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In recent years, many people have embraced van life, leaving behind traditional homes in pursuit of travel, freedom, and flexibility. Whether full-time RVers or weekend campers, they can explore virtually anywhere. However, reliable Internet and cell service can be hard to come by in rural areas. As a result, many travelers are turning to SpaceX’s Starlink for high-speed Internet on the road.
Keep reading to learn how to implement Starlink Internet in your RV, the advantages and drawbacks, and the key factors to consider before switching.
What Is Starlink Internet?
Starlink is a satellite internet service owned by SpaceX that provides broadband coverage to remote areas. It works through a low Earth orbit satellite network that communicates between ground stations and user equipment. Starlink’s Wi-Fi is faster than other satellite-based networks because of the lower altitude of the satellites, which reduces delays and increases data transmission.
Starlink was launched in 2019, and coverage has been expanding ever since. New Starlink models, software upgrades, and internet plans provide more options and improved service to Starllink customers.
What Is Starlink Roam?
Starlink Roam or Mobile is Starlink’s mobile internet service plan, which is ideal for those who travel frequently, like RVers. It offers country-wide coverage, including land and waterways, while on the go, with in-motion use up to 100mph. Unlike the residential version, you won’t need a home address for this plan.
There are two types of roaming plans: Mobile and Mobile Priority. Both plans allow users to cancel or pause their subscription with no additional fees. For example, you can pause your plan when it becomes unnecessary and resume it when needed.
Starlink Mobile Plans
Mobile
The mobile tier of Starlink Mobile is the standard service. It has the lowest priority of service, meaning you get the “best effort speeds.” Other service plans prioritize fast data transmission, which may lead to slower internet service in congested areas. However, you are limited to 50GB of data.
Mobile Priority
Mobile priority is the premium mobile plan. With this plan, you’ll have access to the highest internet speeds, priority data, and unlimited data. This plan is ideal for emergency services, boats, and high-demand users.
Starlink Internet for RV: Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Portability: Starlink for RVs is designed for mobility; you can take your satellite dish on the road, making it perfect for camping, traveling, or working on the go.
- High-Speed Internet Anywhere: Starlink Mobile offers high-speed Internet anywhere you go, and you don’t need a permanent address to set up the plan. Starlink was designed to provide high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas where traditional broadband isn’t available.
- Ease of Setup: Starlink is easy to set up. Once your kit arrives, you can install the mount, the dish, and the Wi-Fi router. Make sure your mount is suitable for an RV, as the standard mount is a tripod and unsuitable for travel. Then, connect the cables. The Wi-Fi router and dish need power. Now, you’re ready to set up your Wi-Fi network in the app.
- Pause and Resume Service: To save money, you can pause your service when you are not traveling. However, once paused, you’ll be billed for the remainder of the month. Starlink does not prorate months.
- Low Latency: Starlink’s low Earth orbit reduces latency compared to traditional satellites. This means faster data transmission for video calls, gaming, and streaming.
- Global Coverage: Starlink offers global coverage, even maritime coverage. This internet service truly allows you to roam wherever you like without sacrificing your internet connection.
Disadvantages
- High Initial Cost: Getting started with Starlink equipment can be expensive, especially when factoring in the additional accessories needed to securely attach the dish to an RV and shipping costs. On top of that, there’s an added monthly service fee.
- Limited Coverage in Certain Areas: Starlink is constantly expanding its coverage, but there are still regions and countries where it is not offered. Currently, Starlink provides coverage across the entire contiguous U.S., including many rural and remote areas. Service may be difficult to obtain in heavy wooded or mountainous areas.
- Obstructions Impair Performance: The satellite dish must have a clear sky view. Trees, mountains, buildings, or other obstructions can reduce signal strength, causing noticeable disruptions in connectivity.
- Power Consumption: The system requires a continuous, reliable power source, which can be difficult to achieve while on the road. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro is perfect for powering Starlink’s router and dish while in an RV. With 4096Kh capacity, you can run several small appliances, power laptops, recharge phones, and keep internet access available. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Pro is the best investment power station for part-time RVing, as it can dually serve as your home’s backup power solution. It’s portable but robust and can provide whole-home backup in a disaster or scheduled power outage.
- Data Throttling: Starlink prioritizes residential users over mobile users, regardless of your mobile plan. This means mobile users will experience slower speeds in congested residential areas. Mobile Priority users get higher priority access than standard Mobile plan users.
- Weather Sensitivity: Any situation that blocks the satellites can lead to slower speeds or temporary outages. Snow, heavy rain, and large storms are common weather culprits. For snow and ice conditions, the dish has an internal heater that will turn on to melt any accumulation on itself.
How Much Is Starlink for an RV?
First, you’ll need to purchase the necessary hardware to access Starlink’s services. The standard Starlink kit, suitable for RV or home use, starts at $599. The kit includes a portable dish, Wi-Fi router, cables, and mount.
After the initial cost, you’ll have to pay a monthly service fee. The standard mobile plan includes 50GB of high-speed Internet for $50 monthly. Additional gigabytes can be purchased if needed. The Priority Mobile plan has unlimited data usage for $165 monthly.
Starlink allows in-motion use of up to 100 mph for both mobile plans. Still, service performance will vary depending on location. Suppose your RV does not already have a power system, or you’re not campsite with electrical hookups. In that case, you’ll need a portable power station. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is small and compact. It can power a small Starlink dish and router for almost 8 hours.
Other Things To Consider Before Choosing Starlink for Your RV
Mounting and Storage
The Starlink dish is portable, but you’ll need to find a good place to store it when not in use. Alternatively, you could permanently mount it to your RV. Some users prefer to permanently mount it for ease of use, while others prefer to keep the tripod mount for the flexibility of dish location.
Performance
Starlink’s data transmission delays are lower than other satellite internet providers, making it suitable for gaming and video calls in remote areas. However, depending on network congestion and location, the speed can be slower than desired. During peak hours, it’s not uncommon to experience delayed speeds, especially in high-traffic areas.
Power Requirements
Depending on the model, the Starlink Standard dish and router require an average of 75-100W. You’ll need a power supply like an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus. This power station provides a 1024 Wh capacity, which could power a Starlink Standard running at an average of 80Wh for 12 hours. You can also charge your laptop or power a PC if working from home and still have enough battery power for the workday.
Location and Coverage
Starlink works best in areas with minimal obstructions. If you’re traveling deep into the mountains or remote forests, you may experience trouble connecting to the Internet. This plan may still be worth it if you only visit these locations periodically. 5G internet is a better option in these areas, if available.
Weather and Durability
The system itself is durable and built to withstand various weather conditions. If it snows, the dish has a built-in heater to melt snow. Mounts are stable enough to handle winds. And it’s waterproof for heavy rains. Remember that weather that clouds the atmosphere will impact how well the dish can connect to satellites, leading to decreased performance.
Cost
Finally, the price of Starlink Internet must be considered. Some RVers are okay without any internet service while traveling. Others carefully plan to stop at areas, like a coffee shop, for short access when needed. The upfront cost of the hardware, $599, and the monthly fee of $50-$165 are worth it if you’ll need internet access regularly and on the go. Consider any additional accessories, mounting equipment, and power stations needed when counting the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but not without constraints. Starlink Residential is tied to a fixed service address. It’s designed for stationary use, so it won’t work if you move your RV away from your residence. You can change your service address, but it’s not designed for frequent travel and doesn’t support in-motion use.
There are many ways to accomplish this. Run the cable through a window or door and use foam to seal drafts. Some RVs have built-in cable entry ports, so you can replace the cables with the Starlink one. If yours doesn’t have one, make one by drilling a new entry port.
Pausing Starlink Mobile is easy. Log into your app, go to Manage Subscriptions, find your plan, and click the pause subscription button. The bill will stop at your current billing cycle, so you will need to pay for the entire month. If you change your mind, you can resume service instantly.
Final Thoughts
Starlink Roam is the best option for satellite internet services if you frequently travel with your RV. It provides high-speed Internet in remote areas with easy-to-install hardware. Choose from two mobile plans: Mobile and Mobile Priority. Using the Starlink dish and router requires a continuous power supply, which can be challenging when away from the traditional power grid. The best solution is an EcoFlow Portable Power Station for reliable electrical power anywhere you and your Starlink go.