Staying Connected on the Road: Our Must-Have Internet Setup for Full-Time RV Living

Jun 19

Living and working full-time on the road sounds like a dream—and for us, it really is. But there’s one thing that can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare: unreliable internet.

Since we both work full-time remotely during the week, having strong, stable internet is absolutely essential. If we can’t get connected, we can’t stay—it’s that simple.

So we’ve built a setup that gives us flexibility, coverage, and peace of mind. We like to say we have ALL the internet—and we mean it.

1. Starlink Satellite Internet (aka Dishy)

Starlink is hands down the most game-changing tool we’ve added to our mobile lifestyle. Nicknamed Dishy, our Starlink satellite dish gives us fast, reliable internet in some of the most remote places we’ve camped.

Initial Cost: Our cost was around $650 (The equipment price as of June 2025 has dropped to $350)
Monthly Fee: $165
Speed: Crazy fast! Fast enough for Zoom, YouTube, Netflix, large file uploads—you name it
Coverage: Fantastic in remote and rural areas with a clear view of the sky

Starlink works best when there are no trees or obstructions above, so placement matters—but when it’s good, it’s amazing. It’s allowed us to work from some pretty wild locations while still staying completely connected. And with new satellites being launched all the time, the coverage and speed are only getting better.

We recently added the Starlink mini to our arsenal mainly for our trip to Baja, Mexico, so we could always have the internet for mapping and emergencies. We also used it to have a little fun and Facetime our friends while we were offroading in the CanAm in the middle of nowhere Mexico. Since being back from that trip we have kept the service running because it has come in handy for remote locations in the states, and more specifically in National Parks.

We bought the mini dish for $675 (currently as of June 2025 it is selling for $499), and our monthly plan is $50/month which includes 50GB. They offer an unlimited data plan for $165/month.

2. T-Mobile “Home Internet” AWAY for RVers

T-Mobile now offers a “Home Internet” option tailored to RV life, and it’s been a great addition to our arsenal—especially in areas with strong 5G coverage.

Current Cost (2025): ~$110/month for 200GB or $165/month (unlimited data)
Setup: Plug-and-play 5G gateway
Best For: Suburban or metro-adjacent campsites
Performance: Depends on tower congestion but has been surprisingly solid

We love having this as a back-up, high-speed option when Starlink isn’t practical (like in tree-heavy campgrounds).

3. Pepwave Router + Verizon SIM: The Brain of Our Internet Setup

The Pepwave router is one of the smartest pieces of tech we travel with. It’s a rugged, professional-grade mobile router designed for vanlifers, RVers, and even mobile business fleets. Ours is equipped with a Verizon SIM card, giving us access to one of the most reliable cell networks in the U.S.

But what makes it especially awesome is this: all of our internet connections run through it.

Whether we’re using Starlink, T-Mobile, or Verizon, our Pepwave acts as a central hub for all our devices. Once a device—like our smart TVs, phones, solar controller, Ring doorbell, laptops, etc.—connects to the Pepwave’s Wi-Fi, it never has to reconnect again. We don’t have to re-enter passwords or switch Wi-Fi networks every time we change our internet source. It’s all seamless.

Some of the major benefits of the Pepwave include:

Automatic failover: If one internet source drops, it can switch to another with no interruption.
Multi-WAN support: Connects to Starlink via Ethernet, uses cellular SIMs, and can even connect to campground Wi-Fi.
Enterprise-grade security and customizable settings
Consistent network for all our gear, so no reconfiguring every time we move

This is what makes our whole setup truly plug-and-play. We pull into a new spot, connect the available internet (Starlink, T-Mobile, or Verizon), and boom—everything is back online.

Why We Don’t Count on Campground Wi-Fi

While some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, it’s usually spotty at best. Speeds are inconsistent, connections are shared by dozens of campers, and distance from the main office router can make or break your signal. It’s fine for checking the weather—but not for Zoom calls or Netflix.

So, Which Internet Option Is Best?

The real answer? All of them. Each one plays a role in keeping us reliably connected.

Starlink gives us high-speed internet in remote areas
T-Mobile Home Internet is solid when we’re near civilization
Verizon via Pepwave fills in the gaps where the others struggle
The Pepwave router ties it all together into a seamless, stress-free experience

Our internet setup is the backbone of our full-time RV lifestyle. It keeps us employed, entertained, connected to friends and family, and fully in control of our off-grid home. Without it, this lifestyle just wouldn’t work.

If you're planning to hit the road and work remotely, invest in good internet infrastructure. Starlink is a game changer, mobile data plans are essential backups, and having a central router like the Pepwave makes managing it all easy.

Got questions about the tech? Need help figuring out what setup’s right for your rig? Drop us a comment or message—we’re happy to help fellow travelers stay connected.

Thinking About Getting Starlink?
If our setup has helped you and you're ready to make the leap, consider using our Starlink referral link when you order:
https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2640791-19402-60

It will get you a free month of service, and us one too!

It helps support our travels (at no extra cost to you) and keeps us sharing more tips from the road. Thanks for being part of the journey!