Joy L. Culley
2025-06-15 12:59:10
Hoping this review will be of help to someone with similar circumstances to mine. I have a 24' Class B+ RV (Phoenix Cruiser). Installation is easy, as long as you have a general mechanical ability. If you don't, you might want to get help. If you don't have help, it's still totally doable, just take your time and consider mapping it out multiple ways before pulling the trigger. Here's the configuration I used: I mounted the outside omnidirectional antenna to the rack on my roof, near the back corner and ladder (passenger side). It was an easy process to mount the antenna. I used included zip ties to run the cable along the rest of the rack, until I ran out of rack, and then I switched to the included stick-on clips. I ran the cable into the refrigerator vent, which, in my case, was conveniently placed so that I could drill a hole through a cabinet wall and into the vent access. I fed the cable through using a wire coat hanger and some black electrical tape. Because it was going into the covered vent, there was no need to drill any holes in the body of the RV. I did use some self-leveling caulk to hold the cable firmly to the roof at the entrance to the vent, just as an added safety feature (and because I already had an open tube). Once inside the cabinet, I wanted to get more distance between the outside antenna and the receiver, so I continued to run the cable the length of the cabinet, and mounted the receiver to the inside of the cabinet wall. I drilled a small hole in the under side of the cabinet, and was able to run the inside antenna cable into that hole, and position the antenna right behind the passenger seat (same side of the rig as the outside antenna). I would guess that the distance between the two antennas is probably roughly 20 feet, give or take. Because there is a lot of cable, I can also move the antenna anywhere I want, within about 10 feet. I can even pull it out the driver's side door if needed, which would put another 10 or so feet of distance between the two antennas. But I haven't needed to do that at all. This configuration has worked well, and there has never been an inkling of interference between them where it currently sits.I hard-wired the unit to the 12v system in my rig, using an existing light fixture in the same cabinet, which worked perfectly. I did not wire a special switch - I just simply plug/unplug the cable from the back of the device when I want to turn it on or off.Once installed, I fired up the system, and found that on both my ATT and my partner's Verizon phone, there was an instant boost in both cellular data and upload/download speeds. In that case, I wouldn't say it was significant, simply because the area I am in at home is already well-covered. The booster increased it, but I didn't notice a real obvious difference in how it performed. The real test came when I took it out to a VERY remote are of California where I camp once a year. I already knew there was a very sparse ATT signal in that location, but it's always been elusive, and I've never been able to use it reliably. When I arrived this year, I tested the antenna at regular height (this is without using the extension). I was able to get a better signal, and so I went to the roof and extended the antenna using the included pole (which adds about another foot onto the height). With this configuration, I was able to get up to 4 LTE bars in a place where I could barely get one previously. I noticed that it would occasionally toggle between LTE and 4G, and I found that the internet browsing/data was actually better on the 4G. The LTE, even with high bars, was only good for texting and making calls. If I really needed to look something up, I would kind of move things around and wait until 4G was showing . Either way, it worked out GREAT. I am really happy with the purchase, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to boost a weak signal in remote locations. I should note that because there doesn't seem to be any Verizon towers in that area, I still was not able to get any signal on the Verizon phone. Since I have ATT, that didn't really bother me - just proof that this is not meant to CREATE a cell signal, but rather enhance an existing one.I should note that the height of the antenna, without the extension is no higher than my A/C unit, so there was no problem with adding extra height and worrying about hitting low branches, overpasses, etc. (well, no more than usual anyway!). When stationary, the extra foot of antenna was great - and I could have even driven with that if I wanted to, as it only brings my camper height up to 12 feet. But, I prefer not to for obvious reasons. It was easy to add the extension and then take it off when we hit the road again.Overall, I think it's a great product and look forward to many trips with it!
Husker Red
2024-12-24 16:25:11
Background info - I'm a fairly technical nerd who's into ham radio and electronics of all types. I've been using this system on my RV for about 4 months now, in several different locations. I have had success in some, but not others. Keep in mind, there has to be SOME signal available for the booster to work. Also keep in mind that the inside antenna that distributes the boosted signal has a pretty small area around that works. That is by design, if the inside antenna was blasting signal you would get interference with receiving antenna and it wouldn't work. After reading the reviews it's clear that some people have completely unrealistic expectations for this device. It's not going to boost signal all around and outside your camper. In my experience, t's good for about 3-8 feet from the antenna.Here's my experience: We have an aluminum camper, so inside the bedroom we always get terrible signal strength, even if it's decent outside. In areas where we can get a little service outside the camper, we usually can't use the phone inside the camper. However, with the booster on and antenna inside the bedroom, we can stream video. Without it we could barely load a web page. If we are in an area with little to no signal outside, we still don't get much usable signal, even with the booster. Once or twice I've been pleasantly surprised that we get enough signal to make phone calls inside, even though we couldn't outside.I spoke to a woman in customer service several times before purchasing. She was very well informed and helpful. After purchase, I wanted to order an extra antenna and NMO cabling so I can also use the booster in my truck, and again customer service was spot on with their suggestions.4 stars because it generally works and does improve signal. 1 star taken away because I was hoping it would boost signal more than it does. Also, I think it's pricey, certainly compared to other Chinese knock-offs on Amazon, but the fact that you get a complete set of properly matched impedance antennas, connectors, power options, cables, and booster, plus good customer service to problem solve makes it worth the price.