Starlink Internet Review: What to Know for RV Users [2024]
Starlink RV Internet: Is it Worth The Cost
Our Starlink RV Review will guide you through determining if Starlink is right for you.
Remember before the internet was everywhere? We do too!
As you’ll read in this Starlink RV Review, our family has been spoiled by instant, high-speed, reliable internet everywhere we go. We thought the internet was everywhere until we started our RV journey across America! Quickly, we learned cell phone hot spots are great—well, except when there is no signal.
We think most part time RVers share this same experience. If you’re traveling with kids, then you’ve probably heard the reframes of I can’t watch YouTube or Netflix isn’t working.
Right!?!
Most part-time RVers who travel as weekend warriors may struggle to justify Starlink Internet’s upfront and monthly costs. After reading our complete Starlink Internet Review [updated 2024], you will have all the information you need to lobby your spouse to upgrade your internet experience to Starlink Mobile Internet!
We’ve used our Starlink Mobile for 15 months on our travels across the United States.
TL;DR: Quick Hits from Our Starlink RV Review
- Reliable Internet: Provides consistent connectivity, struggles with tree cover and peak hours.
- Easy Setup: Simple to set up; newer models need manual dish positioning.
- Video Calls: Recommend using a cell phone for stable audio during video calls.
- Plans: Starlink Roam starts at $150/month, with premium options available.
- Best for: Digital nomads and mobile users needing broadband in remote locations.
- Detailed Guide: Check our setup guide for more information.
Starlink Mobile Internet for RVs: Our 15-Month Experience
Since March 2023, our RV and Outdoor adventures have led us to the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls, the amazing natural arches of Red River Gorge, South Dakota’s Badlands/Custer State Park/Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, remote regions of North Dakota, and the beaches of Charleston, South Carolina!
After months of use, one thing has been consistent…Starlink Mobile Internet performs! Of the 20 campgrounds we visited in 2023 and 2024, our Starlink RV Plan left us without internet two times. Both times, our sites had tremendous tree cover, which obstructed the northern sky!
Starlink internet failures occurred at the KOA in Onawa, Iowa, and Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, Virginia. Fortunately, cell signals were strong enough in both locations to “make due” until we were back in range for strong high-speed internet.
Starlink Internet: Initial Impressions
Our Starlink Roam Internet kit arrived at our home, boxed in packaging, and designed to protect the unit on its journey to our house. Like the easy-to-use Apple products, Starlink’s initial setup was a breeze.
Simply download the Starlink App, plug the Starlink Wi-Fi router into the dish and the router into a 110v power outlet, then boot up the system. The motorized dish will use GPS to lock in on low earth orbit Starlink satellites and begin data transmission.
Note: In 2024, Starlink Roam dishes removed the power options, and users had to position the unit to acquire the low earth orbit of the Starlink satellite signal. We view this as a downgrade to the convenience of setup, but it is an improvement to the number of things that could fail on your system!
Our Starlink Roam was up and running in our backyard in less than 10 minutes. Hey, I was super excited to use our new internet!
Starlink Roam Internet Issues
Besides our two Starlink Internet fails, we’ve experienced a few times when our internet speed has been spotty, slow, or interrupted.
As discussed in this Starlink RV Review, Starlink’s largest challenge is when the sky is not 100% unobstructed. If a tree canopy interrupts the direct line of site from the Starlink dish and the satellite, then we have internet disruptions.
When streaming Netflix or YouTube or simply working for my day job in finance, these interruptions are not catastrophic to our experience. Most of the time we don’t notice.
Users who need a constant connection for video calls (e.g., Zoom or Teams) may notice dropped calls. We recommend dialing into the call with your cell phone to reduce the Starlink broadband demand AND to avoid dropping the audio feed if the video feed drops!
We understand Starlink Roam speed may be throttled to slower speeds based on area demand on Starlink satellite resources. To our knowledge we have not experienced slower speeds! At Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, MT nearly every RV had a Starlink Roam next to the RV. Our speed was fine here!
Cheers to the first world!
By purchasing the Mobile Priority Data package, Starlink Roam users can avoid data throttling and slower speeds. This package costs $250 per month compared to Mobile Regional Data plans $150 per month.
Overall Starlink System is the BEST mobile internet solution for RV and Outdoor explorers!
Starlink has truly enhanced our RV lifestyle, making it easier to stay connected no matter where we roam, which is why we are sharing this Starlink RV Review.
For detailed setup instructions, check out our Starlink setup guide.
Maximize Starlink Performance at Your RV Campsite
Location, Location, Location: Clear Sky Views Required for Starlink
Starlink’s mobile app, which controls the router and WiFi, includes a sky scanning tool to help locate the most open sky location to set up your Starlink Mobile Dish. Our model allows us to find the best location and set the dish in place. The motorized dish does the rest of the work to connect.
Will my Starlink work if a clear view of the sky is not available? Most likely, yes. But it depends on how obstructed the sky view is. Our Starlink generally works as long as it gets a clear view of the sky of at least 50% of the sky.
Starlink Roam comes with a long Starlink Cable to transmit data from the satellite to the router. Our cable is about 50 or 75 feet long, which is long enough for our use. Accessory cables can be purchased to extend your range over 200 feet!
Mounting the Starlink Dish
We mount our Starlink dish on the ground, in an open area, away from the road, walking paths, and other areas where the dish may be knocked over. So far, no issues!
Starlink Mounting Poles are common at campgrounds. Many RVers mount their dish on a telescoping pole from the rear of their RV. These systems give users the most unobstructed clear view of the sky possible. Sometimes the rear of the RV is under tree cover, so keep in mind the pole mounting may not always be optimal.
Permanent Mounting on Motorhomes and Camper Vans sounds really cool because the system is ready to go anytime—except if you park under trees, in which case you can’t move your dish. We recommend considering this potential shortfall before mounting your Starlink to the roof of your RV!
What Are the Security Options for Securing My Starlink System?
We worried about Starlink being stolen. We keep the router locked away, which reduces the risk. But someone who really wants it will find a way. If it were stolen, I imagine Starlink could help track it via their Starlink satellite systems.
Here are a few security measures you can consider:
- Onvian Bike Alarm – The alarm senses vibrations and movements. Alarms will sound if vibrations are detected.
- Laptop Lock – The lock can be secured to a longer chain locked to your RV.
The goal is to encourage bad guys to move along to an easier target.
Starlink Internet Connection: Common Challenges
Clear View of the Sky
The most common challenge we face is accessing an unobstructed view of the sky. A lot of trees, creating a thick tree canopy, will completely obstruct the view of the sky. Depending on tree location, trees on either side may interrupt the Starlink internet connection.
WiFi Broadcasting
The Starlink Router and WiFi have limited range. Our router is inside our fifth-wheel camper, which helps distribute the signal throughout our 40-foot RV.
Weather Conditions
The weather does not seem to create any significant issues for our Starlink internet connection. Starlink designed the dish to heat up and automatically melt snow.
Since we don’t camp in cold weather, I bring the Starlink internet system home for the winter.
Starlink Systems: Additional Equipment
Signal Boosters are great options for RVers wishing to gain additional range from the Starlink Router.
Since the Starlink Router does not include an ethernet port, we would use a WiFi signal booster that plugs into the wall. Our top choice is the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Range Extender available on Amazon. We like this model because it creates a Mesh Network, sets up quickly, and expands the WiFi signal up to 10,000 square feet!
Safely transporting your Starlink equipment requires some consideration. Starlink’s original packing is cardboard, which won’t withstand boxing and reboxing. Starlink sells a hard case to protect the dish and router when traveling. Other 3rd parties make hard cases as well. We found these on Amazon:
- Case Club (fits The Starlink Standard Dish Kit in a Hard-Shell) – Fits Starlink and all accessories (dish, router, cords). The case is airtight and waterproof. The thick foam keeps the equipment safe from shocks and bumps! Includes wheels for easy transporting.
- Case Club (24 x 17 x 12 inches) – This Case Club case also offers airtight, waterproof, and shock protection for your Starlink equipment.
We made our own case using a heavy duty storage bin from Tractor Supply and some foam from Amazon. The dish, router, power cord, and cords all fit in the bin nicely and our storage solution keeps the dish safe during our travels!
Starlink Service Plans: Cost and Rental Options
Starlink is the premium satellite internet service available for travelers on the go who absolutely must have excellent internet. That premium comes with a premium price tag!
Starlink Roam Internet starts at $150 per month for a standard plan with unlimited data. Roam includes:
- Unlimited Inland Data (e.g., no data caps),
- Portability (e.g., use it anywhere in North America),
- Pause Service, and
- In-motion use…at slow internet speeds.
Roam users can “pause” service during periods when they will not be using Starlink. If you access Starlink anytime during the 30-day billing cycle, the service plan continues billing month-to-month.
If you demand network priority, then look into the global plans like the “Boats” plan, which will set you back $250 per month. This plan allows In-motion use at higher speeds and works when traveling on the ocean.
Users must also invest in Starlink Equipment which costs $600 for Roam equipment and $2,500 for the flat high-performance equipment necessary for Boats service plan.
Cellular Internet Alternatives and Backup Plans
MiFi devices, mobile hotspots, available from Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, HomeFi, or TravelFi are options. When cellular service is strong then these devices work well.
Booster equipment is available to amplify the cell coverage. But, this relies on having a cell signal.
If traveling to remote areas and high-speed internet is a must-have, then Starlink is your best option.
Know Before You Buy: Recently, T-Mobile announced that their home internet routers are linked to an address and cannot be used in other locations. Be aware before you buy this equipment.
Despite the limitations of cellular service, sometimes these devices are perfect for connecting quickly or if your RV camping site does not have a clear view of the sky!
Keep in mind public WiFi may be a great option. Coffee shops, public libraries, restaurants, and hotels usually have free WiFi. When on public WiFi always use a Virtual Private Network like the NORD VPN.
Protect Your Data: Keep Your Starlink Internet Service Safe!
Cybercrime is real, and having personal data compromised is a giant pain! Nothing can ruin a vacation or RV travel more than wasting time trying to restore data, your identity, bank information or worse.
Take some simple proactive steps to protect your Starlink internet connection. Here are a few tips:
- Change the network password to a complex passkey or phrase
- Using “Password_123” is not a strong password!
- Limit the users who have access to your Starlink network
- Utilize a Virtual Private Network from a high-quality VPN provider like Nord to ensure secure internet access!
Conclusion: Starlink RV Review Following Months of Use
Our Starlink review found that the standard Starlink dish provides a reliable broadband internet service for mobile users and digital nomads.
The satellite dish effectively connects to low-earth orbit satellites, ensuring connectivity in remote locations. While peak hours can occasionally affect speeds, the overall Starlink mobility offers great flexibility.
For RVers, explorers, emergency responders, and anyone else needing a dependable wifi router and satellite internet system, Starlink is a good choice. With various mobile plans, it caters to diverse needs, making it a great option for staying connected on the go. For a complete guide, check out our setup instructions.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
