About Starlink RV Review: One of the most converted Starlink internet plans is the RV package due to its numerous benefits, such as usage while on the go.
When the plan started in 2022, it was mainly for US customers, but the service has grown to explain its global horizons.
Having used it for more than five months in my rig, it works for me. However, I will walk through the Starlink RV review to help you know if it is a worthy investment.
What Is Starlink RV
Starlink RV is a popular internet service plan for nomads, RV users, campers, and travelers. As of now, the RV Starlink has two plans, which we will discuss briefly below:
Mobile Regional
As the name suggests, the Starlink mobile regional allows you to use the service in your region or continent.
Its kits are available on the Starlink online store and include a dish, router, stand, connection cables, and a carrying bag.
The dish is the standard one used on Starlink residential service, and they cost the same price of $599.
However, the monthly price for this service plan is $150, which is $30 more than the residential Starlink.
Here, you also have the option of ordering the Starlink Flat high-performance dish for $2500.
Unlike the Standard dish, which you can use only when parked, the Flat high-performance one allows use even while in motion.
Mobile Global
For the Starlink mobile global, you can use the Starlink roam service globally. For example, if you ordered in the US, you can travel with it and use it in Africa so long as Starlink service is there.
But of course, you will have to pay more monthly fees ($200) than the regional mobile service.
Note that the global roam does not have the option to buy the Starlink Flat high-performance dish and uses only the standard.
However, both services can buy priority access data from 50 GB for $250. Such data ensures you do not get deprioritized like other Starlink RV users, even during network congestion.
Starlink dish
Where Can You Use Starlink RV?
As we established, the service started in the US. Therefore, it’s safe to say all the US states have the RV Starlink.
Then the company extends to include Canada, Mexico, South America, and other countries surrounding the US.
Of late, it has also ventured into Europe, Australia, the UK, and some parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Therefore, you can use Starlink RV and all other Starlin plans if you live in these areas.
The good news is that even in the areas it is yet to venture, Starlink is still launching satellites to ensure coverage.
As we said, it has launched over 5500, with 12000 of the ultimate 42000 approved by the FCC.
To know if Starlink RV is available in your area, I recommend visiting the Starlink website the search your address coverage status.
Speeds for Starlink RV
With the Starlink kit properly installed, you can expect the download speed to be between 50 and 220 Mbps, as advertised by the company.
For the upload speed, expect between 10 and 25 Mbps, the same speed experienced by residential users.
As you can see, this performance is enough for various internet tasks, such as sending large files and streaming 4K content.
It is also more than five times what other satellites ISPs offer, thanks to the LEO satellites and phased array technology dish.
In addition, you also get an advertised latency of 20 to 40 ms, enough for some light gaming and VoIP usage.
However, the RV Starlink speed gets deprioritized during network congestion or peak hours.
To curb this, you can buy priority data access, which allows you to achieve even 320 Mbps download speeds.
The speed may also depend on the weather, obstructions, and other interferences.
Internet speed check
Starlink RV Power Usage
Typically, RV vehicles are used on the grid and in remote areas without sufficient electrical connection.
So, what does Starlink do to ensure its RV kit can function in such environments? The currency standard dish uses 45 -75 watts, according to the company.
This power is when the setup is active, but the consumption lowers to 20 to 40 watts when idle.
The power consumption will be high when the dish establishes a satellite connection but comes down when the booting is complete.
You should also know that the kit only uses AC, 100 to 240V at 50 – 60Hz pulling a 2A current.
Therefore, if you intend to use DC, you may have to buy a DC adapter from third-party suppliers.
You should know that the flat high-performance dish you can use when in motion uses much power.
Precisely, 110 to 150 watts when active and 40 to 50 watts when inactive, pulling 4A current.
Limitation for Starlink RV
As much as Starlink RV has a lot of benefits, such as pausing and restarting and not waitlist, it has some limitations.
For example, it gets deprioritized during congestion. It is also expensive compared to the residential plan and other plans from other vendors.
Additionally, if you park your RV under trees, you may not get a connection since the dish requires no obstruction sky view.
Lastly, you must use the equipment when stationary unless you buy the expensive in-motion dish.
How to Install Starlink RV
Starlink installation is quite simple because it comes with all the necessary equipment. You only need to use the app to find an obstruction-free area.
Then, install the provided stand there and mount the dish on it. From there, connect the cable dish end to the dish port and route the loose part to the router in your RV.
Finally, power the setup, wait for booting, and use the Starlink app or website to configure your network.
Note that you can also buy Starlink mounts for a specialized or permanent installation on your RV.
Starlink installation
Conclusion
I believe the Starlink RV is an amazing investment for nomads and other campers. The good thing is you can also change it to residential Starlink when you get your home.