10 Best RV Cell Phone Boosters to Ensure a Steady Connection

When you’re traveling on the open road, you will need to use the Internet constantly to keep yourself up to date with the latest weather and road conditions, find gas stations and other amenities, as well as call your loved ones or call for help in case of emergency. 

To always get strong cell signals for fast Internet connection and uninterrupted calls, you will need the best RV cell phone booster that can strengthen your cell phone signal even when you’re away from the signal tower or experiencing bad weather or obstacles like mountains. They are not just nice to have, but an absolute necessity for safe traveling. 

While many campers make the mistake of using their home cell phone booster for their RV, there are good reasons for the development of RV-specific units. Learn the difference, how a cell phone booster for RV works and why you need one, the various types, the crucial buying criteria, step-by-step installation guide and a handpicked list of the 10 best cell phone boosters for RV on the market. There is something for every camper, regardless of your budget and camping setting. 

RV Cell Phone Booster Basics

What It Does

The closer you are to a reliable cell tower, the stronger the LTE, 3G and 4G signals you will get. However, these signals will become weaker once you travel further away from a cell tower, in bad weather, or if you are blocked by a sizable obstacle like mountains, big hills or trees. 

In addition, an RV can be an obstruction to signal transmission as well, if the RV is constructed from certain materials that can impede or block cell phone signals. Some metals like tin, copper, aluminum, lead, brass, copper, steel, iron and silver can completely kill your cell phone signals. Meanwhile, materials that do not conduct electricity will not block but just impede signals, including plastics, glass, wood, drywall, and energy saving window coatings.

Having RV cell phone signal booster will ensure you always get strong enough cell signals for texts and calls and Internet. These devices take a spotty or weak cell signal from the closest cell tower and amplify it for up to 32 times, then transmit the improved signal for multiple users and devices in your rig to use. The best cell signal booster for RV on the market is typically compatible with all cellular devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and hotspots.

Depending on a model’s boosting strength, RV cell phone boosters can boost cell signals for use in a small area in your rig, like your dedicated work station, or provide a wide enough coverage area that might allow you to enjoy strong signal while being outside of your rig. 

How It Works

An RV cell phone signal booster is in essence a bidirectional amplifier. “Bidirectional” refers to the setup with two antennas, one outside and one inside. These systems also include a signal amplifier and a low-transmission-loss coaxial cable that connects all components together. 

The outside or exterior antenna is typically mounted to an RV’s back ladder or roof. It receives a signal to the closest cell tower and transmits this signal to the amplifier, which amplifies the received signal. The boosted signal will then be transmitted by the inside antenna to the specific spots with a weak signal or no reception within or around your motorhome. 

For best signal boosting results, the two antennas are typically mounted sufficiently far away from each other, so you should run the coaxial cables under the seats and floor mats for a discreet installation. 

Using RV Cell Booster vs Home Cell Booster

You might be thinking you can take your home cell phone booster with you while traveling in your RV, but there’s a good reason why the industry developed a dedicated type of cell phone boosters specifically for use in recreational vehicles.

Firstly, most cell phone boosters designed for use in homes or offices typically work when stationary. Meanwhile, you might want to get boosted signals to use the Internet while your RV is on the road. Do note that there are two types of boosters, one that is designed to work only when your RV is parked, and one that also works when your RV is moving. 

Secondly, cell signal boosters designed for RV use typically operate on the DC power supplied by your rig instead of requiring an outlet.

Thirdly, RV cell phone boosters come with a low-profile antenna that won’t offer free service to all other vehicles in close proximity on the freeway. Why is this important? Remember that the rule for home cell boosters is that the outdoor antenna should be mounted at least 15 feet from the indoor unit for optimal signal boosting effect.

Meanwhile, this requirement is hard to achieve or impossible in small- and medium-sized RVs. You might come close if you put the booster up at one end of your rig and secure the antenna at the other end. 

When you do that though, you’re essentially providing signal boost for other vehicles in the near vicinity when you’re in traffic. If there are too many people attached to your RV cell phone booster, at some point, you will get weaker signals and worse, get kicked off it.

Benefits of RV Cell Phone Booster

Unless you always go on short weekend trips only and never stray far away from urban areas, you will need to stay connected, not just for your entertainment but for your own safety: 

Uninterrupted, crystal-clear calls and instant messaging:

Having the best RV cell phone booster will allow you to always stay connected with your loved ones via calls and texts to update them about your trip, and in worse cases, call for help. These devices can make the difference between being stranded and getting assistance in time.

They are particularly crucial when you tend to travel off the beaten path to more remote locations, where you’re far away from reliable cell towers and thus typically get weak or spotty cell signals. 

With stronger cell signals, you will enjoy instant delivery and receipt of text messages, less dropped calls and better quality calls, as the best cell phone booster for RV also “cleans” received cell signals by smoothing out disturbances or distortions caused by surrounding physical obstructions.

Improve Wifi connection:

RV cell phone boosters are a must when traveling, as you need reliable WiFi to keep yourself up to date with the latest weather and road conditions and other crucial information for safe traveling, search for needed amenities and services, and navigate the safest, most effective routes. 

A cell phone booster will improve your Internet connectivity and both download and upload speed of all cellular devices within the coverage area if your WiFi network relies on cellular signals like LTE, 2G, 3G or 4G. This is because these devices work by amplifying incoming cellular signals, so if your WiFi network relies on compatible signals, you will also get faster Internet in addition to uninterrupted calls and texts.

And of course, having stronger Internet connections at all times means you have one more way to entertain yourself during long trips when you’re not out enjoying the outdoors. 

Stronger signals for multiple users at any given time:

The best RV signal booster typically does not have a limit in terms of the number of devices that it can support at once. Regardless of the carrier, as long as a mobile device stays in the coverage range of the cell booster, the device would enjoy better signal reception. 

That said, if the outer signal is too weak to begin with, even the best cell phone boosters for campers can only reliably provide strong enough signals to a limited number of devices simultaneously.

Similarly, as noted above, if there are too many other devices attached to your booster, like when you’re driving on the highway, you might get kicked off it.

On the other hand, if the outside signal is sufficiently strong, then after some boosting, the cell phone booster will be able to support stronger signals to more devices at the same time. 

Stronger signals inside and outside your RV:

Another plus is that the best cell phone boosters for campers on the market can conveniently provide a wider coverage area that allows you to make calls and send text messages or surf the web both inside and outside of your RV.

Improves battery life of connected devices:

Compared to when your cellular devices are receiving signals directly from a faraway cell tower, these devices will use less battery power when they receive the improved signals transmitted from the booster’s indoor antenna installed in a much closer proximity.

With the RV cell phone signal booster in place, you will notice that your laptops, tablets and smartphones will run longer. This is also healthier for the battery in the long term. 

10 Best RV Cell Phone Boosters: In-depth Reviews

Without further ado, below are the 10 best cell phone boosters for RVs that I think offer excellent value for money.

This list is selected to include models at different prices and features that will offer something for any budget and camping setting or personal preference. No camper is the same, so be clear about how you travel and what you need to pick out the best quality RV cell phone boosters for you.

If you know what you want, dive right into this list, or else, skip to the next two sections to learn the different types of cell phone booster for camping, what they are best for and the most crucial product specifications and buying criteria.

No	Top Rated RV Cell Phone Boosters	Prices	Our Ratings
1	weBoost Drive X RV 471410	$$	*****
2	SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV	$$	****
3	weBoost Destination RV 470159	$$$$	*****
4	SureCall Fusion2Go Max	$$	***
5	UUNITONA RV Cell Phone Signal Booster	$	***
6	SolidRF Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster for RV Truck	$$	*****
7	weBoost Drive Reach RV Kit	$$$	*****
8	ORPEY 5Bands Cell Phone Booster for RV	$	***
9	KING Extend™ KX1000	$$	****
10	Amazboost A1 Cell Phone Booster	$	*****

1. Best Overall: weBoost Drive X RV 471410 Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit 

At a glance:

• Boosting strength: up to +50dB
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, 90+ regional U.S. carriers
• Network supported: 4G, 5G
• Cable length: 25 feet
• Certification: FCC approved (FCC certification number: PWO460021)
• Warranty: 2 years warranty, 30-day money back guarantee

What it’s best for: Any camping setting, even remote areas

Why we love it:

This weBoost Drive X is one of the best RV cell phone booster units out there if you want to get faster Internet and better call quality for multiple users while traveling to more remote locations. This cell signal booster supports the latest 5G technology as well as 4G to deliver the strongest signals available. Capable of up to +50dB gain in signal strength, this little device reliably lets you enjoy fewer dropped calls, better voice quality, faster mobile internet, improved audio and video streaming, and greater hotspot capability, even in remote areas. While many boosters on the market only provide enhanced signals when you’re stationary, this model works both when you’re parked or on the road. 

The outside antenna’s modular design and low profile allows for custom setup and optimal positioning for signal reception. Not exactly a deal breaker but what I also like about this cell phone booster is the sleek design of both the outside and inside antennas; they don’t spoil the aesthetics of your home on wheels, so you don’t need to worry about hiding them out of sight. Also, the long 25-feet coaxial cable gives you flexibility in terms of mounting locations for the components. 

The kit includes all the mounting brackets and accessories for easy installation, plus two power supply options, an AC/DC wall power supply and a hardwire power cord for more flexibility. For picky buyers who are not comfortable with spending a few hundred dollars on something made in China, this weBoost Drive is assembled and tested in the U.S.

One common complaint by buyers who do not read the instructions carefully is that after turning the unit on, the light doesn’t go green but keeps blinking. This happens when the outside and inside antennas are too close from each other horizontally and/or vertically. Try moving them away from each other and you should instantly notice at least 20 MB in both download and upload speeds, plus clearer calls.

2. Best Value: SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV Cell Signal Booster for Motorhome

At a glance:

• Boosting strength: up to +50dB
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in North America
• Network supported: 4G, 5G
• Cable length: 40 feet
• Certification: FCC approved 
• Warranty: 3-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, lifetime US-based customer support 

What it’s best for: Especially if you’re already on Verizon, but any camping setting, even remote areas 

Why we love it:

This SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 unit is comparable to the above weBoost Drive X in terms of both price and functionality. That said, it has a unique selling point. SureCall is an authorized Verizon 5G signal booster vendor which means if you’re already on Verizon, this unit will be the best cellular booster for your RV in terms of performance.

This is because a model supplied by and working with a specific cell service provider typically delivers the most reliable service even in the most remote areas. Capable of up to +50dB gain, this booster can enhance a one-bar Verizon signal to a solid 4-bar instantly, which is impressive, and provide signals strong enough for uninterrupted Netflix and Hulu streaming. 

That is not to say you shouldn’t get this unit if you’re on another carrier. This cell phone booster is compatible with the four major carriers in the U.S. plus all regional carriers in the North America market. In addition, this booster supports 4G and 5G networks, and improves signal for multiple devices, including MiFi hotspots and datahubs. It is known for the patented 2XP technology that offers 2 times the uplink power of its competitors for best performance in the most remote areas. (In case you’re not familiar with “uplink power”, uplink/upload and downlink/download refer to the two-way communication between a cell tower and a cellular device. Downlink refers to signals from a cell tower to a device, while uplink refers to signals from a device going back to a cell tower.)

Another plus in terms of design is that this SureCall booster has a more compact booster box, a more rugged outside antenna, and is made from heavy duty material, all of which means it will be less prone to wear and tear. Furthermore, the extra long 45-feet cable for the outside antenna will give you a lot of flexibility in terms of mounting location and allows you to place the two antennas as far away from each other as allowed for the best signal boosting results.

3. Editor’s Choice: weBoost Destination RV 470159 Cell Phone Signal Booster for Stationary Use 2nd Gen

At a glance:

• Notable feature: Telescoping directional antenna
• Boosting strength: up to +65dB
• For use when: Parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in North America
• Network supported: 3G, 4G, 5G
• Cable length: one 30-feet and two 15-feet
• Warranty: 2 years warranty, 30-day money back guarantee

What it’s best for: Campers who stay stationary at a campsite for long periods at a time, and/or who travel to very remote locations with extra weak cellular signals

Why we love it:

Although this weBoost unit is more expensive than the two models above while only provide boosted cell signals when your RV is parked, it is the best cell phone booster out there for campers who stay at a campsite for a long period at a time and only need to use their devices when stationary.

It is capable of +65dB gain, which is not something you see everyday even among top rated RV cell phone signal boosters, and can boost signal strength up to 32x for multiple users. This means it is the best option for those who travel to remote locations that have extra weak cell signals to begin with. 

Notable features include a telescoping directional antenna mounted on a 25-feet telescoping pole to ensure uninterrupted reception with the closest cell tower even when there are tall obstacles that can impede signal communication at your campsite.

This provides the maximum amount of coverage and can help you dial in your booster for optimal gains in signal strength. Another thoughtful feature is the flat window cable that can be easily routed through the slide out, removing the need for drilling holes in your precious RV.

This cell phone booster works with all U.S. and Canadian carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, UScellular, Bell, Telus and Rogers, and supports 5G networks, so it is future-proof for later technological advances. The kit comes with a 25-feet telescoping pole, plus everything you need for easy mounting. The 30-feet cable for the outside antenna and 15-feet cable for the inside antenna ensures they can be positioned far enough away from each other for optimal dB gain.

4. Best Results on Low Frequencies: SureCall Fusion2Go Max Cell Signal Booster for Remote Vehicles

At a glance:

• Boosting strength: up to +50dB
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in North America
• Network supported: 4G, 5G
• Certification: FCC approved 
• Warranty: 3-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, lifetime US-based customer support 

What it’s best for: Any camping setting, especially if you want maximum signal strength gain in any situation

Why we love it:

If you like the above Fusion2Go 3.0 model from SureCall, you might want to consider its later-born cousin, the Fusion2Go Max. It was the CES 2020 Innovation Awards Honoree, and is some of the best RV cell phone booster units when it comes to boosting strength on lower frequencies. This is where it differs from the  Fusion2Go 3.0. 

Also capable of up to +50dB gain like its cousin, what sets the Max apart is that it uses SureCall’s patented Extended Range Technology™ (ERT) for maximum performance across all frequencies. ERT amplifies cell signals outside your rig, bypassing cable loss and producing faster data speeds while maximizing coverage area so you can stay connected while straying farther from your home on wheels.

On top of this, the Fusion2Go Max also boasts 2XP technology to further boost the vehicle-to-tower range by increasing the uplink transmission power two-fold. The result is optimal signal enhancement in even the most challenging camping settings. 

5. Best Affordable: UUNITONA Cell Phone Signal Booster For Home, Office & RV 

At a glance:

• Notable feature: Omni directional antenna, standby mode
• Boosting strength: +70dB
• Coverage area: up to  2,000 sq.ft. 
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in the U.S.
• Network supported: 2G, 3G, 4G
• Warranty: 5 years warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, 3-month free replacement

What it’s best for: Campers who don’t travel to remote places, and stay stationary at a campsite for long periods at a time.

Why we love it:

For under $300, you will not find a better deal than this! This cell phone booster can be used for RV camping or in your home, supports multiple users and is compatible with all US carriers. It is the absolute best RV cell phone signal booster in this list in terms of signal boosting capacity, capable of up to +70db gain.

On top of that is its broad coverage area of up to  2,000 sq.ft., so you can stay connected while lounging outside your rig in good weather.

This unit from UUNITONA also boasts the smart power-saving standby mode like the above model from OPREY. It automatically wakes up when there is a call and stays in standby mode when no user is connected, which promises a longer service life. It’s also the best cell phone signal booster for camping in terms of easy, damage free installation.

The magnetic antenna makes installation easy. You only need to place the external antenna with a strong magnetic base on the roof of your RV. That said, if you often drive on rough terrain, you might still need to secure the antenna using necessary mounting accessories to make sure the antenna won’t bounce off your roof while in motion. 

This unit is backed by a rare 5 years warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, 3-month free replacement policy. The only drawback is that it’s not compatible with 5G, but for only $290, you’re still getting the best value for your money, considering everything else that this cell signal booster brings to the table!

6. Best For Camping In The Mountains: SolidRF Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster for RV Truck

At a glance:

• Notable features: omni directional outside antenna, compatible with a secondary indoor antenna
• Boosting strength: up to +20dB
• Coverage area: up to 20 feet for primary indoor antenna, up to 10 feet for secondary antenna
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in the U.S.
• Network supported: 4G, 5G
• Cable length: 3 x 10-feet cables
• Certification: FCC approved 
• Warranty: 3 years

What it’s best for: Campers who often set up camp in close proximity of physical obstacles and typically get reasonably strong signals to begin with

Why we love it:

What’s special about this SolidRF cell phone booster is that instead of a directional outdoor antenna that comes with some of the models above, this unit comes with a unique omni directional antenna. While a directional antenna is generally more powerful, the advantage of an omni directional antenna is that directional antennas only transmit and receive signals in one direction, whereas omni antennas transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in all directions along a particular plane.

This makes an omni antenna extra handy if you often set up camp where there are tall physical barriers or obstacles nearby. Furthermore, this outside antenna is made extra heavy duty to cope with various extreme external environments and withstand extreme shaking while being protected from dust, oil, and water.

Another notable and handy feature is that this cell phone booster allows you to use a secondary indoor antenna to better make sure you can get boosted signals wherever you are inside your RV. The primary indoor antenna that comes with the kit offers a coverage area of up to 20 feet, while the secondary antenna adds another 10 feet to that. 

This model is FCC approved and comes with a satisfactory 3 year warranty. The only area for improvement is its limited +20dB gain, but if you often camp not too far from urban areas and usually get strong enough signals to begin with, this is not a deal breaker.

7. Most Durable External Antenna: weBoost Drive Reach RV Cell Phone Signal Booster kit

At a glance:

• Boosting strength: up to +50dB
• Coverage area: up to 4 feet
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in the U.S.
• Network supported: 5G
• Cable length: 25 feet for outside antenna, 10 feet for inside antenna
• Warranty: 2 years warranty, 30-day money back guarantee

What it’s best for: Campers who travel on rough terrains and/or in harsher climates, who only use devices within the RV, and who do not travel with many companions

Why we love it:

If you often travel on rough terrains and/or in harsher climates, you will need a unit with the most rugged outside antenna available that can handle all the abuse on the open road, and this weBoost Drive Reach will be the best RV cell phone booster for off-road camping.

The outside antenna of this unit meets current U.S military and NEMA IP66 standards, which means it can withstand extreme shaking while being protected from dust, oil, and water. 

It is compatible with 5G for the fastest data speeds available, and is capable of +50dB gain for fast Internet upload and download speed, and uninterrupted on-demand content streaming. While this cell phone booster will provide multiple users with enhanced signals both when you’re moving and stationary, you won’t be able to enjoy its benefit once you step outside your motorhome.

A major drawback of this unit is its limited coverage area of only up to 4 feet, which means it’s only suitable if you just need the booster for your dedicated work station or a dedicated lounging area where you will sit down and use your cellular devices.

The small coverage area also means that it will be quite inconvenient for many users having to stay close to it to get stronger signals, in case the existing signal is too weak to begin with.

8. Most Power-Saving: ORPEY 5Bands Cell Phone Booster for RV

At a glance:

• Notable feature: Standby mode
• Boosting strength: 32x or up to +15dB
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in North America
• Network supported: 3G, 4G
• Cable length: 16 feet indoor, 32 feet outdoor
• Certification: FCC approved 
• Warranty: 5 years warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, 3-month free replacement

What it’s best for: Campers who usually get strong enough signals to begin with

Why we love it:

If you want extra assurance for buying an RV cell phone booster, this OPREY unit will get you covered for longer down the road with an unmatched 5 year warranty on top of 3-month free replacement and 30-day money-back guarantee warranty.

A rare feature that I absolutely love in this cell booster is its standby mode, so that when you leave your RV, this booster can detect that there is currently no connected user and will automatically enter sleep mode to save power. 

The major limitation of this unit though is its limited signal boosting capability of 32x or up to +15dB, which can be better but should not be a problem for campers who do not stray too far away from areas where cell towers typically concentrate.

Another drawback for many is that this device does not support 5G networks, so it’s not future proof, but you might overlook this for its cheaper price tag of $300. 

Apart from these, this FCC approved cell phone booster for RVs is perfectly functional and versatile, being compatible with all major as well as regional carriers in North America, supporting multiple devices and working whether you’re parked or on the move. 

9. Most Flexible Installation: KING Extend™ KX1000 Cell Phone Booster for RV

At a glance:

• Boosting strength: 32x or up to +15dB
• For use when: Driving or parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in the U.S.
• Network supported: 3G, 4G, 5G
• Cable length: 15 feet indoor, 30 feet outdoor
• Warranty: 2 years warranty

What it’s best for: Campers who need flexible mounting options and a unit with a rugged build

Why we love it:

Despite not offering the biggest signal boosting gain in the arena, this unit from KING is one of the best camper cell phone boosters when it comes to durability, thanks to its rugged design and construction.

It also offers the most flexibility in terms of installation setups, as it conveniently comes with roof, pole, and ladder mounting accessories all included.

10. Amazboost A1 Cell Phone Booster

At a glance:

• Notable feature: directional antenna
• Boosting strength: up to +20dB
• Coverage area: up to 2,500 sq. ft (when existing signal strength is 80dBm)
• For use when: Parked
• Number of supported devices: Multiple
• Compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, all regional carriers in North America
• Network supported: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
• Cable length: 60 feet
• Warranty: 1 year

What it’s best for: Campers who don’t travel to remote places, and stay stationary at a campsite for long periods at a time.

Why we love it:

If you don’t travel off the beaten path, typically receive reasonably strong cell signals and often stay at a campsite for extended periods at a time, then this $250 unit from Amazboost will be the most affordable option that can still give you boosted signals strong enough for Netflix streaming. It is capable of +20dB or a signal strength gain of 100x, much less than the above models but still by far sufficient to enhance a 1-bar signal up to 3 bars.

While this is true for me, who’s on T-mobile, interestingly, I know many people and have seen reviews by many buyers who are on AT&T that report slightly better gains in signal strength, from a 1 bar straight to a solid 4-bar. 

Like the weBoost Destination unit above, this model also boasts a directional yagi outdoor antenna that can be pointed to the nearest cell tower while avoiding physical obstacles that might interfere with signal transmission. This design ensures the strongest signals and the largest coverage area.

A 1- to 2-bar signal of  some 100dBm will allow a coverage area of about 400 sq. ft, while a max-strength 5-bar signal will increase coverage area to 2,500 sq. ft, far enough for multiple users to enjoy strong signals even outside your motorhome.

Features that buyers love include the 60-feet extra long cable, and the fact that this cell booster consistently improves battery life of devices on standby mode by up to an additional 2 hours. Although it only comes with a 1-year warranty, which is less than other top options, you’re getting excellent value for your money here.

Types of RV Cell Phone Boosters

There is more than one way to categorize cell phone boosters for RVs. In terms of the number of supported devices, there are cradle boosters and wireless boosters. In terms of the extent of signal improvement, there are consumer, analog and smart units.

Regarding network compatibility, there are 3G models, 4G models and LTE models. Which makes the best cell phone boosters for RVs depends on how big your rig is, how many cellular devices use the service at the same time, and how strong your typical reception is.

Cradle Boosters Wireless Boosters

Cradle Cell Phone Boosters for RVs

This type of booster can only support one device at a time and provides smaller signal enhancement compared to its wireless counterparts, but is still perfectly sufficient for one device.

Cradle boosters are affordable too, so if you travel alone, they would be the most sensible option. The device has to be placed in the “cradle” to enjoy improved signals, thus the name. 

This type of booster typically has a small footprint and comes with mounting hardware and adjustable rubber or plastic arms to secure from the most compact smartphones to the bulkiest like the 6.7-inch Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.

Wireless Cell Phone Boosters for RVs

Wireless cell phone boosters for RV is a more advanced solution for the limitations of the cradle design. They are more expensive, but justifiably so. Firstly, this type of boosters are ideal if you travel in a large motorhome with many companions, as they don’t have a limit on the number of devices that can enjoy their service.

In addition, wireless boosters deliver a more sizable gain in signal strength, thus you will get faster Internet and higher quality calls no matter where you are inside or even outside your rig. 

Consumer vs Analog vs Smart Boosters

Consumer Cell Phone Boosters for RVs 

The majority of RV cell phone boosters these days max out at +50dB gain, which is by far sufficient for use in your average motorhome. If you only have a small trailer or Class B minivans or need something for your truck, you might only need a smaller dB gain.

A consumer cell phone signal booster would be ideal in this case. This type is the most affordable and the easiest to install; consumer cell boosters typically have a plug-and-play setup. 

Analog Cell Phone Boosters for RVs 

Also referred to as broadband amplifiers, analog boosters come with a separate outside antenna to receive signals from nearby cell towers and are the most basic and commonly used type of cell signal boosters for camping. In terms of signal enhancement, analog boosters can offer a gain of around +63 dB to +70 dB.

They can be used for all cell phone carriers and all frequencies. Note that they do require some installation and routing of coaxial cables from the outside antenna to the unit inside your rig, but it’s nothing tricky.

Digital/Smart Cell Phone Boosters for RVs 

While an analog booster is sufficient for large-sized recreational vehicles, smart boosters can provide a larger signal gain of around +100dB, which is strong enough for use in your home or an office.

In addition to superior signal enhancement, smart boosters for RVs are digital, which means they not only amplify the received signals but also “clean” it from interference and disturbances before re-broadcasting signals to the connected devices.

The result is crystal clear and uninterrupted sounds and faster Internet speeds. Smart boosters are the best RV cell phone booster in terms of performance. 

Another advantage compared to the analog counterparts is that these digital cell phone boosters for RV typically come in in a compact kit wherein the outer antenna is a component of the booster box, so you don’t need to mount the antenna on the back ladder or roof, and don’t need to route the coax cable to connect the outside antenna to the unit inside.

The only downside to these high performance boosters is that they often operate at certain frequencies and most models on the market are carrier-specific, which makes them less versatile than analog cell boosters.

3G Boosters vs 4G and LTE Boosters

3G Cell Phone Boosters for RVs 

3G boosters typically work more effectively in smaller rigs and are ideal for use on small 3G networks and old phones. This type often requires permanent installation on your rig. 

4G, 5G and LTE Cell Phone Boosters for RVs 

4G booster for RV is a later and more advanced development than 3G boosters. 4G is currently the network that your phone or mobile device is most likely using on a day to day basis, although most major carriers today have started to move to 5G and LTE, both of which offer even faster speed.

4G, 5G and LTE boosters give you the option to install them permanently in your home on wheels. Do note that if your RV is extra big and long, you might want to use relay units to ensure that every nook and cranny in your rig gets the strongest signals possible.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Pick Cell Phone Boosters For Your RV 

To pick out the best camper cell phone booster for your needs, keep in mind the following technical specifications and crucial buying criteria:

Signal Boosting Strength

Since the purpose of a cell phone booster is to enhance the received cellular signals, the most important criteria when comparing models is the degree of signal enhancement a certain unit can offer. That said, not every camper needs the largest gain possible.  

Cellular signal strength is measured in dBs or decibels. The amount of decibels that a cell phone booster can gain is stated as a positive number. In any case, the dB gain achieved by even the lowest quality cell booster should not be lower than +7dB, while the upper limit you can typically get with a signal booster for recreational vehicles is +50 dB. Such a limitation is set by certain industries as over-amplified signals from a certain extent might interfere with cell towers. 

For you to get the general idea on how strong an RV cell phone booster is, common thresholds when it comes to signal strength improvement you will often see in product descriptions include +23 dB, +50 dB and +72dB.  A gain of +23 dB means the original signal strength is amplified by 200 times, while a +50 dB gain translates to some 100,000x improvement. A +50dB gain should be enough to support multiple devices in and outside a large Class A motorhome in most cases.

Meanwhile, a gain +72dB translates to a signal increase of 16 million times, which can provide strong signals to multiple devices within a space larger than the largest RV, like in the home or in office buildings. If you want this much of a gain in signal strength, you’d likely be looking at in-building wireless cell phone boosters.

Here it is extremely important that you remember that signal strength gain is not linear. The rule is the signal strength doubles every time the gain goes up by +3 dB. This means a +13 dB gain will give you double the signal strength of a +10 dB gain. While the difference between a +30dB gain and a +33dB gain is not significant, a +33 dB gain will give you double the signal strength of a +30 dB gain. The dB gain is exponential. 

Another factor that contributes to a booster’s signal gain is the frequency bands’ range that the unit can support. The best cell phone boosters for RV on the market these days can typically cover up to 5 bands and support 4G networks.

One last note: some manufacturers might overstate the capacity for signal enhancement of their cell phone boosters, so make sure you browse through the reviews to check whether a unit is truly as powerful as it promises. 

* Notes on: External Signal Strength 

Remember that in any case, how strong of a cell signal you will get does not entirely depend on how powerful your chosen cell phone booster is, but also on how strong the existing external signal strength that the booster receives is. 

To be fair, if you often camp in very remote places where the external signal is usually way too weak to begin with, even after being amplified, it might not be strong enough for what your and your companion need. In such cases, the best RV cellular signal booster for you is the one that can provide the highest dB gain that you can afford.

Otherwise, if you get strong signals most of the time, a moderately priced and moderately strong cell phone booster with a lower signal enhancement will give you more value for your money, while a powerful booster might be an overkill and thus unnecessarily expensive. 

In addition to where you’re traveling, also pay attention to the surrounding landscape of where your RV is parked every time you set up camp. Stay away from tall structures like mountains and hills that can block or impede signal reception.

Number of Supported Devices

While the best RV cell phone boosters on the market these days typically support multiple devices with stronger signals at any given time, if you travel alone, it’s perfectly functional and economical to get a cell phone booster than only support a single device at a time.

That said, there are quite a few affordable options out there for signal boosters that support multiple devices, and they are by far more versatile, so you might find one that’s overall a much better deal than an average single-device booster.

Coverage Area

The coverage area of a cell phone booster determines how far away from the booster you can be while still enjoying enhanced signals.

If you have a small rig and only need boosted signals within a small space, then a standard cell booster with a moderate coverage area should be sufficient.

Otherwise, if you have a large Class A or Class C luxury motorhome, a booster with a large coverage area would be the most convenient option; having to stand close to the booster every time you surf the Internet or make a call is clearly frustrating.

Also determine if you want to get enhanced signals when you’re casually lounging outside your RV as well.

Do note that if your RV is extra big and long, you might want to use more than one interior antenna or use several relay units to ensure that every nook and cranny in your rig gets the strongest signals possible. This might require you to keep in mind the layout of your oversized home on wheels to achieve desired signal strength and coverage everywhere you go. 

Carrier and Network Compatibility

While the best cell phone boosters for camping these days are typically compatible with all major mobile carriers and most local carriers in a certain geographical region, like North America, there are many models out there that only work with specific carriers, thus limiting their functionality. 

Compatibility might not sound as important as signal strength gain and coverage area, but considering the purpose of these devices, a booster with low compatibility is nothing more than a paperweight. In any case, you should get a booster that’s compatible with your existing cellular provider plus the more carriers the better.

Note that a model supplied by and working with a specific cell service provider usually delivers quite reliable service at an unbeatable price. If you live in America, get a unit that works with all four major service providers, namely Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, as well as some tens of local carriers.

Antenna Features

Cell phone boosters consist of an outer antenna, which sends and receives a signal from the closest cell tower, and an inner antenna, which transmits the improved signal to your devices.

There are low-gain and high-gain antennas, and depending on where you usually travel,  it’s helpful to check and assess the features of each one to ensure that you are getting the right cell phone booster and you’re not overpaying for what you really need.

If you want a booster with a wider range, go for high-gain antennas, which usually work at 5dBi or higher. These high-gain antennas are effective in rural areas, because the distance is the primary factor that weakens the signal in these outstretched areas. 

Otherwise, you may opt for low-gain antennas, which are especially useful in mountainous terrains and in general, in areas with a lot of physical barriers that block or impede signals.

Ease Of Installation

Be aware that while the installation process for any RV cell phone booster is straightforward, the length of the coaxial cables will dictate where the outside and inside antennas and the signal amplifier itself can be conveniently and discreetly mounted. You should install every component of the booster.

In any case, the longer the cables the more ease and flexibility when installing the booster kit, especially if you have an extra large rig. 

With a cradle booster, the inside antenna is built into the unit itself, where the signal amplifier is housed. This means in this case, you only need to take into consideration the length of the coaxial cable that connects the signal amplifier with the outside antenna.

Meanwhile, for smart or digital cell phone boosters, the outside antenna is a built-in component of the booster box, so you also have one less cable to worry about. 

Certification

The best cell phone booster models for RV camping are certified by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission and each is assigned a unique certification number.

An FCC approved device ​​means the device has been tested and its electromagnetic radiation is below the safe limits specified by the FCC.

How to Install an RV Cell Phone Booster

Refer to your owner’s manual, but the overall steps look something as follows. One important note in any case is to make sure you install the outside antenna as far away from the inside antenna as possible both horizontally and vertically.

If you mount the two antennas to close to each other, your unit might keep blinking the light instead of going green, and/or you might not notice any improvement in Internet download and upload speed or call quality.

1. Select a mounting location for the external antenna: You might already have other antennas installed on your RV roof, like the one for your TV. It’s recommended that you mount the outside antenna for your cell phone booster at least 12 inches away from any other antennas or openings. 
2. Assemble the external antenna: Follow the steps in your user manual religiously. 
3. Mount the external antenna: Secure the mounting bracket included in the kit to the ladder or rack near the roof using the provided washers, nuts, and bolts, then use a wrench to tighten the bracket. Use the provided washer and nut to secure the bottom of the antenna to the bracket. Connect the antenna’s coax cable to the provided low-loss cable and route the antenna cable through the slide-out gasket. Then, secure the antenna cable to the roof. The best RV cell phone booster kits should also include adhesive mounts and zip ties for this, but if not, you can easily buy them at local hardware stores and big box stores. 
4. Mount the internal antenna: Mount the inside antenna on a table or countertop or shelf in your RV or anywhere that’s not too close to the outside antenna. Mount the booster in its bracket, then secure the bracket somewhere with air circulation so that there’s no risk of it overheating. If you want to mount it discreetly, under a seat is a good option. Do not place the booster inside a small, enclosed container like a glove box.
5. Connect coax cables: Connect the external antenna’s coax cable to the booster and then connect the internal antenna’s coax cable to the booster. Both cables must be connected before plugging into the RV’s power supply.
6. Connect the booster to the power supply: Double-check all cables are securely connected. Plug in the provided power cable to your RV’s power supply. Then plug in the power line to the booster. Most cell phone boosters will flash a green light to show that it is on and working.

What Are the Best RV Cell Phone Booster Brands?

If you come across a product from a small brand that meets all your requirements, suits your budget and has good reviews, it might be a great deal.

But of course, it’s always a safe bet for any novice, or in case you don’t want to spend too much time looking for the best cell phone booster for campers, is to start your search with the best selling models from the biggest brands that are highly rated by RV cell phone booster reviews.

For your reference, the following manufacturers have a proven track record, and offer good customer service and warranty:

weBoost: The market for cell phone booster for campers is vast and ever expanding, but ask any expert or seasoned camper and they will tell you weBoost is definitely in the Top 2. Having established a firm footing in the arena, the brand still relentlessly keeps up with the latest technologies and production techniques to create functional products with a clear focus on user experience. weBoost is known for not just one to two but several models that are often credited as the best RV cell phone boosters by full-time RVers. This is why weBoost products often only compete against themselves. 

SureCall: SureCall is an established brand known for innovative designs that takes into account their customers’ feedback to always perfect the functionality and durability of their RV cell phone boosters. SureCall offers lifetime support with warranties with all products, which is quite rare in the industry.

SolidRF: SolidRF is known as a leading manufacturer of state of the art cell signal boosters for homes, businesses and home offices. Having built a solid footing thanks to its top notch in-building cellular amplifier called SolidRF SpeedPro, the brand later used its expertise to make some of the best camper cell phone boosters. All of their products meet the industry’s latest certification standards. Furthermore, you will always enjoy strong signals wherever you go, since SolidRF’s RV cell boosters are compatible with the four largest carriers in the US — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint — plus more than 90 regional carriers.

King: Another established player in the market for signal equipment, King, is known for functional, versatile and durable boosters that can withstand the abuse on the open road. King offers excellent technical support and warranties with all their cell phone booster models, which speaks volume about their product quality. 

HiBoost: HiBoost makes the best cell phone boosters for campers traveling in North America. All of their products are compatible with all US and Canadian carriers and all are FCC certified. Hiboost offers two types of RV cell phone booster: one with large dB gain for use in oversized recreational vehicles, and another with smaller dB gain for use in smaller passenger cars, vans, SUVs and trucks. The brand offers some of the best warranty and customer support in the industry, with 30-day money-back guarantee, 3-year warranty and lifetime US-based technical support for all of their camper cell phone booster models. Another plus that sets Hiboost apart is the fact that it is the first manufacturer to provide an all-in-one supervisor app for effortless installation and remote control.  

Proutone: With a user-oriented mindset, Proudtone has produced solid signal boosters that offer reliable service and versatility in a wide range of camping settings. They hold up very well despite the abuse and beatings on the open road and require minimal attention during the course of operation.

RV Cell Phone Boosters FAQs