by Joshua Thomas
Wi-Fi has revolutionized internet connectivity and the fact that you can use it on your RV means that you can stay connected while in the wild. However, even as you enjoy this wireless connection, there are times when you can get out of range if you go too far from the router.
This usually happens as you move around the camp and it results in slow speeds and interrupted connections, which can be very annoying. If this is the case, by simply setting up a Wi-Fi booster (range extender), you can get a decent signal all around the camp.
The booster works by connecting to the existing network then rebroadcasting it as a stronger signal. All you need to do is find the best Wi-Fi booster for RVs, which you can select from the list below.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
---|---|---|
1. NetGear EX2700-100UKS (Best Overall) |
| |
2. NetGear EX6100-100NAS |
| |
3. Alfa AWUS036NH |
| |
4. BearExtender PB-P9Q1-HU02 |
| |
5. C. Crane Super USB Wi-Fi Antenna III |
| |
6. Alfa R36A |
|
The NetGear N300 Wi-Fi booster is the most affordable product on our list but also the top-rated Wi-Fi booster for RV, which shows that its low price does not mean poor quality.
This high rating can be mostly attributed to the booster's easy-to-set-up process. You only need to plug it in a socket close to the router but without any cabling. After it has powered on, set the WPS by pressing their respective buttons on both the booster and the router.
After they have paired, move the product to a mid-point where it can both receive and broadcast the router's signal and that's it. The booster will broadcast the original Wi-Fi SSID with an -EXT at the end and will require the same password as the one for the router signal.
The booster has a single Ethernet port which gives you the option of either using a Wi-Fi signal or cable. Whichever you decide to use, the product gives you maximum speeds of up to 300 Mbps, which is quite fast and ideal for HD video streaming.
Achieving these speeds on cable is easy but on Wi-Fi, the range extender has two powerful external antennas that both receive and broadcast the signal at 2.4 GHz. This makes it powerful and compatible with most current devices.
Pros
Cons
Netgear's EX6100 is quite similar in design to the EX2700 above, having the same easy-to-set-up process and external shape appearance.
However, the booster is costlier because it broadcasts in dual-band, giving you a 2.4 GHz signal and a 5 GHz signal.
This results in a very high transmission speed that goes up to 750 Mbps, which is split into 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz signal and 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz signal.
The dual-band broadcasting makes it compatible with multiple devices while the high speeds make it ideal for networked gaming and HD video streaming.
Apart from this, the booster has a Gigabit Ethernet port that transmits at the same high speeds, making it ideal for wired devices such as laptops and Blu-ray players.
The product also has an access point mode, which can be switched on by a slider button, transforming the product into a different device. In access point mode, you can connect the device to the router via Ethernet cable, enabling you to broadcast while being further away from the router.
Pros
Cons
Technically, the Alfa AWUS036NH is not a range extender but it does connect to weak wireless networks, enabling any computer that has a USB port to have internet access.
The product is designed to strongly capture weak wireless networks and give you a stronger reception through the connected USB cable. It basically works as the laptop's internal Wi-Fi receiver but on a much stronger level.
This set up is quite easy to put together especially when having an RV because it comes with a window mount suction cup that can hold the booster on windows high above for good reception. The booster is powered by the USB cable, which can be elongated to connect it to the laptop while still high above on the RV's windows.
The product itself is equipped with an RP-SMA antenna connector that makes it possible to attach external antennas to boost the reception of the Wi-Fi signal.
In fact, a 5 dBi swivel rubber and a 7 dBi panel antenna are included in the pack, allowing you to switch from one to the other depending on how weak the external signal is.
Additionally, it powers these antennas with 2000 MW, meaning that you get a very powerful reception over a long distance. However, the booster only receives in 2.4 GHz and at a speed of up to 150 Mbps.
Pros
Cons
This BearExtender Wi-Fi booster stands out due to its long range high gain 10 dBi unidirectional antenna, which utilizes an award winning proprietary technology that has a max RF output of 1000mW.
At the desktop level, this technology makes the unit receive a signal that is about 2 - 4 times better than a laptop's built-in Wi-Fi receiver.
Of course, a Wi-Fi signal can have interference from several things along the way but this booster certainly helps make reception better. However, for the best results, it is recommended to place it at a higher position so that it receives stronger wireless signals.
Being small in size, USB powered, water, dust, UV and corrosion resistant, and having 3 versatile mounting options (Velcro pole mounting, detachable tabletop tripod and an adjustable pole mounting band) makes the booster probably the best Wi-Fi extender for RVs.
This means that you can enjoy reliable connections from any spot around the camping area after mounting it high on the RV.
The only downside to it is that the booster is designed to receive 2.4 GHz signal bands only and thus, will not work with a router transmitting a 5 GHz signal band.
Additionally, it requires drivers to work on a device and its drivers are only compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1 and 10. Therefore, you cannot use it on apple, android and windows tablet devices.
Pros
Cons
C. Crane is also a receiver type of Wi-Fi booster that comes with a long 15-foot split USB cable, which makes it possible to mount the antenna further away with no power loss.
An optional 30-foot cable is also available for mounting on higher positions so as to create a direct point-to-point connection for better reception/transmission.
The antenna has a waterproof casing so you don't have to worry about mounting it outdoors. Additionally, suction cups and cable ties are included for easy installation to the best spot.
Once connected, the booster delivers speeds of up to 150 Mbps, giving you a fast link for quick data transfer.
However, being a USB device, it only connects to a device after its drivers have been installed. These drivers are not compatible with Android and iOS devices, making it usable by windows and Mac OS devices only.
Pros
Cons
For a repeater, this Wi-Fi booster is certainly expensive. However, it does come with sufficient tools to make your camping experience very "connected".
The booster actually comes as a kit containing different components, which include a tube-U AOA-2409TF antenna for mounting outside the RV, an R36 USB Wi-Fi router/repeater and a USB cable to connect the tube U to the R36 router.
The included antenna is waterproof for safe use outdoors, and has a high gain of 9 dBi for creating and maintaining a strong signal.
This ensures that it receives weak signals from the outside without any weather-related interference while the R36 Wi-Fi router broadcast the wireless signal inside your RV.
Unlike a USB receiver, this one can connect to multiple devices since the included router transmits a wireless signal.
This router also has an Ethernet port that can be used to connect to wired devices such as laptops and is usually used when setting up the device's configurations before use.
Pros
Cons
Before actually buying a Wi-Fi booster for your RV, there are several things that you need to consider. These are:
Compatibility is a big factor to consider. Some boosters have a feature called WPS and for them to work with your router, the router must have this feature as well. Otherwise, you will have spent your money on a product that is worthless to you.
Another thing to consider is the speed. This is usually denoted in Mbps and the primary gadget to consider here would be the router itself. Consider the maximum speeds that the router can achieve.
For instance, if it has a maximum speed of 150 Mbps, it would be pointless to buy a range extender that has speeds exceeding 150 Mbps. This is because the range extender only rebroadcasts. It does not increase or decrease the bandwidth.
Therefore, that extra speed will not be achieved unless you buy a faster router.
Wi-Fi range extenders usually come in two designs.
First is the one that is plugged into a wall outlet and basically receives and broadcasts from that position. These usually require less configuration, making them easy to set up.
The second design is actually a receiver booster and is either plugged into a laptop or a power outlet, with a mountable antenna for strengthened reception of the broadcasted signal. The antenna is usually waterproof so that it can be mounted high enough without worrying about precipitation.
The first option is usually good for rebroadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that is stronger because it is placed indoors and must receive well in order to share well.
The second option is usually the best Wi-Fi signal booster for RVs because it captures weak signals using its powerful antenna, which can be mounted high enough for better reception.
Security is also a big factor to consider because it determines how safe your connections will be. Obviously, you wouldn't want everyone to have access to your Wi-Fi network and thus, you should check for security protocols such as WPA2-PSK (AES).
However, most range extenders re-use the router's security protocols and thus, this is usually checked on the router and it should be strong enough so that the password won't be an easy guess.
A Wi-Fi booster that is easy to set up is better than the one that requires a complex set up process.
However, there is a tradeoff. Most easy to set up devices do not have multiple configurations that enable full customization of the device's settings.
Therefore, plug and play repeaters might be good for the non-technical person because they are only required to carry out some simple tasks and that's it.
For the technical person, accessing the admin panel of a range extender means more flexibility because settings can be tweaked to the precise configurations that are best and most secure.
Additional features are always a plus because they add value to the product. Things such as Ethernet ports are a big plus if they are available on a Wi-Fi booster.
These ports mean that you can create a wired connection to your computer, giving you faster speeds for better video streaming while also reducing the number of gadgets that can connect wirelessly.
weBoost Drive Reach RV - Cell Phone Signal Booster kit | Boosts 4G LTE & 5G for All U.S. - Walmart Link
Winegard 434719 ConnecT 2.0 4G2 (WF2-435) 4G LTE and Wi-Fi Extender for RVs - Walmart Link
ALFA Network WiFi CampPro 2 Universal WiFi / Internet Range Extender Kit for - Walmart Link
weBoost Destination RV - Cell Phone Signal Booster for Stationary Use | Boosts 5G & 4G - Walmart Link
Bearifi BearExtender Outdoor RV & Marine High Power USB Wi-Fi Extender Antenna for PCs - Walmart Link
Securifi Almond - (3 Minute Setup) Touchscreen Wireless Router/Range Extender - Walmart Link
Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 Long Range WiFi Repeater kit + Alfa APA-L2410 10dBi Panel - Walmart Link
Securifi Almond 2015 - (3 Minute Setup) Long Range Touchscreen Wireless Router / Range - Walmart Link
Alfa AWUSO36NH High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network Adapter - Walmart Link
weBoost Drive Sleek - Car Cell Phone Signal Booster with Cradle Mount| Boosts 5G & 4G LTE - Walmart Link
Halo Long Range Marine & RV Wi-Fi Extender System - Walmart Link
weBoost Drive Reach RV - Cell Phone Signal Booster kit | Boosts 4G LTE & 5G for All U.S. - eBay Link
Winegard 434719 ConnecT 2.0 4G2 (WF2-435) 4G LTE and Wi-Fi Extender for RVs - eBay Link
ALFA Network WiFi CampPro 2 Universal WiFi / Internet Range Extender Kit for - eBay Link
weBoost Destination RV - Cell Phone Signal Booster for Stationary Use | Boosts 5G & 4G - eBay Link
Bearifi BearExtender Outdoor RV & Marine High Power USB Wi-Fi Extender Antenna for PCs - eBay Link
Securifi Almond - (3 Minute Setup) Touchscreen Wireless Router/Range Extender - eBay Link
Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 Long Range WiFi Repeater kit + Alfa APA-L2410 10dBi Panel - eBay Link
Securifi Almond 2015 - (3 Minute Setup) Long Range Touchscreen Wireless Router / Range - eBay Link
Alfa AWUSO36NH High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network Adapter - eBay Link
weBoost Drive Sleek - Car Cell Phone Signal Booster with Cradle Mount| Boosts 5G & 4G LTE - eBay Link
Halo Long Range Marine & RV Wi-Fi Extender System - eBay Link
In this day and age, it is almost impossible to live without an active internet connection. Therefore, even as you go for your camping trips, an RV with a Wi-Fi booster can be an added plus.
This is because it will help you stay connected to the world faster and cheaper, as compared to the poor cell service in the wild and huge costs of purchasing mobile data.
Thus, it is important to look for the best Wi-Fi signal booster for RVs so that you can equip yours with one and head outdoors worry-free.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care