When you're travelling in a motorhome, the connection to the outside world is often just as important as the adventure itself. Whether you want to work on the road, stream films or simply stay in touch with friends and family, fast and reliable internet access is essential these days. Passionate campers who own their own recreational vehicle and regularly take it on holiday are often already well equipped in this respect. However, campers who are travelling for the first time in a Rent a campervanoften don't think about how they or their children can go online while on holiday without turning their mobile phone into a permanent hotspot. This can be easily solved with a router, and the devices are no longer expensive.
What makes a good router?
A good router for travelling should not only be fast, but also stable and easy to use. There are now router models that have been specially developed for mobile use and are ideal for motorhome journeys. Criteria such as 5G support, strong antennas for better reception and a user-friendly app for management are crucial.
Internet options on wheels
There are several ways to access the Internet in a motorhome, even if there is no publicly accessible hotspot nearby. One of the most popular is to use a mobile Wi-Fi router with a SIM card. This method gives you the flexibility to use local prepaid data cards, which can reduce the cost of data consumption. This is especially true when travelling to countries outside the EU. In Switzerland, for example, enormous roaming costs are incurred if you have the idea of streaming an entire football match from Germany on your mobile phone without having purchased a corresponding data package beforehand.
5G or not?
5G is on the rise and offers remarkable speeds. However, the network has not been expanded everywhere. If you're often travelling in rural areas, 4G/LTE might be a more reliable option, and for most use cases, the speed is perfectly satisfactory. However, many new mobile router models support both 4G and 5G, giving you the best of both worlds. You can now get affordable mobile 4G/LTE routers for less than 100 euros, while the cheapest 5G models are available from around 150 euros.
Installation and use
Installing a mobile router in a motorhome is usually straightforward. It is important that you place it in a location where it has optimum reception. High-quality suction base or magnetic antennas can help to improve reception enormously. Most routers also offer the option of connecting several devices at the same time - whether laptop, tablet or smart TV.
Tips on data usage
Note that streaming and video calls consume a lot of data. Use Wi-Fi at campsites or public hotspots whenever possible to save data volume. A good mobile phone contract with sufficient data volume is also an advantage to avoid any nasty surprises. And as already mentioned, using a local prepaid SIM card is a good idea, especially in countries without EU roaming, as it protects you from nasty surprises on your next mobile phone bill.
Conclusion
With the right equipment, nothing stands in the way of your mobile adventure. A reliable router can be the key to a comfortable journey where you always stay connected to the digital world. Experience the freedom of camping without having to give up the convenience of the Internet - no matter where your journey takes you!