Staying connected to the internet is important to me. It’s the way I communicate, do research, maintain several websites, and update my blog. When I converted to an all mobile system, I purchased a booster for use with my MiFi hotspot and cell phone.
Antenna connected to Wilson Sleek booster
The Wilson Sleek booster is not the most powerful; but, it seems to be sufficient for my needs. It came with a 4 inch stubby antenna that improves a signal about two bars, depending on the distance from the tower. It’s been OK, but not always enough.
I plan to be doing some boondocking that is more remote. In anticipation of needing a better antenna, I bought a Wilson Dual-band Cellular Trucker Antenna #308401. Antenna Specs: omni-directional, 800/1900 MHz, 5.12/6.12 dBi of signal gain, with built-in ground plane, 32 inches high. Note: See Staying Connected While RVing for details about the equipment.
Wilson Trucker Antenna Raised Position
Since I don’t have a TV, I removed the Winegard TV Antenna, and attached the cellular antenna to the existing mast. A mounting bracket was bolted to the mast at a slight angle, so the new antenna would not touch the roof when lowered.
This allows me to raise it from inside the rig for use, and to lower it when traveling. The coaxial cable runs from the antenna, through the center of the mast, and into the rig via a vent opening, to the Sleek in my office.
When raised, the top of the antenna is 6 feet above the roof and a little over 15 feet from the ground. When lowered, it faces the rear of the RV and the radial arms safely remain 2 inches off the roof.
Antenna in Lowered Postion
So far, I’ve not been camped far enough out for it to be needed. But, in the next few months I will be. A report on it’s performance will be added to this post after I’ve had a chance to test it in those more remote locations.
For more posts that show other mods to the rig see the Tardis page.
I will be looking forward to the performance report.
Me too. I’ve read that it works pretty good. But, we shall see.
Good luck with your equipment, and I will be extremely interested to know if you get service at Lassen.
Yes. That will be a real test. That will be at least two months away. But, I’ll let you know what happens.
I hope you will be able to talk me through all this when I hit the road. It seems a bit confusing at this point.
Sure, I’ll help you understand things as best I can. It’s really not as difficult as it seems.
Sounds very like the system I had when I was on the road. Millenicom, Wilson Truckers antenna and the Wilson signal amplifier. That took care of internet access. I had the Wilson Sleek for the cell phone, but with little use it was sold to another RVer.
Glad to hear about your experience. I hope this system will meet my needs.
I am following with great interest. At some point, I will probably want to do something similar. It’s difficult to get wi-fi in a lot of places though I can usually get a phone signal. Thanks for the interesting posts!
Yeah, WiFi tends to be in populated areas; not much in rural. I have stayed in a few state parks that have it though. Appreciate your comments.
I did a similar mount for the Wilson Trucker’s antenna 5 years ago and the antenna has safely survived all that time without losing a single radial. The only difference is that we still have the Winegard antenna head in place. Ted