Simply Schricks- Destination Unknown Again

This is our review of using Starlink RV for one month while traveling from Tennessee to California.

It’s been just over a year since we starting using Starlink RV. We ordered it when we were in Knoxville, Tennessee and have since traveled throughout North Carolina to California. We’ve used Starlink RV in a lot of different locations and situations, so we thought it’d be helpful to share our experience and impressions.

For those of you who are new to following us, we are full-timer RVers. We’ve been on the road for about 26 months with no end in sight. In that 26 months, we’ve visited 34 states and have stayed in State Parks/National Parks, private RV parks, Harvest Hosts, and BLM land for over 200 different campgrounds throughout the United States. Up until we ordered Startlink RV, we used our Verizon cell service, Verizon hotspot, and campground WIFI service. Often, we found intermittent service and even sometimes zero service. With Kristie working virtually full-time, we knew it was time to find a more reliable service. After much review and research, we decided to give Starlink RV a try.

During this past year, we’ve camped in very rural remote campsites, state parks, and in busy cities/towns. We’ve camped in densely wooded areas and wide open places. We’ve had rain, fog, cloudy skies, wind, freezing temperatures, hail, , major wind, and sunny days.

We usually set up our Starlink upon arrival at a campsite since Kristie may have to get on a video call quickly. With Kristie working full-time, we still use our regular cell service, hot spot, or the campground service depending upon location and we’ve learned that having multiple ways to connect is vital for her job. Still, we usually set up our Starlink as part of setting up our campsite. Typically, we park, set up the rig (level, put slides out, set up the dog pen) and set up the Starlink when we connect to the shore power.

Currently, we store the Starlink on our bed during travel. Typically, Kristie checks the Starlink app to find the location with the best coverage and then Bobby sets it up either on the stand it came with or on the FlagPole Buddy that we attach to our ladder. It takes about 2 minutes maximum to set the dish up and connect to power. We have the router and cables set up permanently in the kitchen, so Kristie plugs it in when the dish is set up. After that, the startup takes usually about 2-5 minutes.

We’ve been traveling from North Carolina to California and Starlink has full coverage in these areas. The dish does need a clear view of the sky to connect and stay online consistently. It should also be pointed in the northerly direction. The dish does automatically position itself once it is connected. If there are some obstructions, it may periodically go offline for a few seconds and then will reconnect.

Most of our campsites have had at least a few obstructions or are in a high use area. Typically, this is not much of a problem for regular tasks such as emails, streaming, or basic online work. It can be slightly annoying for video calls. Although, the slight disconnections have only been about 2 seconds, but it can lead to a frustrating video call. However, the quick interruption is really minor in compared to no Starlink and having no connectivity for video calls.

We’ve found the best location for our dish is on top of our rig either on the FlagPole Buddy or on the stand the dish comes with. Typically, in this location, we have great connectivity with minimal disconnections.

We’ve found that now when we’re selecting a campsite, we’re selecting it based upon obstructions rather than selecting the “best” site with extra shade or backing up to the forest. However, having a reliable connection is of upmost importance during the work week so it’s a tradeoff.

The Starlink router has a very generous range. Kristie has connected in the rig, outside near the rig, and has even walked some distance away and was able to stay connected. We haven’t needed to use the 70 feet of provided cable as we usually have the dish on the roof of the rig or the FlagPole Buddy. We keep the router inside the rig. If it’s really windy and we’re not using the FlagPole Buddy, we secure the dish with bungie cords.

We typically use Starlink with power provided at the campsite. We simple plug it in and leave it connected. We have used it off-grid by using our rig’s battery bank which is powered by solar panels installed on the roof and then using our inverter to convert the 12v power from the battery bank to 100v power for the Starlink. This worked great the few times that Kristie has needed to have a connection.

We pay $150 per month for our Starlink service and have found it to be the BEST system to have consistent service when Kristie needs to work. We are upgrading to more solar which will allow us to work off-grid anywhere and Kristie is anxious to get it set up.

We highly recommend Starlink if you are a full-time RVer.

Stay tuned for future updates on our experience with Starlink RV and our regular adventures!

See you soon!

~Bobby & Kristie https://www.youtube.com/@destinationunknownagain/featured