is your plan. One of the services we use is FMCA's Sprint plan which is unlimited data, no throttling

[@dasppg9737]

@@RVIntoRetirement do you happen to know how it uses the data? I have an unlimited plan on all my devices but only 30gb for hotspot use. If a router could port the data as non hotspot data I could get unlimited data use

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@dasppg9737 Unfortunately there is no way around that, you would have to use your phone as a hotspot and that would defeat the purpose of having a cellular modem.

[@DaveParizek]

A couple of the product links to Amazon do not work, page not founds.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Thanks for letting me know - I'll update them

[@Ukraineisawesone]

Sims is just adding another line. More cost.

[@RVLoveshack]

We have that modem and noticed that it gets super hot to the touch. Have you experienced this issue and if so do something to help cool it down?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Ours gets hot too. I just measured it with a heat Infrared thermometer and it read 99 degrees. I would not say it's super hot to the touch, I can hold my hand on it and not feel the need to let go because of heat. We have ours mounted on near our front windshield and keep it shaded to sun coming in the window. On a side not we just sub'd to you channel.

[@richardlewis2290]

I am trying to figure out if these Pepwave devices have been obsoleted by Starlink with Roaming now operational. The $100 per month for Starlink is about the same cost for having twin data sims and the hardware cost is actually cheaper than the more pricey Pepwave models. I would like to see a cost and performance comparison video of these two options.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I have a starlink on order right now and will update in the future. With that said we will probably keep one sim in the router and run the starlink into the Pepwave modem. We'll probably run both for a while to compensate for obstructions and possible price increases with starlink. The other thing if you are working from your RV Peplinks Speed Fusion bonds two sources of data for those that need uninterrupted data for work

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Most users don't need the expensive Peplink or dual SIM. You can get a Mofi for $300 and a Visible SIM for $25/mon.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@Step-n-Wolf Guess you didn't watch the video as I mention 3 models of pepwave modems and one that was under $300. But some users work from the road and want the added features that Speed fusion provides. Nevertheless your suggestion works too

[@Step-n-Wolf]

@@RVIntoRetirement i did watch the whole video. Peplink is still overpriced with ongoing costs others don't have.

[@benca101]

Looking for something less expensive than Starlink, and that's hard to do. With this setup, you're over $1000 - why not just go with Starlink at this point and enjoy a fully redundant system between cell phones and high-speed satellite internet?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

I think you just focused on just the most expensive modem they sell, I mentioned 3 models in the video and the lowest price one is $299.00 amzn.to/3huxbO9 and you can get a Visible sim card for it for $30 a month. With that said, we do have Starlink and use it in conjunction with the Pepwave modem. There are many places where if you don't have 100% visibility on Starlink you will get constant drop-outs. In our experience with Starlink for the last 9 months there have been more places with spotty coverage than great coverage - that's where the Pepwave modem shines.

[@benca101]

@@RVIntoRetirement Ah... ok.. good to know! As always the problem is.. "what will my experience be" and there's no way to know without doing what you did: throw money at it and see what sticks. I'm trying to shortcut it all!. Anyway, first person accounts is what matters and everyone has a different story with cellular extenders, which is strike 1, and the next strike is having to be within inches of the internal antenna (which is fixed with yet another device.) I want to believe Starlink is amazing.. very clean to setup.. no worries about cell coverage. Looks like I'll have to keep researching! Thanks for your comment and great video.

[@popclutch_100]

There not available on Amazon currently. Where else can I purchase one?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

5gstore.com

[@ltcajh]

What's the model number of the modem? I'm not seeing it, unless I'm missing something obvious?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

There are 3 models discussed in the video. 1) Pepwave MAX-BR1-MINI-LTE-US-T-M BR1 Mini Core Single 4G LTE Modem, 2) Pepwave MAX BR1 MK2 Router with Cat 6 LTE Advanced Model and the one we use currently is #3 Pepwave MAX Transit Duo Router With 2 x Cat 12 LTE Advanced Pro Modems. You can find these at www.5gstore.com

[@filipepereira1758]

You can add data card on that ?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes. We run a visible sim card

[@denrizza]

Since our phones already have built in hotspots in them, I'm figuring just getting a cell booster would be fine for us.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

For light use that may work.

[@kissCharles]

thank you for the video.. the productwas great until I released after paying 200usd+ there are features that are still locked without paying more to unlock...

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Sorry to hear that

[@WakeRunSleep]

can I use my Verizon Gudp for this?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

You can use a Verizon data sim card but not a phone sim card

[@musclecars4635]

What about Winegard products? This brand comes with many new RV’s.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Never had one myself, but most groups that I follow people say they are disappointed in the service

[@BayChurch]

Booster are like archaic. I use 3g/4g lte mimo antenna and connect the aux cable to the back of my mofi5500 em7690 (which have Cat20 module). I’m getting 55-65mbps out in the boonies. If we’re park within city limit, I find that I’m getting 65-75mbps.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yea I agree totally!!! A good mimo antenna will do better than a booster IMO.

[@davidborden3181]

I have ATT prepaid unlimited data. Currently the caveat of this plan is that i have no hotspot data. So, if I pop my SIM into this will it work?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

No it won't work. Sounds like your plan is for a phone. You need a dedicated hotspot plan. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6xlpyfjNdopJI

[@Gellybeanb1974]

You have to have att& T & T-Mobil? My Gosh Texas Is Expensive for internet. I pay 17.00 For spectrum in my apartment*

[@RVIntoRetirement]

It's not necessary to have multiple carriers, we choose to have that based on our usage and needs while on the road.

[@anthony1113]

Is this strictly to boost your Wi-Fi signal? What wireless carrier do you use as your service??

[@RVIntoRetirement]

No it does not boost anything. It’s a cellular modem in which you put your SIM card in. It takes the place of a hotspot. We use sprint through FMCA and Verizon

[@anthony1113]

@@RVIntoRetirement so I can just take the SIM card out of my iPhone and install it into this making it a hotspot? Where do you get the SIM cards from? I mean pretty much…whose your carrier? Lol

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@anthony1113 no you cannot use the sim from your phone. It has to be a sim dedicated to data only and meant fir a hotspot. Verizon has a plan as does FMCA and they will send you a sim if you sign up with their plan

[@anthony1113]

@@RVIntoRetirement well thats my question…who provides the SIM card? Whose the carrier of the service? What’s an average monthly service cost? Sorry for all the questions lol you have me intrigued

[@RVIntoRetirement]

As I mentioned FMCA has a plan with T-Mobile, it's $49 month for unlimited data and no throttling. You do have to buy their hotspot too which is a one time charge of $39. The hotspot will come with a sim card in it and you can take it out and put in the Pepwave Modem. Here is a link to that plan www.fmca.com/index.php?option=com_fmcatechconnectv2&view=home Also, you can get a data plan from ATT or Verizon the price for Verizon for us is $60 mo for 100Gb of data. We don't recommend Att- see other video.

[@desertdog7435]

I think if I wanted to spend a bunch $$$ I'd just get starlink. I'm looking to stay more economical.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

We have Starlink and use it in conjunction with the pepwave modem for a few reasons. First Starlink is not mobile and they with their recent change to terms of service will cancel you. So if you want the internet while driving that won't work. Also we use speed fusion through the pepwave for business purposes. Lastly right now Starlink is very touchy if you have even the slightest of obstructions

[@yahuahsaves777]

So you must buy that then always pay for a SIM card also?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes

[@grzegorz16100]

Hi. Any links to hotspot sellers? Thanks

[@RVIntoRetirement]

5gstore.com

[@robertpenland2429]

I’m trying to find the unit your currently using for that price.

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Try 5gstore.com and it’s the Pepwave Max Transit Duo Cat 12

[@yahuahsaves777]

What’s the company you order this from?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

For the modem. amazon or 5gstore.com for SIM card and data FMCA tech connect or OTR Mobile

[@kbestle]

Doesn’t there need to be a cell signal available to boost? If my phone or tablet is getting zero bars, does this actually solve that situation?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes there does need to be a signal to boos. But I am advocating against booster and for a cellular modem and and antenna. If there is zero signal to be found we don’t camp there

[@yahuahsaves777]

@@RVIntoRetirement how do you know if they have signal?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

@@yahuahsaves777 Well you don’t. The best you can do is look at a service map. The intent of the video is that a good cellular modem is better than a poor hotspot and a booster

[@kathyfann]

So with only my SIM card this works?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Yes it should

[@craigbrowning9448]

Any updates to the contents of this video?

[@RVIntoRetirement]

Just today’s video and the fact that pepwave now has a 5G hotspot. Everything else still holds true