Get the Best Streaming in Your RV

This Streaming Saturday post won’t be my usual this-is-what-I’m-watching-and-you-should-too fare. Earlier this week, Stuart asked me what he should discuss on The Solid Signal Podcast. I told him to talk about recreational vehicles and he said he would. True to his word, he did. I thought I’d return the favor by discussing RVs here. Are you wondering how I’m going to do that in a weekly series dedicated to streaming? Quite easily, actually. Campers and motorhomes are perfect for streaming movies… as long as you have the right equipment.

What Do I Need to Stream in my RV?

If you’ve made it this far, you probably own an RV or plan to. That’s great because this post is for you. Okay. So, if you want to get the best streaming in your RV, you need to get a cell phone booster system. What’s that? It’s an electronic device that enhances incoming and outgoing cell phone signals. Before I get into how these devices work, I want to tell you that the DO work. Actually, I’ll have Casey F. – an RV owner who purchased a cell booster from us – to tell you. Here’s what he had to say:

“Our cell reception jumped to 3-4 bars. Next weekend, we were streaming Netflix with three users at the same time!”

Did you read that? Three people, each with their own device, were streaming movies at the same time inside Casey’s RV. I know for a fact that they were far from the nearest cell phone tower when this happened. (He likes to take his RV outside the city and “rough it” in the countryside.) Using cell phones in remote areas can produce spotty service unless you have a cell booster. Now I’ll explain how these devices work.

“What is a Cell Phone Booster?”

Were you thinking about this? If so, here’s your answer. A cell booster is an electronic device that improves incoming and outgoing cellular signals in a given area. That space can be a home, business, apartment and yes, even an RV. These devices are a necessity inside RVs for two very simple reasons:

  1. Nearly everyone relies on a cell phone for so many things these days.
  2. The metal construction inside your RV repels cellular signal.

So, as you can see, you pretty much need a booster if you want to use your phone inside your RV. If you like camping far away from civilization, you wouldn’t want to not be able to make an emergency call. For no other reason, you should want to invest in one of these devices to help keep you safe on your many trips.

How Cell Boosters Work

A cell booster consists of three parts: an outdoor antenna, the booster, and an indoor antenna. Here’s how those components work together to improve your calls, texts, and downloads:

  1. The outdoor antenna accesses voice and 3G, 4G, and LTE data signal then delivers it to the booster.
  2. The booster receives the signal, amplifies it, and sends it to the indoor antenna.
  3. The indoor antenna broadcasts the signal throughout your RV.
  4. This process works in reverse every time you make a call or send data.

All three of these parts start working together the moment after you turn your booster on. When you do, you can pretty much say goodbye to dropped calls and missed texts. These devices help end slow or interrupted data, which makes them perfect for streaming. As long as you’re able to get some service, such as half a bar, these devices will do their jobs. In fact, you’re better off with a cell phone booster in your RV than you are without one.

Another Way to Stream in RVs

If you read this blog, then you’ve probably seen some posts about HBO Max. This AT&T streaming service will have a ton of content from HBO, Warner Brothers, DC Comics and other AT&T entities. It’s expected to launch in May 2020 and cost $14.99/month. With HBO Max, you could watch this streaming service in your RV. (We still recommend that cell phone booster though.) If you’re interested in HBO Max for your RV but don’t want to wait, consider…

…Getting DIRECTV in your RV. You’ll have your favorite channels and programs wherever you go. There’s also a good chance that you could get a free subscription to HBO Max. (No deal has been officially announced but there have been possible hints and teasers along the way.) This could be the ideal solution for those family RV trips. Mom and dad can watch something on the main TV while their kids can stream their shows. When you decide to get DIRECTV and a cell booster, our Signal Connect division can help you.

Why the Sudden Interest in RVs?

Well, it’s not exactly sudden. Our Signal Connect division has been bringing cell boosters and DIRECTV to RV owners for years. As a matter of fact, our team is attending the 54th Annual Detroit RV & Camping Show in Novi, Michigan. If you’re a Michigan RV enthusiast, you should stop by. (Our team is at Booth #58.) If you’re not in Michigan, don’t worry. Signal Connect can still help you.

We’ve explained why you should get a cell phone booster for your RV. We’ve also discussed why DIRECTV is a great addition to your motorhome. Now, you’re probably wondering how we can get all this to you. It all starts when you call Signal Connect at 888-233-7563. You can also fill out the form below and we’ll get back with you.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.