Motorhome WiFi which one & should I be concerned

[ChrisNolan]

Newbie to the Motorhome Fun forum apologies for the long post and thank you in advance for your advice.

I've been looking at my options for fitting WiFi into my motorhome so I can WFM and keep the kids happy with endless TV streaming whilst simultaneously keeping them connected to their social media world. Looking at other posts it clearly seems a minefield of options and opinions from buying various bits and pieces from the likes of Amazon, and MacGyvering something together, to purchasing a Motorhome specific system from Motorhome WiFi and then there's everything in between.

So, I thought the NEC Motorhome show would be a good place for some clarification helping me to make a final informed decision and a purchase, alas NO! Unfortunately, instead, I was left very disappointed and TBH slightly misled by some claims that some so called WiFi experts were making. For example, those that use MiFi style units had some very unbelievable claims especially when it comes to performance and warranty. In particular, one unit with the latest 5G offering that I came across on two stands has some very concerning warning and safety information. Below is what I feel is the most concerning. It would be interesting if anyone shares my concerns.

1. If inadequately shielded, some electronic devices, for example, the electronic system of vehicles, may be affected by the electromagnetic interference caused by the device. Consult the manufacturers of such devices before using the device if necessary.
2. Operating the device may interfere with medical instruments such as hearing aids and pacemakers. Always keep the device more than 20 centimetres away from such medical instruments when your device is powered on. Power off the device if necessary. Consult a physician or the manufacturers of medical instruments before using the device if necessary.
3. Do not use the device in an enclosed environment or where heat dissipation is poor. Prolonged work in such space may cause excessive heat and raise ambient temperature, which may lead to automatic shutdown of the device for your safety. In the case of such an event, cool the device in a well-ventilated place before turning on for normal use.
4. Use original accessories or accessories that are authorized. Using any unauthorized accessories may affect the performance of the device and violate the related national regulations about telecom terminals.
5. Avoid using the device near or inside metallic constructions or establishments that can emit electromagnetic waves, because signal reception may be affected.
6. Do not use the device immediately after a sudden temperature change, because dew may be generated inside and outside the device. Do not use it until it becomes dry.
7. Do not connect the charger while using the device for a long period. Failing to do so will trigger the protection mechanism of the battery, and the battery will not be charged. If you want to charge the battery, please reconnect the charger.
8. Do not connect the charger while using the device for a long period or use the device and battery in non-operating temperature. Failing to do so will shorten battery life or cause battery swelling or leakage. If the battery shows signs of swelling or leakage, please stop use immediately.

Luckily I did come across an exceptionally knowledgeable chap that actually gave some honest answers and advice on a stand offering the other bit of kit I wanted - the new smart TV from Avtex (which I must say I'm very impressed with and once I sort which WiFi system to go for should help to keep the kids happy) - but his WiFi system was significantly more expensive than others. But I followed his suggestion and did some Googling to confirm his advice and that brought me here to seek some additional independent advice from the Motorhome community.

 

[David and Sally]

 

[AndyPK]

Welcome from The Cotswolds!

Many of us use MiFis in our ‘vans - not sure how many are 5G as coverage, especially on ‘remote’ sites () is very limited…..
As for the Avtex tv, before you buy, look at other Funsters’ comments about how ‘smart’ it is……..

 

[ChrisNolan]

Welcome from The Cotswolds!

Many of us use MiFis in our ‘vans - not sure how many are 5G as coverage, especially on ‘remote’ sites () is very limited…..
As for the Avtex tv, before you buy, look at other Funsters’ comments about how ‘smart’ it is……..

Have I overlooked problems with the new Avtex TV it's not smart at the moment until I decide on the best performing WiFi

 

[AndyPK]

Have I overlooked problems with the new Avtex TV it's not smart at the moment until I decide on the best performing WiFi

I believe the previous gen. Avtex Smart TVs did not give full access to all of the streaming services, but this may have been rectified with the latest gen? However, many of us have opted for a ‘dumb’ tv and added a Fire TV stick which gives access to all of the main streaming services (apart from Now TV?) and allows for regular software updates, plus, it’s a much cheaper option!!

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[Vanman]

A lot depends on where in the world you plan to go. As has been mentioned, 5G whilst good futureproofing is not generally available on the campsites that I visit, some have nothing at all. I always use a signal checking site before I book, such as this one -

https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/mobile-coverage

Of similar importance is what SIM you buy to put in your Router / Mifi as some have better coverage than others.

Which pitch you choose on a site can also make a difference as hills and trees and buildings can all block signal.

Using search on here will show many conversations about which is the best router / mifi ... probably one that has attachments for external aerials.

 

[autorouter]

I wouldn't worry too much about all those warnings. Nearly all of them are the kind of legalese warnings you get with any smartphone. A mobile phone and a wifi router have regulations that limit the maximum output power, and a mifi unit conforms to those same regulations.

People use phone/internet services in many different ways, from different locations - a remote spot with hardly any reception, or a big site with a mast in one corner, for example.

If you want a WFH setup, plus streaming and social media access, you will probably need a mifi router. Depending on your location, you could possibly need an external aerial, which will give you a stronger signal than the small aerial in a phone or mifi unit.

Some people on here have had problems with mifis that have a built-in battery, if it is permanently connected 24/7. So when choosing a mifi I'd recommend one without a built-in battery.

There are several brands available - TPLink, Huawei, Netgear for example. I have a Teltonika RUTX11, with an external Poynting aerial, but if I was buying new I'd probably go for the RUTX12. These routers are rugged professional units, as used for communications on coaches, chemical plants, and equipment in isolated locations.

The aerial is installed on the roof, with a hole for the cables. It's stuck down, so I made sure it's future-proof as it's 5G-ready, with the extra aerials for the 5G frequency bands. When I go to 5G I'll have to change the router, but the aerial will be ready to go.

 

[Manic]

Regards the Smart tv , it maybe worth looking at a non Smart tv and a Firestick, I’m not sure if you can add apps to the Avtex smart tv.

 

[Orion]

If WFH is an essential requirement you’ll possibly be looking at a MiFi setup with some built-in redundancy? As per autorouter in post #8 above I’m opting for the Teltonika RUTX12 with the Poynting MIMO-3-17 antenna. Pending MoHo delivery I’m running it statically and it’s faster than my BT house broadband. With 2 SIMS and twin modems the Teltonika has auto failover and is very easy to mix n match if you need to swap them out for localised providers when travelling. It also has GPS enabled, which will function as a vehicle tracker. EBay seller eurodk-uk had good pricing and delivery.

Here’s some info:

 

[Hettie's Crew]

the new smart TV from Avtex (which I must say I'm very impressed with and once I sort which WiFi system to go for

Welcome
Avtex TV is not as smart as you may think, be careful.

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[funflair]

We have the 4G Smart Flex, https://www.motorhomewifi.com/product/4g-smart-flex/ and Avtex Smart TV very happy with it, we turn on the 12v switched power supply to the router so no battery and that's it as it then stays on till we put the van away in storage again, OK the Avtex can't load external apps but I don't want to

 

[Brains]

5G only works in the centre of a few cities
Over time (years), 5G will eventually be rolled out to most dense urban areas.

Campsites by their very nature are typically not in dense urban areas
Many sites currently struggle to even get a 2G signal today (many sites have no signal at all)

Therefore I'd say anyone even mentioning 5G as a selling point in the next few years is talking bulls**t
(unless the intended use is urban WFH)

After looking at the rest we went with Motorhome WiFi, not the cheapest, but came with the least amount of bulls**t!

 

[tomm]

Post deleted ,as didn't want to detract from OPs post

 

[mitzimad]

 

[Hettie's Crew]

But I followed his suggestion and did some Googling to confirm his advice and that brought me here to seek some additional independent advice from the Motorhome community.

Well worth using the search function on here, there’s more information than you can shake a stick at.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.