There’s nothing like loading up the family and heading out for an adventure in your RV. But connectivity is the key to safe and happy travels for all! That’s where a Wi-Fi hotspot for your RV journey comes in handy. We have some go-to ideas that not only offer you a lifeline when you’re off the grid, but also help you make the most of your trip as you explore.
Our Top Pick Overall: JEXtream® RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot
ThisWi-Fi hotspot is the crème de la crème for RV Wi-Fi adventurers, whether you’re heading to a campground, national park, or just an RV park near extended family. While you certainly don’t want to spend ALL day and night staring at your screens, you could if you wanted to, since this hotspot has the ability to provide Wi-Fi for up-to 20 devices, from laptops, to TVs, to gaming devices and more. It also delivers Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz technology for the fastest internet available. Worried about your devices losing power? This hotspot can charge external devices, too, so you always have enough juice, even on-the-move. Here’s a quick breakdown of the features:
- Connectivity for up-to 20 devices
- Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz technology
- Power-Bank feature allows charging to external devices
- 2.4-inch TFT color display
- Enhanced security
- Remote management
- Portable, compact design
- Long-lasting, rechargeable 5,000mAh battery
Our Fave for Families: SyncUP DRIVE®
This hotspot is unique in that it also makes for a very cool travel companion. It’s perfect to use in a vehicle that’s pulling a fifth wheel, camper, toy hauler, pop up, etc. since it turns your compatible vehicle into a hotspot for up to five Wi-Fi-capable devices—while also helping to keep you informed and safer as you travel. You simply plug the on-board diagnostics reader into the OBD-11 port of your vehicle, download the SyncUP DRIVE app, and not only will you get 24/7 roadside assistance through a national partner, SyncUP DRIVE also delivers valuable information, including:
- Stats about your vehicle’s health, like fuel level, battery level, engine issues, maintenance reminders, trip history, disturbances (e.g., potential break-ins, tow alerts), and more
- Current gas prices at nearby stations
- GPS tracking with real-time map views and driving stats, like speeding, hard braking, hard accelerating, seatbelt use, and beyond (As a bonus: you can use it with any new teen drivers after your trip to keep them safer on the road!)
Our Budget-Friendly Choice: FRANKLIN T10 Mobile Hotspot
While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the other two hotspots offer, you can still stay nicely connected on a budget. This hotspot offers Wi-Fi 5 for up-to 15 devices, 4G LTE connectivity, plus it can be remotely managed and configured using a secure online portal, making it a good choice if you happen to have some business to take care of on the road. With a price tag that’s just under $100, this hotspot is a valuable companion for your RV Wi-Fi needs. Here’s a quick overview:
- 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi 5 capacity
- Optimal range
- 3,000mAh battery
- Lightweight portability
- Budget-friendly
So, what if you’re headed to a campground with publicWi-Fi? You may be wondering—is it still worth it to invest in a hotspot? The answer is: yes.
What You Need to Know about Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is notoriously unreliable, especially if it’s a crowded holiday weekend with everybody trying to connect at the same time. A hotspot will help you avoid all of that. Another consideration is security. Public Wi-Fi networks are generally less secure, especially those without password protection, as they are open to anyone, including hackers and cybercriminals who thrive on stealing personal information. So, make sure you proceed with caution and avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or banking details if you choose this route.
What About Using Your Smartphone as a Hotspot?
Most phones let you "tether" your device, which means you can use your mobile phone as a personal hotspot, creating a private network for your devices or for anyone you share the password with. One big problem with tethering is that it can very quickly use up the data included in your plan, which can get pretty costly. Some carriers also charge extra just for the act of tethering—so check with yours ahead of time to avoid any surprises on your bill.
Before we wrap it up, here are a few more handy accessories that make welcome additions to any road trip:
- Headphones & earbuds. With lots of people in one confined space, these are lifesavers on long drives.
- Speakers. When the sun goes down, turn any campground into party central with everyone’s favorite tunes.
- Gaming devices. Got teens? When the weather isn’t cooperating, or there’s a lull in the activity, these should do trick.
- Mounts and phone grips. These are perfect for hands-free connectivity on the road.
- Chargers and adapters. You can never have too many on vacation.
- Protective cases and covers. Keep devices safe and damage free while you travel.
Need more travel ideas? You may be interested in:
- Explore T-Mobile Travel Benefits
- 5G Network
- 5G Coverage Map
- Keeping Kids Entertained On Summer Road Trips
- How to Get Wi-Fi On-the-Go
- What is Data Roaming?
- Affordable Hotspot Data Plans
*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices and accessories here.
