How to get internet in your motorhome

In our modern connected world, having access to the internet in your motorhome is often seen as a necessity. You need it for planning the next day’s route, streaming your favourite TV shows and much more.

So, what equipment do you need to make sure you won’t be without the wisdom of Google while you’re on your travels? And does motorhome insurance cover the devices that you’ll need in order to get online? From Wi‑Fi dongles and boosters to 4G antennas and satellite systems, trying to figure out what you’ll need can be a bit of a minefield.

Getting on the internet while touring can soon get confusing. There are so many options on the market and not all will be perfect for you and your home on wheels. So, read on for our guide to staying connected in your motorhome.

Internet access in your motorhome – the options

There are a number of ways to get the internet in your motorhome wherever your travels take you. Assuming you want internet in your vehicle, rather than having to constantly find cafés and pubs with free Wi‑Fi, these are the main options for you:

• Use campsite Wi‑Fi.
• Use your phone or tablet with a SIM card and data connection.
• Use a Wi‑Fi dongle or MiFi device.
• Install a specialist satellite system.

Don't worry if you’re already a little confused by these options. Let’s take a closer look at each one in turn to see which might be best for you.

Campsite Wi‑Fi

A popular way to connect to the internet if you’re staying at a campsite is through the site’s own Wi‑Fi connection. If you’re just quickly checking a website for information on your next destination then campsite Wi‑Fi is probably okay. However, most campsites only offer a very limited Wi‑Fi service and often the Wi‑Fi signal is far from excellent.

There are a number of other difficulties, too. Firstly, you won’t know until you get there how good the Wi‑Fi signal is going to be, especially if you’re in a remote location. So it’s hard to plan ahead and you might end up being let down when you need connection the most. Secondly, if you’re parked up a long way from the campsite reception or there are a lot of other campers using the Wi‑Fi at the same time, you could receive a poor connection and a very unsatisfactory internet experience.

Thirdly, you might need to pay to connect to the campsite Wi‑Fi. If they do charge, then you’ll need to find out if it’s per day, per hour or on data usage. While browsing a few websites or checking social media may not cost much, if you’re planning to stream an entire movie then it could turn into an expensive night in.

How to boost your internet signal

If you’re looking to get the very best signal from campsite Wi‑Fi then buying a Wi‑Fi booster or antenna to beam the signal into your van could be a good solution. These can be permanently housed on the outside of your motorhome, or just set up ad hoc when you arrive on site.

Simply point the directional antenna towards the Wi‑Fi source and away you go. This is very much a plug‑and‑play solution and you won’t need a separate SIM card or data allowance to use it. They’re compatible with pretty much any device and you should be able to extend Wi‑Fi to several devices at once.

Phone or tablet with SIM card and data connection

If you’re touring around the UK, a more reliable way of getting an internet connection than using campsite Wi‑Fi is through your own mobile phone or tablet (providing you have a SIM card and data as part of your mobile phone deal).

This way, as long as you can get a good, strong connection then you should be perfectly able to join the web when you want. Unfortunately, the mobile broadband network across the UK can be patchy, so this will depend on your location and network provider.

O2, EE, Vodafone and Three are the so‑called ‘Big Four’ network providers across the UK. Even if your mobile service provider is a company like Tesco Mobile or GiffGaff, they will still be using a network provided by one of the Big Four.

To find out the best network provider for any particular location you can go to each of their websites and use the online service checkers. A simpler alternative is to use the one‑stop shop provided by Ofcom’s coverage checker.

The UK’s communications regulator has created a useful mobile and broadband coverage checker. Simply enter a postcode and it will allow you to check 3G and 4G services, broadband availability and speeds in your area.

Streaming a standard definition film uses around 1GB of data per hour. This rises to around 3GB per hour for HD and up to 7GB per hour for 4K Ultra HD video.

A better option than watching on a small phone screen is to use your phone as a personal Wi‑Fi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect using your data allowance.

How to set up a personal hotspot on your phone

Go to your phone’s Settings menu and navigate to Mobile Data or Mobile Network. Choose Personal Hotspot and follow the prompts.

Set a recognisable network name and a strong password so nearby campers can’t connect to your data.

On the device you want to connect, select your hotspot from the Wi‑Fi list and enter the password.

Using your phone as a hotspot can drain the battery quickly, so consider packing a power bank or battery case.

Wi‑Fi dongle or MiFi device

If your phone contract doesn’t allow tethering or offer enough data, a Wi‑Fi dongle or MiFi device with its own SIM and data plan may be a better solution.

A Wi‑Fi dongle plugs into a laptop or device and provides internet to that device. A MiFi device works like a portable router and allows multiple devices to connect.

Consider battery life, the number of devices supported and contract length. A pay‑as‑you‑go or rolling monthly contract is usually the most cost‑effective option.

How to get the best signal for your device

Motorhomes are essentially large metal boxes, which can reduce signal strength. Try positioning your phone or MiFi device near a window.

You can use apps like Opensignal to identify nearby mobile masts and improve placement.

Satellite system

Satellite systems were once popular but are now rarely cost‑effective unless you’re travelling to very remote areas with no mobile coverage.

What about 5G?

5G is continuing to roll out across the UK and offers faster speeds and improved coverage. When upgrading devices, look for 5G compatibility.

Touring abroad – what to do about internet

If you’re travelling outside the UK, check roaming charges and data limits before you go. Some providers have reintroduced European roaming fees.

For example, EE roaming charges in Europe may apply depending on your contract.

Never assume your UK data allowance applies abroad. Apps like Google Maps, streaming services and social media can use data very quickly.

Is my gadgetry covered by my motorhome insurance?

If you’re installing or carrying expensive equipment, check whether your motorhome insurance needs upgrading. Modifications like satellite dishes may need to be declared.

Likewise, valuable items such as laptops or smart TVs may exceed standard personal belongings cover. Speak to your insurer to ensure you’re fully protected.

Motorhome insurance from Motorhome Protect

A motorhome will give you many happy years of adventure and relaxation. Protecting it with the right insurance is essential.

Motorhome Protect specialises in arranging cover from trusted providers, with options for unlimited EU travel and mileage.

Call our experienced team today for a quick motorhome insurance quote and start planning your next touring adventure.

Policy benefits and features may vary between insurance schemes and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information is correct at the time of publishing.

Frequently asked questions