travel router inside AS, decent wifi in TV?

[wmcneil]

I'm doing a new install for internet on my 2011 FC 25FB, and am considering Starlink/roam/mini , with a travel router (maybe a GL.iNet Beryl AX). I don't need to work remotely, so I'm considering not using a cellular router at all. (I'd be paying $165/month for Starlink, so I want to avoid the cost of the cell plan and cell-capable router.) So with the travel router installed inside the AS, would the travel router's WiFi reach the inside of the TV sufficiently while towing? I have a crew cab truck with a fiberglass cap that has rear and side glass windows.

[STREMN]

Hi - We use a Peplink B-One with a Peplink AP One AX Lite. The B-One offers it's own wifi but we opted to use the AP One to provide the wifi. We've mounted it beneath the front locker. This provides more than adequate coverage in and out of the trailer. Specifically it's -40 to -50 dBm signal for devices in the Tow Vehicle.

I'm sure there's a lot more devices that you can do the same with. We spent around 14k miles over 80 days on the road with this configuration in 2024. It worked really well for us.

Tom - S/OS #025

[wmcneil]

Originally Posted by STREMN

Hi - We use a Peplink B-One with a Peplink AP One AX Lite. The B-One offers it's own wifi but we opted to use the AP One to provide the wifi. We've mounted it beneath the front locker. This provides more than adequate coverage in and out of the trailer. Specifically it's -40 to -50 dBm signal for devices in the Tow Vehicle.

I'm sure there's a lot more devices that you can do the same with. We spent around 14k miles over 80 days on the road with this configuration in 2024. It worked really well for us.

Tom - S/OS #025

I'm specifically asking about a travel router, such as a GL.iNet router. A travel router costs approximately $100, vs. a cellular router which is much more expensive.

[JeffKim]

I think that's a really good approach. Assuming it's a Mini, are you considering bypassing the Mini router? Otherwise you can power the Mini either in the TV or it should reach the TV from the trailer. From what I've read the Mini router can reach inside the trailer from a good distance away so it should go the other way I'd think.

If you're bypassing the Mini router and using another router like the one you mention (this one for $35?), I'm not so sure how far it will go from inside an aluminum trailer. It looks sort of bottom of the line and might not have very good range. I'm not familiar with router specs and range, but might be worth an education before selecting one. I have a cellular modem which reaches our TV but it's $500.

There's also the $50/mo Mini plan for 50GB which might meet your needs. It's $1/GB afterwards so that's a goodly amount of data before you get to $165.

[vanderwielen]

Originally Posted by wmcneil

I'm doing a new install for internet on my 2011 FC 25FB, and am considering Starlink/roam/mini , with a travel router (maybe a GL.iNet Beryl AX). I don't need to work remotely, so I'm considering not using a cellular router at all. (I'd be paying $165/month for Starlink, so I want to avoid the cost of the cell plan and cell-capable router.) So with the travel router installed inside the AS, would the travel router's WiFi reach the inside of the TV sufficiently while towing? I have a crew cab truck with a fiberglass cap that has rear and side glass windows.

Im struggling to follow your installation. If you are mounting the mini on the top of your rig that's not wise as you'll often be in trees. you might explain further.

[wmcneil]

Originally Posted by JeffKim

I think that's a really good approach. Assuming it's a Mini, are you considering bypassing the Mini router? Otherwise you can power the Mini either in the TV or it should reach the TV from the trailer. From what I've read the Mini router can reach inside the trailer from a good distance away so it should go the other way I'd think.

The mini would be mounted on the AS roof. My assumption was that the internal router in the mini would not provide as good wifi coverage in the AS as an external router (which is cabled to the mini data port) located inside the AS would. There seems to be a lot of folks that are saying the external router is definitely needed. Have you used the internal router in the mini?

If you're bypassing the Mini router and using another router like the one you mention (this one for $35?), I'm not so sure how far it will go from inside an aluminum trailer. It looks sort of bottom of the line and might not have very good range. I'm not familiar with router specs and range, but might be worth an education before selecting one. I have a cellular modem which reaches our TV but it's $500.

I don’t have any experience with the range of the wifi network provided by a travel router, so that is why I am asking. A model more toward the higher end of the Gli.net , like the GL.iNet Beryl AX I mentioned, is still less than $100.

[ModernVista]

I used mobile must have’s mini buck boost48v POE power supply and 50’ of Ethernet. The power supply is inside the trailer and connected to my battery bank. I chose this to ensure the voltage is high enough for the length of the run. I was going to get a WiFi router for inside the trailer but the mini performance was fine inside the trailer - I have a 28’ and the mini is at the opposite end.

I used that length of cable which is coiled in the battery box (batteries are inside trailer ) so I can place the mini wherever. I have a pole or can put it on the car or picnic bench etc.

[wmcneil]

The scenario I had in mind when I started this thread was wifi in the TV while towing. I want power for the mini to come from the AS, not the TV. So assume while towing the mini is located wherever outside, or inside the AS it can obtain satisfactory satellite connectivity (said location can be a whole discussion topic of its own of course), and a connected external travel router is located inside the AS. The question is whether wifi from the travel router located inside the AS will reach inside the TV while towing.

[waninae39]

i mount my starlink on a 2x 4' pole. the top 4' half comes off
i route the RJ45 cable under the curb side into the side curb ext cabinet.
the the RJ45 comes through by the hot water heater next to the toilet.
the starlink router is mounted on the bathroom wall

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by wmcneil

The scenario I had in mind when I started this thread was wifi in the TV while towing. I want power for the mini to come from the AS, not the TV. So assume while towing the mini is located wherever outside, or inside the AS it can obtain satisfactory satellite connectivity (said location can be a whole discussion topic of its own of course), and a connected external travel router is located inside the AS. The question is whether wifi from the travel router located inside the AS will reach inside the TV while towing.

As far as range goes, the distance is not an issue, your talking about less then 50'. The issue could be metal (aluminum of Airstream and steel of TV) blocking the signal. If you can mount the router in a place where you can see the passenger compartment of the TV through the window you shouldn't have a problem.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by wmcneil

The mini would be mounted on the AS roof. My assumption was that the internal router in the mini would not provide as good wifi coverage in the AS as an external router (which is cabled to the mini data port) located inside the AS would. There seems to be a lot of folks that are saying the external router is definitely needed. Have you used the internal router in the mini?
I don’t have any experience with the range of the wifi network provided by a travel router, so that is why I am asking. A model more toward the higher end of the Gli.net , like the GL.iNet Beryl AX I mentioned, is still less than $100.

Ah, GL.iNet Beryl AX, looks good, I was searching hastily.

No, I have a V2 but strongly considering the Mini for it's portability and lower power usage. It might be best just to try it, I think it should have the range without bypassing the router as I indicated. One other thing, the Mini can do about 80% of the V3 if you bypass the router, this video from Mobile Internet Resource has some data:
https://youtu.be/ZKrg7KByTWs?t=2007

If you go with the "travel router" then you will have to power it and also the Mini. I have my modem connected to AS Connected power source in the upper bedroom cabinet. The Mini supposedly performs best at 48V so a step up converter is needed which are pretty cheap. You can also look into a POE solution. But mounting it outside means running a wire to it. Here's a review of a mounting adapter for the sky light inside that might be an option. In any case you will have to either hook it up to a DC power supply or run the inverter, which isn't a very good option.

From 13 Adventures:

[wmcneil]

Originally Posted by JeffKim

Ah, GL.iNet Beryl AX, looks good, I was searching hastily.

No, I have a V2 but strongly considering the Mini for it's portability and lower power usage. It might be best just to try it, I think it should have the range without bypassing the router as I indicated. One other thing, the Mini can do about 80% of the V3 if you bypass the router, this video from Mobile Internet Resource has some data:
https://youtu.be/ZKrg7KByTWs?t=2007

I took a look at the video. It explains yet another reason for using an external router. That is my plan.

[wmcneil]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

As far as range goes, the distance is not an issue, your talking about less then 50'. The issue could be metal (aluminum of Airstream and steel of TV) blocking the signal. If you can mount the router in a place where you can see the passenger compartment of the TV through the window you shouldn't have a problem.

The travel router is not that expensive, and could be used in other applications, so I think I will buy one and try it out. I haven't yet pulled the trigger on the starlink, but I currently have the airstream parked outside my house, and I can try the travel router inside my airstream using my home wifi.

[waninae39]

imho, the skylight model does work that well.

on my starlink i have to aim it towards the satellite. especially in the Northern USa and Canada, the sat is NOT straight , it is on an angle pointing between SW and SE

if it pointed straight up, i would get a weak signal.

I use a 2 section flag pole mounted on the front a frame.
easy to use and take apart, plus easy to angle the antenna in the correct direction

[3OnOurWay]

The forum is good to have different perspectives. We have posted or upload and download speeds from a number of “ poor configuration, orientation”
So for us we have used it in through window mode while traveling through front sprinter window pour up wrong orientation. I’m not trying to stream videos, but I am trying to respond to text messages confirm mapping and let emails download and it has worked great.
Many have echoed, It really will take an individual perspective on what you are trying to do refresh a map/ farming track or host a work video conference and presentation.

Everyone has a different threshold

[Kamiak]

I use a Starlink mini. I plug the supplied 110v power cord into the 110v receptacle on the outside of my trailer. For one-night-stands traveling to a destination I either don't use it, or mount it to one of the awning struts pointed in the right direction with clamps, or mount it to a tripod placed on the ground nearby. Which I do is mostly a matter of laziness at the time, though neither mounting technique occupies much timing. Aiming is via dead reckoning, fine-tuned with the Starlink app. For extended stays, I use the tripod so that awnings are available for shading. I use the mini's built-in router to broadcast a signal inside the trailer without a surfing or streaming problem. In my case, I haven't seen the need to buy a separate router or engage in any wiring gymnastics, either 110v, 12v, or ethernet. I hope this helps.

[TedSz]

I use this Beryl AX by Gli.net device in my 2023 FC 23FBT.

I use it as a router from the campground WiFi to my various devices in the trailer - Roku, Chromecast, two cell phones, iPads, and my EasyTouch thermostat. It makes it nice that my devices, set up for my home network, just keep on working with no changes needed when I'm actually on the campground WiFi.

Now I need to get my Victron devices on WiFi so I can see these also, whether at the trailer or out for the day. I especially like being able to check on the trailer inside temperature when were away from the RV park.

As we all know, campground WiFi can be sketchy, and I'm sure your StarLink ISP will be much better. However, I've found that I can usually stream HD content from my Roku with no issues. The Beryl AX can also work with wired or cellular on the Internet side of the router.

[LittleSkippy]

We use TravelFI with great success. It is your router and internet data connection. It will connect to either AT7T, T Mobile, or Verizon's data networks. Buy the router and then unlimited data plan is $129 / month. Traveling from WA to AZ staying in the redwoods, dessert, and remote areas we have always had internet service. Watch Netflix movies every night. The best thing is that the router runs off AC, or 12 VDC. I made up a second power cable using an old wall-wart power supply cable and connect it directly to my RV batteries. So, you can also keep it connected and have your own internet service while driving down the road. I think it is the best plan and has worked where others have not.

[gypsydad]

following

[Monoman]

We use a Spitz AX as do a few friends. All of us have been happy with it. I would not hesitate to try a different GL iNet product.