What technology do I need? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

DeltaDonna · RV-Dreams Community Member

What technology do I need?

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Greetings ... and congrats on your upcoming adventures!

Can't help you on the TV stuff (we don't watch it ourselves), and I'm sure others will chime in.

However, for your internet stuff - we have an extensive website on the topic. To get started, I'd recommend our free Mobile Internet Overview article & video: www.rvmobileinternet.com/overview - it'll bring you up to speed on the current options in cellular and WiFi to start your research.

Best wishes!
- Cherie

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Most RV Parks will have cable or reception using a TV antenna which will provide the broadcast channels. It can be spotty depending on how remote the park is. A good roof mounted TV antenna with an amplifier like the Winegard models will give you the best possibility of picking up the over the air channels.

To insure you get the best reception you would need to get one of the satellite TV systems. In most locations, as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky, you will be able to watch TV. We once watched the Rose Parade out in the middle of the desert, 60 miles from the nearest town.

Selah · RV-Dreams Family Member

For Internet access Verizon probably has the best overall coverage. We use their Jet Pack hot spot because it acts as our private network linking up our iPads, iPhones, and laptop to the printer as well as our router to the Internet.
As you travel you will probably find lots of places that do not have cable and not may not have much in the way of over the air access. A good portable sat dish is your best bet. They range from simple tripod mounts that you manually aim at the satellite to fully automatic ones. As far as getting local channels on satellite (I only know Dish Network) you simply call and tell them your new location and they can turn on the local channels for that area. Takes about 10 minutes. If you in an area of good over the air reception just use your regular antennae for local stations.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

One warning on TV, don't let a satellite installer mess up either your over the air or cable TV hookups. Many of these installers take the easy way out and take over all your wiring so you can only watch satellite TV. I was just in a campground where a camper took a last spot and could not use his satellite due to trees, but could use the cable hookup, but it did not work. He also said he could not use over the air TV due to changes the satellite installer made. This is a common situation.

DeltaDonna · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thank you! So helpful. I am overwhelmed with so much info. Will get back to this topic when I get closer to making my RV purchase in spring/summer 2016.