How to Setup Starlink Internet While Traveling [Updated 2024]
RV and Mobile Starlink Internet Setup Guide for RV Campers
When was the last time you sat outside the public library in the small-town USA to “borrow” their WiFi signal because the cell signal in the town was too weak to check Outlook?
The benefit of working from anywhere is the opportunity to explore.
The downside is sometimes you have to “borrow” the WiFi from the Newberry Michigan public library so you can review financial models while on summer vacation!
Traveling with a Starlink Internet setup allows travelers to travel and work anywhere!
In October 2020, when Sara and I jumped into the deep end of RV Travel, we thought the internet was EVERYWHERE. We drove to our summer vacation, and typically, we had 5 bars of LTE service the entire way from Kentucky to the beach. The internet is like that everywhere, right?
WRONG!
In the summer of 2021, I knew Starlink existed but wasn’t sure how to get my hands on one. After sitting outside the Newberry public library for about 5 hours while swatting mosquitos, I knew Starlink was MUST HAVE for our travel adventures!
Do You Really Need Starlink?
On the fence about Starlink and if it’s worth the investment? Well, we dive deep into the hype and share if it’s a good value!
Starlink Set Up Guide by Our Campfire UnpluggedWhat is the Best Way to Set Up Your Mobile Starlink Connection While Traveling?
Starlink RV internet installation is quick and easy.
Starlink designed the dish and router to be simple. The entire setup is ready to use after 3 connections:
- Connect Dish to Modem / Router
- Connect the Modem / Router to the power cord
- Plug in the power cord
Starlink Internet setup takes 5 minutes or less!
Step 1 – Unpack Starlink
- On a dry and level service, carefully unpack your Starlink.
- Set the equipment out of the way in a SAFE location until you’re ready to connect
Watch our video on unpacking Starlink.
Highspeed Internet Everywhere by Our Campfire UnpluggedStep 2 – Position the Dish Mobile Starlink Connection: Locate the Northern Sky
- Scan the sky for the most clear view
- Use the Starlink App to confirm obstructions
- Snap the Starlink Dish into the stand (process will differ if mounting on pole!)
- Place stand and dish on a flat and level surface
Watch our video on positioning Starlink.
How to Set-Up Starlink Part 2 – Position the Dish by Our Campfire UnpluggedFor the highest mobile internet speeds and lowest latency, Starlink requires a clear view of the Northern Sky.
Insider Tip: Use the “Obstructions” menu on the Starlink App to scan the sky. This ensures you set up your dish in the perfect location.
Sometimes, a location looks perfect, but the Obstructions scan shows areas where the sky is “blocked.” I may or may not be able to change locations, but at least I can explain to the kids why Starlink may not be providing the best internet speeds.
Step 3 – Connect Cables
Connecting Starlink’s cables is super easy! Starlink has two connections:
- Connect the Dish to the Router
- Connect the Plug to the Router
- Plug the Router into a standard 110v outlet
Watch our video on connecting the Starlink cables.
How to Set-Up Starlink Part 3 – Connect Cables by Our Campfire UnpluggedStep 4 – Connect to Starlink
- Open Starlink App
- Connect Phone to Starlink Wifi (follow prompt to phone’s settings)
- Once connected Starlink will position automatically (our version of Starlink does this)
Watch our video on connecting to Starlink.
How to Set-Up Starlink Part 4 – Connect to Starlink by Our Campfire UnpluggedEquipment Update: The latest version of Starlink requires manual positioning using the Starlink app to align the dish. We talked to several campers with this setup and it’s very simple.
Step 5 – Test Your Starlink Connection
- Allow your Starlink a few moments to connect to the Satellite
- On the Starlink App navigate to Speed Test and run a speed test
- If you’re having connection issues, check the app for obstructions and reposition the dish, if necessary
Step 6 – Enjoy High-Speed Internet
Your Starlink Internet is ready for action! Enjoy high-speed internet for streaming movies, music, connecting with the office, staying in touch with family and more!
Frequently Asked Questions?
Before investing a Starlink Dish and the monthly service get all of your questions answered below!
What is the best way to Mount the Starlink Dish?
We see RV campers with their Starlink dish mounted to a flag pole hoisted high into the air. Mounting the Starlink dish in the air helps protect the equipment from people walking near the dish or cars running over it!
Two common ways we see people mount their Starlink dish:
1 – Telescoping pole are by attaching it to the ladder.
2 – Mount directly to the RV ladder.
Insider Tip: If trees are blocking the Northern Sky view, your dish must be positioned on the ground.
Is it Safe to Leave My Starlink Mobile Dish on the Ground?
We have mounted our mobile dish on the ground without incident so far! RV Campers tend to respect other campers’ belongings.
Insider Tip: Route the wires into your camper’s locking storage bays for added security.
With your router and the power supply locked the system is more secure.
Use tent stakes to firmly secure the base of your Starlink receiver to the ground.
Positioning of the Starlink dish on the ground makes me a little nervous that it might get stepped on, run over, knocked over, or “grow a pair of legs”.
What is Starlink Internet?
Starlink is the brainchild of SpaceX and Elon Musk which brings high-speed internet virtually anywhere in the world that has a clear view of the northern sky! Since I’m an accountant and not an engineer, I can’t get super technical on how it works. But suffice it to say the hundreds (or more) low-orbit satellites that SpaceX launched to support this tool provide awesome coverage for North America!
Starlink offers low latency, which means your computer, phone, tablet, streaming device, etc., will basically work without getting kicked offline constantly. I’ve heard that some users have challenges with Zoom calls or any other video streaming calls.
For working online, streaming video or music, checking email, buying stuff on Amazon, or other “normal” activity the drop rate is really low.
Where does a Starlink Internet Setup Work?
Once you have Starlink setup, it works almost anywhere.
There are limitations to using Starlink. Unless you have the “In Motion” equipment and data package, Starlink does not work when you are in motion.
In Motion
Starlink offers an In Motion option for those travelers who need internet while traveling. This option requires a flat-mounted dish on the roof of your vehicle. My kids might love the internet while we’re In Motion, but I feel like having our dish mounted permanently to our tow vehicle would not be a good option. And if we were parked under a tree or didn’t have a good northern sky from our parking spot our Starlink connection wouldn’t work!
Portable Dish
Starlink also offers a portable dish that is super easy to set up and take down. As an added benefit, the power cord is very long which allows the dish to be positioned in the optimal location for a clear view of the northern sky! We have this version and have been very pleased!
Recent Updates (September 2023)
In September 2023, the FCC approved Starlink’s redesign of the dish to a new and smaller footprint. According to PC MAG, the new dish will be “11.4 by 9.8 inches…the size of a MacBook”. This will no doubt make traveling with the new dish easier. Starlink did not indicate if the price of the equipment would change.
With updates like these, Starlink is staying ahead in the INPC SAT race, offering advanced satellite internet solutions.
How Fast Is Starlink Internet?
Starlink download speeds are in line with most residential internet connections. Speeds range from 25 Mbps to 200 Mbps download to 5 to 20 Mbps on the upload. RV and Roam subscribers are throttled a bit and ours definitely performs in the middle of the range.
I was worried a little about getting throttled down speed. The one place I noticed slightly slower speeds was Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone. I’m almost sure it’s because this park had multiple Starlink users all online simultaneously. Starlink states this will reduce speed. Even with this slow-down, I could still work on my nerdy accounting spreadsheets without any problems!
So fast that we enjoy the internet. Despite all my talk of the internet in this post, we do Unplug when we go camping!!!
Can I boost my Starlink Signal?
Out of the box, the Starlink router claims a range covering up to 2,000 square feet. For our 40-foot fifth wheel, the router works well!
Starlink Mag tested the usable range and determined that “the Wi-Fi signals from both routers remained strong and reliable, up to approximately 1,600 square feet”. If you plan to use this in a larger space, you will need to consider boosting options or mesh networks. These require additional connections to function properly.
Can I Stream Music and Video Using Starlink Internet?
Overall, we have zero problems streaming music or video when connected to Starlink. Trees present the biggest challenge for us and the stability of our Starlink connection. In certain RV campsites, we are surrounded by trees. We love the trees! But, they can block the signal from reaching the dish or consistently reaching the dish.
Usually, when we have trees nearby we can find enough clear sky to pick up a good signal. Thankfully, music and video have buffers built in which typically provide sufficient coverage until the signal resumes moments later.
Obviously, if you’re on a Zoom or Teams call this is going to be a problem. I would suggest using a cell phone dial-in number to maintain a strong voice connection and suffer through the hiccups in the video.
After setting up Starlink, we found we had zero problems streaming music or video.
How Much Does Starlink Internet Cost?
Joining the Starlink revolution is not exactly a cheap date. Starlink users must invest in Starlink hardware, monthly service, and a storage unit to protect your Starlink hardware while traveling.
How much is the Starlink Equipment?
Starlink hardware, which includes the dish, router/modem, and necessary connecting cords, ranges from about $600 (stationary or the Roam equipment) to $2,500+ for the Flat Mount high-performance dish. We use the $600 version and have been very happy with the performance.
This price range is current as of Spring 2024.
Starlink Internet Monthly Service Fees [as of Q2 2024]
- The monthly Residental Service charge is $120 for stationary and residential services.
- Mobile Service Plans (Roam) run $150 per month.
- True In-Motion Starlink Internet will set you back $250 per month. If it’s consolation you get the highest priority on data download.
- Business plans are available, and these plans run about $250 per month.
All Starlink Internet plans are available without a contract. So, users can cancel anytime.
Why does the Roam version cost $30 more?
Starlink Roam users can move their Starlink dish and access the internet wherever their travels lead. And Roam users can start and stop my monthly service during periods they don’t need the internet!
What Accessories Are Available for Starlink?
Starlink has a number of accessories to help make sure your equipment gets set up properly. Some include:
- Telescoping Poles used by RVers to get a better sky view
- Connector protectors to keep the USB C ends safe
- Router wall mounts
- Adapters to connect your Starlink Router/Modem to a 3rd party router
- Hard-sided travel cases to keep your equipment safe while in transit
- Heavy-duty mounting kits used to mount to your roof
As the technology gains popularity, more accessories will come onto the market.
Can I rent Starlink for only the time I need it?
If laying out upwards of 600 bucks and another monthly subscription of $120 or more has you clutching your wallet, you’re not alone! Yes, there are a couple of rental options!
- Satellite Phone Store: Starlink Roam dishes, business, and motion are available for rent. Before rushing over, it’s not exactly a bargain. A weekly long rental could set you back nearly $300 after including the equipment rental, data package, shipping, and other charges. The Starlink Roam equipment is $180 (at the time of this writing) and the data package is another $130. The nerd in me goes into rent vs buy calculation heaven real quickly!
- Borrow Starlink: Rental rates are about $30 per day. Here’s the catch…you have to pick the equipment up in Utah. Maybe an okay option if you’re local. You can have it shipped for a fee. Borrow Starlink also charges a refundable $350 deposit! Just know it will sit on your card until your Borrowed Starlink is returned in good working order. Borrow Starlink also rents solar and battery packs so you can stay connected off the grid, ethernet adapters, travel cases, and more. If nautical vacations float your boat, Borrow Starlink can hook you up here as well!
What are the Downsides to Starlink?
As awesome as Starlink is there are limitations. In our view, none of these are show stoppers and having access to the internet is worth the couple of limitations.
Reduced Speeds
Starlink Roam (Mobile Service Plans) is technically the lowest data priority to Starlink. Double Boo!!! So far this hasn’t been a huge issue for us. The worst case for us is slower internet surfing, email downloads, or a missed Netflix show. Talk about first-world problems!
If you can’t live with the possibility of missing Dancing with the Stars, maybe check out Mobile Priority. It’s the top dog beyond business. But, being top dog runs an extra $100 a month. So, just depends on how many cups of Starbucks you can live without. I’m grouchy without coffee!
Can’t use while Driving / In Motion
If you must have the internet while cruising down the highway of life, get the fixed-mounted dish for $2,500 and the $250 a month data plan and surf on. Otherwise, make sure your cell phone provider offers unlimited data!
Please be cautious: driving and surfing the web is not safe.
How Safe / Secure Is Starlink?
With all internet, particularly wireless internet like Starlink, there are security risks. Users should definitely evaluate the potential risks and consider countermeasures based on their planned usage.
When I log on for work, I connect through a VPN (virtual private network). So, my data remains safe as long as it travels along that path.
When my kids log on via their iPads, their YouTube-watching habits are vulnerable. That’s a risk and one we could mitigate with a personal VPN. We haven’t done that yet, but it’s possible to create a safe environment.
Strong passwords, remaining alert for phishing attempts, etc. are smart. As my IT team tells me, users are the weakest link in almost every item environment.
What Alternatives to Starlink Internet for RV Travel?
During our first two camping seasons, we tried several cellular alternatives to Starlink like using our phones as hotspots, MiFi devices, and even a cell signal booster.
Since we invested in Starlink you can guess the outcome of those experiments.
How Do Cell Phone Data Plans and MiFi Devices Compare to Starlink?
Absolutely no comparison. A Starlink Internet setup works flawlessly with a clear view of the Northern Sky. MiFi relies on cell phone signals. My experience is just being a few miles out of town, particularly in smaller towns, is enough to really weaken the cell signal. Plus if other campers are pulling cell signals for their devices the speeds are limited.
We also found cell signal outside of our fifth wheel might be okay. But when we step inside, the signal is cut in half. Or worse!
We tried a Lintratek cell signal booster that claimed to work with all major cell providers. Not so much! It took up space and time to set up. It’s collecting dust in the garage.
Can I travel with a HomeFi LTE system?
Absolutely! The HomeFi LTE system offers users an LTE option with proprietary technology focused on picking up the strongest LTE signal in the area (Verizon, ATT, or T-Mobile). Their equipment works across all cell signal bands.
HomeFi rents their modems or routers to users for a low monthly fee of $10. Data plans are purchased separately and start at $80 for 200 Gbs per month. Plans increase in data volume up to 800 Gbs. HomeFi allows cancellations at any time. And there is no annual contract.
If you are considering an LTE plan, this is worth a serious look!
Is TravlFi An Option?
TravlFi uses cellular signals to connect to the internet. In fact, TravlFi compares their device to having “3 WiFi service providers in one”. To me this indicates TravlFi is betting one of the 3 major carries (Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile) will have a signal where you are traveling.
Using TravlFi requires a hotspot device that is purchased through TravlFi or other authorized resellers. Up to 5 devices can be connected to a single hotspot. The hotspot cost about $200! Travelers also need a data plan. TravlFi offers a couple of options:
- Unlimited – Never run out of data for about $130 per month
- By the Gigabite – By data in blocks of 2 GB to 200 GB which ranges in monthly price from $20 to $105 per month
- Plans can be cancelled anytime and reactivate service for free. TravlFi does not have partial months. So if you travel every 3 weeks you will essentially be paying a monthly fee! At these rates Starlink is not a bad option! Just sayin’.
TravlFi offers other equipment to complement their hotspots:
- Routers – Includes a hotspot with 4g technology. If you need to connect more devices which allows for over 30 devices to be connected. The router cost is about $300.
- External Mounted Antennas – The goal is to improved signal strength by mounting an antenna outside your RV
- WiFi Range Extenders – These boost your WiFi range. If your router or hotspot is inside your RV, your signal outside the RV may be weak and this could help.
- LTE Signal Boosters – These devices can be gamechangers! TravlFi offers two options, King Extend and Winegard Boosters. Both cost about $500. I imagine TravlFi has tested these extensively and found they work well. Essentially an LTE Signal Booster amplifies an LTE signal. If there is a signal, it makes it stronger. However, the LTE Signal Booster cannot create a signal where there is none.
Potential Positives About TravlFi
- Plan Flexibility – Plans can be changed or canceled at any time without additional cost
- Use while in Motion – This could be a good alternative to relying on a simple cell phone signal while traveling to a destination.
- Small Size – These hotspots are small and very portable. So you can easily take it with you. However, you may find in remote areas you need a more powerful antenna or LTE signal booster.
What about Other Satellite Providers?
Yes, there are other satellite providers in the internet space. Some include Hughes Net and Viasat.
Hughes Net: Requires equipment purchase or lease (like Starlink). The equipment is a little cheaper to purchase (sub $500). However, data plans are expensive $65 per month which delivers up to 15 Mbps. If 150 Mbps is more to your liking, get ready to pony up $175 per month. Hughes Net requires a contract. If you exceed your data allowance, your speed might be slowed down! If you go this route, read the fine print.
Viasat: The website indicates all plans include professional installation, so this might not be a super portable option!
What About Local WiFi Options?
Local WiFi options can be fantastic if you are close to a public place like the library in Newberry Michigan. Seriously, libraries are excellent places to borrow the wifi without feeling like you have to purchase something. Bookstores, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. are also good options. If you go this route, be sure to buy something a small drink, magazine, or snack. You probably don’t have to, but you are taking space meant for customers!
Helpful Resources
How do I Keep My Starlink Internet Setup Secure While Traveling?
After investing over $500 on Starlink equipment, you need to protect it while traveling down the road. Pelican makes some darn good hard cases. We (by we, I mean ME) were too cheap for that, so we made one. Check out our post on how we made our storage case in about 30 minutes for under $75.
What is the Best Internet Speed Testing Tool?
The Starlink app includes a Speed Testing tool. I use this when I want to report for campground reporting. Sometimes, I’ll jump onto speedtest.net to run a quick test. As long as the internet is working and I’m not getting tons of push back I usually don’t worry about the exact speed.
