Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by Jess
People who travel often do so in remote locations where cellular service is not available.
In these cases, one might wonder if an RV cell booster is worth the money because they can range in price from $500-900 depending on the size and strength of the signal.
Also, installation requires some time and patience. You may have to drill a permanent hole in your RV, which some people don’t like.
You have to mount an antenna on the roof and run cables throughout the RV. It’s understandable to wonder if it’s worth it or not.
However, I will reassure you by telling you that they are worth the money, and there are several top solutions to choose from.
What is an RV Cell Booster?
An RV Cell Booster, also known as a cellular repeater or amplifier, is a device that improves the strength and reliability of a cellular signal in a given area. It boosts your cellular service using two antennas and an amplifier so you get a stronger signal and faster speeds, even in remote areas.
After the antennas boost your signal, the repeater broadcasts the signal throughout your RV.
However, each device has a different specified range, so it is important to place the repeater in a location that reaches the entire length of your RV.
There are many different models and brands on the market, offering different signal strengths and capabilities.
Some will work while your RV is stationary, while others will provide the best possible signal even while driving. However, they all have the same goal – a better cellular signal.
Most of these solutions are permanently installed in your RV and come with an external antenna that you mount on the roof.
Once installed, the RV Cell Booster pulls in a signal from the nearest cell tower and boosts it so you can have a stronger signal in your RV.
Installation instructions are usually included, and you can do the installation yourself without having to hire a professional.
How much does a cell phone booster for RVs cost?
The cost of an RV cell booster varies depending on the model and brand you choose.
However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $900 for a quality booster.
You can certainly find them cheaper, but you won’t get the same signal strength or range.
While these smaller units are fine for smaller RVs, you’ll need a stronger unit for a larger RV.
Reasons why they are worth it
There are a number of reasons why a cellular booster for RVs is worthwhile. The most important reason is that you stay connected on the road.
Here are a few more examples of how an RV Cell Booster can enhance your travels.
They keep you connected.
Traveling full-time can put a strain on your relationships at home. It’s understandable that you miss your friends and family and want a way to stay in touch.
With a cellular booster for RVs, you can do just that by staying connected to the outside world.
They are great for security.
If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, a strong cell phone signal can be the difference between life and death.
If you have no way to contact the outside world, you are exposed to a number of risks.
They are great for entertainment.
When you want to stream movies or TV shows on the go, a cellular booster gives you the fast speed and strong signal you need to do it without buffering or interruptions.
This isn’t always the case if you have a large family or are streaming with multiple devices at once, as this could overload the booster. However, it does make streaming faster and easier for one device.
They are perfect for work.
If you regularly work on the road, a strong cellular signal is critical to your success.
Whether you’re making calls or sending emails and text messages, you can do it right from your RV.
Thanks to the simple and quick installation of a mobile phone booster for the motorhome, you can always be connected to the office, even when you’re on the road.
They allow you to be more spontaneous.
If you’re one of those travelers who likes to get off the beaten path, an RV Cell Booster gives you the flexibility you need without having to worry about running out of cell service.
That means you can explore more and worry less, which is always a plus.
Things that can affect the performance of a Cell Booster
There are a few things that can affect the performance of your cell booster, and it’s important to consider them before you buy.
Evaluate these key factors before choosing the right cell booster for you.
The size of your RV
If you have a large RV, you’ll need a stronger booster to reach the far corners of your vehicle with a strong signal.
A small RV, on the other hand, doesn’t need as much power, so you can save some money with a less expensive model.
The number of devices you will use
If you have many devices that will use the cellular signal, you will need a booster with more power.
This is because each device connected to the booster will consume some of the available signal strength.
The type of terrain you are in
If you are in mountainous terrain, it may be more difficult to receive a strong cell phone signal.
In this case, you may need a booster with more power to reach a transmitter tower farther away.
Why an RV Cell Booster may not be right for you
RV Cell Boosters are not for everyone. There are a few reasons why you may not want to invest in a booster, including:
Our favorite cell phone signal boosters
I researched and chose these models because I think they are simply the best options on the market.
Other options are available on the market to meet your needs, take a look at our article on the best RV Cell Phone Signal Boosters for more options.
weBoost Drive X B081BMLXG3 cell phone signal booster.
The WeBoost Drive X RV is one of the most popular cell phone signal boosters on the market, and for good reason.
It’s a great choice for RVs of all sizes and can be used with multiple devices at once. It’s also relatively easy to install, which is a plus if you’re not familiar with electronics.
I personally use this device and it has helped boost our signal, even at home. We live in our RV full time in a rural area, so our cell phone signal is not always the best.
This is a problem because we are here most of the time and work from home! We also homeschooled our kids, and access to technology was critical.
We did a lot of research and chose WeBoost because it presented itself as a reliable company and had excellent reviews from other full-time employees like us.
They also had a wide range of options, so we knew we would get something that was perfect for our needs.
Our motorhome is 45 feet long, so it was also important to us that the signal reach throughout the motorhome and the deck, which WeBoost assured us it would.
The WeBoost Drive X RV solution allows for simultaneous use by multiple users, works far away from a transmission tower, and is versatile enough to be used on the move as well as stationary.
The unit arrived promptly with all the instructions we needed for installation. Installation took about an hour and was very easy.
Within minutes we had a few extra bars on all of our devices and were able to use them in places we couldn’t before.
Installing a cellular amplifier in your mobile home
If you are considering buying a cellular amplifier for your RV, there are a few things you should know about the installation process.
Mount the booster
First you need to find a place to mount the booster inside your motorhome.
It is important that the booster is mounted in a place with good ventilation, as it generates heat during operation.
Also, make sure it is securely mounted, as the unit may vibrate while driving.
We mounted our device on the inside of a kitchen cabinet so it would not be visible, but in some cases this can significantly affect the signal.
You may want to use the booster in different locations for a few days to see where it works best before installing it permanently.
Once you have found a good location, you will need to connect the booster to a power source.
Most boosters come with a cigarette lighter adapter, but you can also hardwire it to your RV’s electrical system or plug it into a wall outlet.
Install the antenna
Once the booster is ready, you need to connect it to an antenna. The booster comes with an external antenna that you can mount on the roof of your motorhome.
Be sure to mount the antenna in a location with a clear view of the sky, as this will help ensure a strong signal.
It is best to mount your antenna at the top of the ladder leading up to your roof.
That way, you don’t have to drill unsightly holes that are an eyesore when you want to take the antenna down again.
Connecting the cable
When the antenna is in place, you must connect it to the booster with a cable.
Most boosters come with all the necessary cables and adapters, but you may need to purchase them separately if your booster does not.
Since the booster is in the RV and the antenna is outdoors, you need to consider where you run the cable.
In some cases, you can use a duct or vent. In other cases, you may need to drill into the side of the RV.
The kit should include everything you need to drill a hole and then reseal it. If it doesn’t, make sure you can do this step yourself or hire someone to do it for you.
Switching on the booster
Once everything is connected, you need to turn on the booster and wait for it to initialize. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Once the booster is up and running, you should immediately notice a difference in your cellular signal. If not, there are a few things you can check to fix the problem.
Troubleshooting
First, make sure all connections are secure and cables are not damaged. Next, check that the booster is placed in a good location.
If it is too close to other electronic devices, it may not work as well.
You should also check the signal strength in your area. If there are no cell towers nearby, you will not get a strong signal no matter how good your booster is.
If you still have problems, you can contact the manufacturer of your booster.
Do I need a cell phone signal booster for the RV?
That depends on your specific needs and circumstances. An RV cell phone signal booster can be useful for improving cell phone signal strength and device performance in areas with poor or weak coverage, which can be especially important for staying connected while on the road. They can also be helpful in maintaining a connection for tasks such as navigation, communication and entertainment.
However, they can also be expensive, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific booster model and the strength of the existing cellular signal.
So it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and costs before deciding whether or not it’s worth investing in a cellular booster for your RV.
Just make sure you understand the installation process and have all the necessary materials before you begin.
Once everything is installed and up and running, you should notice a significant improvement in signal strength.