From checking the forecast to keeping the kids entertained on a wet afternoon, a decent signal can make life on site far easier. Buyers are catching on too, with a 25 per cent rise in shoppers using a Wi-Fi filter when searching for a caravan. Getting online isn’t always simple though, so Uswitch broadband expert Max Beckett has run through the main options.
Your options for getting connected
- On-site Wi-Fi: Free at many parks, but your caravan’s shell can block the signal. Pitch close to the source where you can and ask about boosters. Avoid sensitive accounts on public networks.
- External antenna: A roof-mounted 5G antenna paired with an internal router helps beat the signal-blocking shell, though installation usually means drilling into the roof.
- Mobile broadband: A SIM-based Mi-Fi device or dedicated 4G or 5G router links several devices without relying on campsite Wi-Fi, with pay-as-you-go and monthly plans available.
- Phone tethering: Quick and needs no extra kit, but it can eat through your data and may run slower.
- Fixed wireless broadband: Best for caravans in a permanent spot, linking to a nearby mast, though it needs a clear line of sight and possibly site permission.
Choosing what suits you
Max said: “If you only use your caravan occasionally, phone tethering or on-site Wi-Fi may be all you need. If you spend longer periods in your caravan or want to connect multiple devices, a dedicated Mi-Fi or 5G broadband connection could be a better fit.
“Coverage can vary significantly from one location to another, so check the signal on your particular pitch before you pay for anything. A deal that looks great on paper is no use if you can’t get a bar.”
Test the signal on your pitch first and you’ll be online in no time.
Photo credit: Unsplash
