Cell and WiFi access

[Rossue]

Jon- what XM receiver do you like?

[ReagentGrade]

Jon, do you bother with putting the XM antenna on the roof or is inside good enough?

[gbaglo]

I just sit my Sirius XM antenna on a counter inside, but I don't have the extra Reflectix insulation. If tree cover is too thick, I can run the wire out a window and position it where it can see the sky.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by ReagentGrade

Jon, do you bother with putting the XM antenna on the roof or is inside good enough?

I would prefer a better receiver, but I'm cheap & not willing to pay XM Radio for the transfer fee to move to a new one. I have the XDNX1 receiver that docks so I can move it between my trailer & my house.

I do have the Reflectix insulation, and while the puck antenna worked set in one of the cabinets in strong signal areas, I got tired of running out a window when I was under trees, etc. Since I don't watch TV, I replaced the TV antenna (the older disk type) with a marine XM radio antenna. More gain than the puck, and better (although not perfect) results under trees and as you move north.

[gbaglo]

These guys sell refurbished radios, and new and accessories.
TSS-Radio | SiriusXM Satellite Radios, Antennas, Accessories, Installation Gear

[BillnAlicia]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

These guys sell refurbished radios, and new and accessories.
TSS-Radio | SiriusXM Satellite Radios, Antennas, Accessories, Installation Gear

I've decided on my WiFi and Cell Extender. the WIFI EQ Ranger elite FM has a 13 inch roof mounted antenna which i'm fine not, there;'s not too much extra height. The Cell extender brings up a coupla problems, The Wilson RV model has a 19 inch antennae that is to be mast mounted of mounted to the ladder, neither of which i'll have. I've going to use an adjustable mast that i can raise when stationary and lower when on the road. The problem is how do i attached the mast? i looked at a friends 19ft and the solution was clear to me. Add another spare tire rack to the passenger side of the bumper. The rack is certainly sturdy enough and the mast i can attached with clamps. it wouldn't block the license tag not will it block the window. I'll have to run this by ETI to be sure they add another rack, i don't see why the wouldn't

[casejh]

Please let us know what ETI says about installing another spare tire rack. And if they say yes, how much will that cost? I too am looking for a way to attach an antenna mast on the rear bumper. I am thinking a telescoping fiberglass mast with a Boatant or Omniant antenna that I would put up at campsites where needed, and stow away for travel.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by casejh

Please let us know what ETI says about installing another spare tire rack. And if they say yes, how much will that cost? I too am looking for a way to attach an antenna mast on the rear bumper. I am thinking a telescoping fiberglass mast with a Boatant or Omniant antenna that I would put up at campsites where needed, and stow away for travel.

If you were to get the mast now, and know the diameter of if, you could get Escape to weld a short tube with the right size inside diameter to one corner of the bumper.

This is another route I am considering, as I want my mast stowed away when not in use. Lots of places and times I am camping I am glad to get away from cell and internet service, especially on short trips with friends or family.

[casejh]

Jim, do you know for a fact that ETI will do this?

[tractors1]

Had one of these telescopic masts on an earlier camper:

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Flag-...16deluxe-r.htm

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by BillnAlicia

how did you attached this to the bumper? is there much movement (sway) when traveling?

I had a welding shop make a mount for it out of a square steel plate and a length of pipe. I don't notice any sway; the mast is held pretty firmly. Photos here:

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ated-8548.html

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by casejh

Jim, do you know for a fact that ETI will do this?

Not for certain, but I bet they would if you ask. A fairly easy to do upgrade when the frame is being built.

Originally Posted by tractors1

Had one of these telescopic masts on an earlier camper:

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Flag-...16deluxe-r.htm

That looks like a good size, at a good cost. Not too interested in flying a flag, but I imagine it is built similar to the ones intended for antennas.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by BillnAlicia

. Add another spare tire rack to the passenger side of the bumper. The rack is certainly sturdy enough and the mast i can attached with clamps. it wouldn't block the license tag not will it block the window.

Or have a socket welded to the top of the existing spare tire holder. I welded on a s/s socket for flag pole/tv antenna. I don't find seeing the mast out the rear window to be a problem.

Ron

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Or have a socket welded to the top of the existing spare tire holder. I welded on a s/s socket for flag pole/tv antenna. I don't find seeing the mast out the rear window to be a problem.

Ron

Ron, I see you are a North Vanner like us. We have finalized our build sheet, but wouldn't mind some kind of wifi booster. Do you have any kind of wifi booster purchased in Canada that you fitted or what did you do? Some of the suggested options from ETI and others such as the wifiRanger are quite pricey and difficult to get north of the border and we are not sure we want to spend quite that much money on it.

Thanks much.

[ReagentGrade]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Or have a socket welded to the top of the existing spare tire holder. I welded on a s/s socket for flag pole/tv antenna. I don't find seeing the mast out the rear window to be a problem.



Ron

Ron,

How much clearance is there between the pole and the back window? Would the new awning style opening rear windows prevent this solution on the new generation of trailers?

Rich

[LJY]

Dumb question..

Need to worry about lightening strike?

[BillnAlicia]

Originally Posted by ReagentGrade

Ron,

How much clearance is there between the pole and the back window? Would the new awning style opening rear windows prevent this solution on the new generation of trailers?

Rich

the mast will not be in front of the window it will be the passengers side of it

[BillnAlicia]

Originally Posted by LJY

Dumb question..

Need to worry about lightening strike?

the mast is not that high it will be lower than the trailer when traveling, lowered when there is a store

[JPSpins]

Originally Posted by BillnAlicia

My wife and I are picking our 19ft escape this April, while my wife is retired I will continue to work ½ time. I’m in telecommunication so having cell and WiFi access is very important. I don’t mind making the investment for this.
I have several questions:
I’ve been told Ranger WiFi Booster and a Wilson Cell Phone Antenna are popular. There was no mention of the models. Does anyone know what models I should be getting?
What location are folks using inside the trailer for the hardware?
Thanks for your help
-billl

Once decisions have been made regarding the antennae, masts and so on (this might just happen once the trailer has been delivered), how complicated is the installation of ports? Technology and needs/wants evolve and I like to keep things simple. Any suggestions are appreciated.