Total Communication

Up until a week ago we were at the mercy of mother nature and our surrounding terrain for our communication needs or lack thereof. Whenever we had rain or fog we couldn’t receive a signal for any communications what so ever. Part of the problem was the distance from the cell towers and the fact that we are so low with the tall trees surrounding our pad. This included our cell phones, either voice or texting as well as our internet capabilities. When the weather was good, we could get a weak signal if we stood outside on the road.
We bought a booster system and I finally got it fully installed and operational last week. After reading several reviews and getting recommendations from people who had them in their RVs, I bought the Wilson Electronics - SOHO - Cell Phone Signal Booster kit from Amazon.com. It included almost everything I needed to install the system including the, outdoor antenna, booster unit, indoor antenna and 2 antenna cables with several adapters..

I wanted to install a lightning surge suppressor and the necessary antenna cable to hook it in, so I had to order those pieces separately. After receiving those items, I was able to install the antenna cable through the generator box into the living area by using the smaller diameter extension cable and drilling only one 3/8” hole. Each portion of the kit came with it’s own installation instructions but even with out the instructions, any mechanically inclined person would be able to figure out the system in short order.

A couple of things I discovered while setting this system up; you should try to make the locations of the interior antenna and the booster units temporary until you have tried using your phones and or Internet cards. After installing everything, I discovered that I got a very week signal once I was out of the living area and only a moderate signal within 5 or 6 feet of the interior antenna. By moving the booster unit closer to the floor, and further from the interior antenna, the signal increased significantly. I’m not sure why that worked so well, but we now have phone reception throughout the motorhome and outdoors with a limit of about 25 or 30 feet. We can even use our MiFi unit inside or outside as well.
While I was waiting for the Booster system to arrive by snail mail, I went ahead and built a platform and stairs, so we can get in and out of the Motor Home.        Now we can exit the Motorhome safer and quicker than with the slippery metal swing-out steps that we’ve been using. I should have done that 2 years ago! The dogs like it as well. Even crippled up old Molly can navigate these steps.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by; till next time…..
Dave, Sue, Molly, Jody and Lucy