Ultimate RV Mobile Internet Setup: Our Super Connected Travato Van with Starlink & 5G Cellular

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

My son has been studying as much as he can, to get my stepvan (my future home on wheels) set up for internet capability......your videos have been a huge help! THANK YOU!

[@larryvolenec9851]

You guys rock! The Mobile Internet Resource Center has helped us select cellular providers and hardware and configure the components to keep us connected as we celebrate our three years of a nomadic adventure travel lifestyle. Keep up the great work, and thank you for sharing your super-connected van.

[@nasseral-momen1463]

your van has more gadgets than the ghostbusters. Great stuff

[@burgesskj]

KZbin really needs to add a LOVE emoji to their LIKE button for videos like this. I take notes.

[@Chupabrah]

I love y'alls videos! I noticed some of your latest videos were taken in Sanford FL. I just moved to the Orlando area from VA where some of my family lives. We've been taking the autotrain back and forth to move some things. It's not for everyone, but I think it's a blast! I also have the old Verizon grandfathered plan! So glad I found your channel!

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. we have been based in Sanford the past few years. We love it here!

[@mikemoxley9477]

Loved the presentation !!! Super stuff. Just downloaded and save so I can revisit over and over.

[@Technomadia]

Thanks.. glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucefay5126]

Always interesting to see your personal setup. Thanks.

[@AaronSchmidt52]

Thank you for sharing your setup in depth. Lots of great bits of info. 👍

[@dude999642]

Love you guys!

[@SavorTheJourneyDave]

Totally Awesome!!! Thank you for doing this.....! We appreciate it!!!!!

[@martymain1907]

Two years ago, upon your posted recommendations, we jumped into mobile internet by purchasing a Max Transit Duo (Cat 6) without any external antennas in a fiberglass-walled RV trailer and never looked back. It has done all we ever needed utilizing ATT and Verizon (no bonding); primarily streaming video/audio content and Web surfing wherever we find ourselves. We use it in our sticks and bricks (stationary) home, too. It just seems to work, subject to only the carriers' problems. Still Starlink is on my radar for some day.

[@Technomadia]

The dual Cat-6 was a great product for the time. If it's still working for you, that's awesome. At this point in time, we consider Cat-6 to be near obsolete for LTE as the carriers have added so many frequency bands not covered by it.

[@abennett]

If you had the non lithium version, do you think you'd have power anxiety with all of the internet stuff connected?

[@Technomadia]

We did have the non-lithium model before we got Blooper. Never really a concern - as we still had battery power when away from shore power, and cellular gadgets don't take the much power. But we honestly didn't do too much dry camping in the non-lithium version - which is why we upgraded to the GL. Definitely if we're using Starlink when off grid, we'll need the extra juice.

[@dflood316]

Love it! Great stuff as always.

[@dude999642]

Awesome!

[@vanwhalen3719]

Totally unrelated. I love that blue color on your van! Can you tell me what kind of van is that?

[@Technomadia]

Blooper is a Winnebago Travato GL - the blue was a very rare color they did. Technomadia.com/blooper

[@Etheoma]

I know this was a year ago, but right now there are pretty futureproof 5G modems, like as long as you have MIMO and get the newest modems you should be good.

[@Technomadia]

Yes.. we track them all over at RVMobileInternet.com

[@FollowTheJohn]

My favorite geeks.

[@girouxcampingadventures]

Great starlink info. That is definitely my next investment especially after some spotty service this past summer trip of 2 months. I have ATT for phone plan and Visible in my peplink, but I need Starlink as alternative too. Thx team!

[@shi4llc812]

Have you guys ever tried Google fi

[@Technomadia]

Here's our coverage of it: www.rvmobileinternet.com/googlefi

[@ericmed]

Do you think shortening the external antenna cell booster cable would help any?

[@Technomadia]

Every bit of cable length does contribute to some cable loss, but the cables kitted with boosters are well balanced between length and loss.

[@RonMDavis]

Need that tablet stand. Very nice! I thought we could not move the Calyx sims to other hardware? Has that changed?

[@Technomadia]

We love that tablet holder.. here's a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/33rB1MK For Calyx - moving the SIM isn't officially supported, and on some devices doesn't even work. We happen to have one that it does just work.. at least for now.

[@diegofernandez1454]

You guys are awesome. I just got my transit pro, but haven't gotten an external mounted antenna. One question I have is how you use your booster? When you turn it on, do you replace the antennas on your router to the stock antennas so they can catch the signal from the repeater antenna (which I assume you have inside?)

[@Technomadia]

Exactly that. On the very rare occasions we need a booster, we switch the router back to indoor antennas.

[@diegofernandez1454]

@@Technomadia awesome thanks!

[@ToniAdventures]

Wondering how all the equipment is powered!

[@Technomadia]

At this location, we have 30A campground power. But our van also has the Volta 48v lithium system with lots of off grid power.

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@Mudford63]

Hi, did you guys do a video on how to setup the access point on the pepwave?

[@Technomadia]

Our partners over at MobileMustHave likely have that in their knowledge base for their customers.

[@Mudford63]

@@Technomadia thank you. Looking at their membership now.

[@cathysupp9493]

Wondering if you could purchase abilty to connect on several 'grids' as the home grid That could ensure connectivity in the area in future in those densely populated areas you might be visiting regularly I can imagine the number of users per grid could fill up fast in areas like Orlando for example

[@Technomadia]

Are you referring to Starlink? Right now, their Business service at $500/mo does give priority access. Or you can purchase a separate Dishy setup for each location you want. When they release a truly mobile service in the future - it'll be interesting to see how they handle it.

[@jeffdickey6305]

What blinds are you using on your windshield?

[@Technomadia]

Just what comes standard with the Travato. They actually recently broke - was very happy to ditch them. Nice concept, but poorly implemented.

[@RichardDeAgazio]

Love your channel. I keep getting notices from Peplink for upgrades on software. I have Pepwave Max Transit LTEA. I can seem to figure if I have to do it?

[@Technomadia]

You should always keep your firmware updated.

[@sandyevans3883]

I've learned more from you in hours than I have in YEARS of prior effort. EVERY TIME I hear you mention your upload or download speeds, and which signal sources work best at any given moment, I wonder HOW you measure such things real time. You discuss bonding and how that increases total throughput and again, HOW do you measure the specifics of such things? Even knowing which band or frequency being used is not simple to find out. Can you share your methods?

[@Technomadia]

Here's our guide on just that topic: www.rvmobileinternet.com/testing

[@kelcaba7914]

I want to go on the road with my husband but my job requires me to be hardwired I can’t use Wi-Fi to directly connect, I’m wondering if there’s a way around this

[@Technomadia]

All depends what they mean by hardwired.. does just your laptop need to connected via Ethernet? Or does your internet source have to be cable/DSL? We cover this in more in this guide: www.rvmobileinternet.com/working-remotely

[@dude999642]

Question: I'll be living/working on my boat, and mostly on anchor, where the boat swings maybe w/in a 30 degree arc. Would that work with Starlink "RV" plan!?

[@Technomadia]

It works.. but there can be drop outs as the boat moves and Dishy has to re-aim. When at anchor, we always bond to a cellular connection to keep a stable online experience.

[@dude999642]

@@Technomadia Awesome!

[@atomiq911]

I find hard to believe that you didn't mention the T-mobile home internet router, aka the Trash can, that's what i use now, it really not designed for roaming, but if you do it occasionally they do allow you to use it, now is there any way to connect the trash can to any of the peplink routers?

[@Technomadia]

We don't personally use the T-Mobile Home Internet service - it's not authorized for mobility. And the 'trash can' way too big to fit into our van's tiny tech cabinet. And we already have plenty of other options in our setup that keep us connected.

[@genoropesa9896]

Do you take it out when you are driving?

[@Technomadia]

Take what out?

[@genoropesa9896]

I mean the pole? When traveling…

[@Technomadia]

No, we keep the pole permanently attached to our ladder. When underway we just lower it so the cellular antenna is below the roof line, and take Starlink down if it had been set up.

[@venezo1234]

hello guys , was thinking about purchasing a weboost drive rv reach for wi fi booster and a hot spot from verizon , will this be enough to get better internet connection ?

[@Technomadia]

weBoost is a cellular booster, not a Wi-Fi booster. As to what will meet your needs.. so much depends on your needs. Recommend starting at: www.rvmobileinternet.com/getting-started

[@steventoney4018]

I have the BR1 Pro 5G and 12v 8port POE switch and the AP One AP in my Travato 22GL. I would be interested in the details of your cable routing into van -- the dealer installed a weboost and ran the cable thru the WGO black box conduit port - but now I have parsec husky 7n1 so lots more cable to go inside -- I have not tackled -- the wgo conduit box does not have a removable top that I can tell like other weather resistant boxes. so I can not yet see how big a hole goes through the roof -- is it worth removing the wgo box and use one with a gasketed top to work on getting cables through into the van and then resealing and adhering the new box. what are the mounting hardwire details for your pole for mounting the akita and starlink dish.. these device work well .. I have verizon and t-mobile sims in the peplink 5G router and a ATT sim in a netgear 5G nighthawk that is portable but can ethernet link into setup as well. my current issue is tackle the mounting of outside antennas. and get the cable inside the van.. some of your experience / solution details would be helpful I probably will add starlink in the future -- maybe an akita on a pole if height helps over the husky mounted on roof.. where do you run all the cables??? thanks

[@Technomadia]

I am using the stock plastic box that Winnebago provides, with I believe a 1" hole drilled into the side of it. Through that hole I've been able to fish all 12 antenna cables down through the Access Port into the tech area behind the TV. The hole in the van roof under the box is plenty big - it just requires some patience to work the wires around a bit of an S-curve. Getting a fish wire through and then pulling the rest is the best way to go.

[@steventoney4018]

@@Technomadia thanks... are you using any gasket on the 1in hole or just gooped for sealing with manus bond or dicor.?? I'm also interesting in your ladder pole and mounting hardware configuration for starlink and your akita. are the cables from those going through the WGO port or just via window or door when setup? I mounted the parsec husky to the roof rack today - added two more cross bars upfront - one extra to do a 12 inch square aluminum plate for the husky and another to mount a yakima fairing to try -- in the long run may fabricate a larger custom fairing.. now to run the husky cables through the holes. I may end up putting 4 POE bullet cameras on top and run those cable inside to the POE or do another POE switch in a waterproof box and only run one ethernet and one 12v power to the outside .. still thinking -- has I have the BR15G, NUC computer, QNAP NAS, HDHOMERUN, and AP One on switch - so only have 3 ports open.. thanks for the info I almost tempted to cut the top off the WGO box and mount another waterproof box with rmoveable lid down over the wgo box for easier access

[@Technomadia]

The Akita cables go through the roof port. The Starlink is not full-time installed, so I just run that cable through the back door edge. To seal the 1” hole, I have a screw on clamshell cover. Though honestly I mostly tend to just use a temporary cover made of duct tape since I tend to want to change out the antennas easily.

[@RichardDeAgazio]

I have Starlink and I am waiting for the dongle to hook it up to my Pepwave with CAT. Any tips?

[@Technomadia]

We have been sharing lots of tips with our members over at the Mobile Internet Resource Center, including a recent webinar on the topic.

[@michelemarsden]

You guys for hire?

[@Technomadia]

We no longer provide private advising, but we offer tons of content, guidance and even a classroom with office hours at www.rvmobileinternet.com.

[@jenspeterkold5454]

Would you use the same setup for your boat ? Specific Starlink.

[@Technomadia]

Yes, as we covered at the end of the video (with video of Dishy cruising with us) .. pretty much same same setup on the boat, except we use the MAX Transit Pro instead of Pro E.

[@jenspeterkold5454]

@@Technomadia sorry, was too impatient.

[@stephenbeale9520]

I'm going to have to watch this again. I'm planning out my internet setup now for my East to West 386MB-OK 5th wheel. It came with the winegard pre installed, and If I can modify the antenna to work with the pepwave cellular antenna I might go that route. Even though I'm not a fan of the Musk dictatorship I want to get starlink and pair with cellular. You know what, the premium membership is really sounding good as I have so many questions and this really isn't the right medium for them.

[@Technomadia]

All depends on which Winegard you have. The Air 360's 2x2 antennas can be used with a single sub-Cat 12 LTE modem with a adapters... but it can be an awkward installation. The ConnecT isn't really usable outside of itself. If you do join, our team looks forward to assisting you over in our 'office'. :D

[@dhincks1]

How did you get starlink? I'm mobile most of the time. Unfortunately my " home address" isn't prioritized so even though I'm an early subscriber .... Dead air from Starlink.

[@Technomadia]

Our full guide, as linked in the video, to getting Starlink is at www.rvmobileinternet.com/starlink

[@jimbrown9817]

Did you find and go for the RV version? I was waitlisted for 9 months, with poor odds of either home or work addresses being served. When the RV option came available, I bought in. Received the unit in

[@keithhart3689]

And I bet it cost a fortune what is monthly cost??

[@Technomadia]

Monthly cost is dependent upon the plans you choose - we track all the current best options at www.RVMobileInternet.com/planpicks . We share our personal plans (many of which are retired now) at www.technomadia.com/internet

[@rd4660]

Love your content, but I’m at the point in my retirement that when I don’t have a cell signal it’s a good thing. I have a Kindle that is full of books, so when I don’t have a signal, I celebrate and read,

[@Technomadia]

We look forward to such a time in our future as well... where connectivity is an option, not a need. Well done!

[@radnelac26]

Excellent informative and educational review of your most recent mobile updates. Thank you for sharing. Also, I really like the look of your Ipad holder . Can you direct me to where I might find a similar model? Thanks so much and best of luck working towards a less demanding schedule.

[@Technomadia]

We love that tablet holder.. here's a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/33rB1MK

[@radnelac26]

@@Technomadia Thank you!!

[@brucefay5126]

@@Technomadia We bought one based on your recommendation and use it whenever we ZOOM. It’s excellent.

[@jasonthemason1971]

Hell……. I still use my Ellipsis Jetpack from Verizon. Works great !! It hasn’t caught fire yet. I removed the battery and just plug it in. I’ve given up trying to get a replacement from Verizon !!!!

[@Technomadia]

That certainly works.. but such an old device. Missing out on their newer frequency bands, and no antenna ports for signal enhancing.

[@jasonthemason1971]

@@Technomadia I’m ready to go to Verizon and just buy a new one. But, it’s connected to 8 devices and will take time to switch everything over.

[@jasonthemason1971]

@@Technomadia looks like the Orbic Speed 5G UW has the best reviews. Is it worth the $300, compared to the other one for $79. Thanks.

[@Technomadia]

We have the unit in review over at the Mobile Internet Resource Center: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/orbic-speed-5g-uw/

[@brandyboone]

Not sure if it is just me but almost none of your links actually work.

[@Technomadia]

Thank you for letting us know - it looks like there was some sort of cut-n-paste glitch that somehow added an extra .com to the end of some of the links on KZbin. We just fixed them.

[@tomkeating65]

Or, with a little studying, you could be a licensed amateur radio operator. Doing this would open up communications that you never thought of.

[@Technomadia]

We actually both have had our licenses for well over a decade.

[@katedraper6318]

Excellent video!! Can I also contact you for a business collaboration, I'm a seller selling power station and solar panel.

[@Technomadia]

We have all the power and solar solutions we need, thanks.

[@perryortho1609]

Why do I feel I’m watching PBS

[@Technomadia]

Public accèss non-sponsored informative educational content.. we take that as a compliment :)