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7 Devices To Maximize Cell Phone Usage In An RV

7 Devices To Maximize Cell Phone Usage In An RV

Posted by Greg Knell on 23rd Aug 2020

With each passing year, the technology available to RV travelers grows. Though cell phone signal boosters remain one of the most popular devices among RV owners, there are many more products out there that make cell phone use in an RV safer, more convenient, and more fun. We've gathered information on 7 of these gadgets that we think you'll love, including SureCall's award-winning signal booster designed specifically for RVs (in case you don't have one yet).

Table of Contents:

  1. Fusion2Go 3.0 RV
  2. Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector
  3. Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX AV Receiver with Navigation
  4. Roav Viva by Anker
  5. BESTEK 400W Car/RV Power Inverter
  6. LevelMatePRO Wireless Vehicle Leveling System
  7. 4UCAM WiFi Backup Camera

1. Fusion2Go 3.0 RV

cell phone use in an rv 6
Amazon.com

A cell phone signal booster is a must-have item for RV enthusiasts, especially if you travel often to places that have weak cellular reception, which most RV owners do. And there's no better booster for RVs than this one. Guaranteed.

The Fusion2Go 3.0 RV cell phone signal booster is optimized for recreational vehicles, trailers, and campers to provide reliable voice, text, and cellular data for multiple users inside the vehicle.

The device features 2XP technology to boost the vehicle-to-cell tower range by increasing the uplink transmission power two-fold. This empowers users to remain connected throughout the weakest cell signal environments, enjoying strong and reliable connectivity for work, play, or safety. The Fusion2Go 3.0 RV gives you maximum gain and power throughout the most remote areas on and off the road.

Multiple devices can be connected to the boosted signal at the same time. It doesn't matter what carrier or phone you have. This signal booster works with all of them, included 5G phones. It also extends the battery life of any device connected to it. The Fusion2Go 3.0 RV is made with the highest-quality materials for longevity and connectivity when you need it.

All SureCall signal boosters are FCC certified, have a 3-year warranty, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For complete product specs, click here: Most Powerful Cell Phone Signal Booster for RVs/Trailers

Price: $449.95

Purchase here: SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV

2. Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector

cell phone use in an rv 1
Amazon.com

We know this isn’t directly associated with cell phone use in an RV. But we know that radar detectors are popular among SureCall RV customers. So we want to make sure we recommend a good one. For what it’s worth, Cobra detectors - including this one - pair with a smartphone app for more features and convenience. So in that sense, it does relate to cell phone use in an RV.

You can certainly find more expensive and flashier radar detectors than the Cobra 480i. But for the price, we haven’t seen anything better than this. If you want one but don’t want to break the bank, this is a great option.

This device has fewer false-positives than many other more expensive choices. The display is easy on the eyes, even with sunlight glare or in the dark. Changing the settings is simple as can be as there are only 5 buttons. There's no need for complicated settings or extensive menus. And the alert is nice and loud, but not loud enough to startle you.

The profile of the Cobra 480i is slimmer and more compact than previous models. You don't need to worry about it restricting your view. Many sites rated this radar detector the best overall value for 2019. And as far as we can tell, it still is for 2020.

Price: $149.95

Purchase here: Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector

3. Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX AV Receiver with Navigation

cell phone use in an rv 2
Amazon.com

We know that standalone GPS units have fallen out of style now that virtually all smartphones have GPS features built-in. But for many of you RV owners, this device will be very appealing when you learn what it can do.

For one, it syncs up with your phone. Your calls, texts, and all other notifications that show up on your phone will show up on the Pioneer's 7-inch touchscreen instead, in the same way (at the top of the screen, banner-style). This feature promotes hands-free cell phone use in an RV in addition to providing all sorts of conveniences.

The navigation and map capabilities on this device are far more advanced than the GPS app that comes with your phone. If you consider yourself an adventurer and travel extensively in your RV, you'll love the navigational upgrades the Pioneer offers compared to what's available on your smartphone.

It has Apple Car-Play and Android Auto features so you can pull Netflix upu on your phone and then cast it to the Pioneer. There's also built-in a DVD player, as well as a surprisingly good speaker. It has Siri and Google voice command capability. You can plug in a microSD card for your personal video and music.

It isn't cheap. But if you a spend significant amount of time in your RV, this is definitely a device worth considering.

Price: $838.99

Purchase here: Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX

4. Roav Viva by Anker

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androidcentral.com

Since traveling in an RV is like bringing home with you, in a way, it makes sense that Amazon's Alexa would be a welcome passenger.

The Roav Viva is an Alexa-powered device. It's like putting an Amazon Echo in your RV. First, connect your phone to the RV's Bluetooth (your RV's console will need Bluetooth capability in order for Roav Viva to work). Second, download the companion app onto your smartphone. Third, plug in Roav Viva into your cigarette lighter and turn it on. And finally, connect your phone to Roav Viva. Done.

You now have Alexa in your RV to ask anything you want, the same as you would inside your home. Ask about the weather, get directions, play music, start an audiobook or podcast, look up information on Wikipedia; whatever you want. Roav Viva turns your phone into a very helpful travel companion.

The device also has 2 USB charging ports and sleek light features.

Price: $28.80

Purchase here: Roav Viva by Anker

5. BESTEK 400W Car/RV Power Inverter

cell phone use in an rv 4
Amazon.com

This handy piece of equipment gives your RV two more plugs just like the ones on the walls at home. It inverts the power from your RV into two AC outlets. This is a robust little device and is a great addition to serious RV travelers. Online reviewers say they use their Bestek all the time.

We've heard of RV folks using this to do all sorts of other things like powering gaming consoles, plugging in a mini-fridge, pumping up an air mattress, powering a CPAP machine, running a stereo system off the RV battery, running an air compressor, powering lights at night while fixing 4-wheelers. These are only a few examples of thousands of ways you can use this powerful converter.

It also has 4 USB charging ports in addition to the 2 AC outlets. And all outputs can be used at the same time, no problem. That means you can charge 6 devices simultaneously. Note: if you use the Bestek in a car, sometimes it can't handle all ports being used at once. But in an RV, no problem.

The package comes with one 400W power converter, one cigarette lighter plug, and two alligator clips. The alligator clips allow you to connect it directly to your RV's battery if necessary.

Price: $49.69

Purchase here: BESTEK 400W Car/RV Power Inverter

6. LevelMatePRO Wireless Vehicle Leveling System

cell phone use in an rv 5
Amazon.com

Like many other items on this list, we include this one because it's an app-based product that enhances your cell phone use in an RV, expanding its capabilities. The LevelMatePRO is a wireless vehicle leveling system. Any RV owner knows how important it is to level your vehicle. There are many devices on the market that help you do this, but this one makes the process incredibly simple.

Download the app, turn on the LevelMatePRO, and connect your phone (or tablet) to it via Bluetooth. Open the app on your phone and the rest couldn't be simpler. The device and the app work together, showing your simple app displays the walk you through precisely what do. It doesn't matter if your RV is towable or drivable. The LevelMatePRO works regardless. With the device in place, you can even open up the app while your parking and it'll help you find a level parking spot. It even saves your saves and recalls previous hitch positions which is extremely helpful with towable RVs.

You can use the LevelMatePRO for all sorts of different RV-like vehicles, as well. Horse trailers, race car trailers, emergency command post vehicles, concession vehicles, mobile medical vehicles, food trucks, and more.

This handy gadget increases safety, slashes setup time, and makes vehicle setup a breeze. It's simple to install and easy to use. It's the most accurate product of it's kind.

Price: $144.99

Purchase here: LevelMatePRO Wireless Vehicle Leveling System

7. 4UCAM WiFi Backup Camera

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Amazon.com

When it comes to backup camera systems for RVs, there are a lot of options out there. Some new RVs come with one already installed. For those that don't, there are expensive wired systems with a very involved installation process as well as inexpensive self-installation options. The effectiveness of each product varies, and price doesn't always equal quality.

The recommendation we're making here - the 4UCAM WiFi Backup Camera - is one of the inexpensive options. However, it works very well. If you're on a budget or don't really care that your backup camera system is state-of-the-art HD-quality, this is wonderful option that serves many RV owners very well.

It's so easy to install and is totally inconspicuous. It mounts firmly to the license plate frame of your RV. There's no need for an external viewing monitor because you use your phone as a view screen. Download the companion app, set up the camera, and you're all set. It works with both Android and Apple smartphones. You also do not need WiFi for the 4UCAM to work. It creates it's own.

Are there more advanced RV backup cameras out there? Yes. But for the money, this is a really good option that gets the job done.

Here are the actual product specifications:
  • Viewing Angle: 100 degrees
  • Range: 30 feet minimum via WiFi network created by the camera
  • Sensor: CCD
  • Sensor Resolution: PAL/NTSC 640 x 480
  • 2 infrared LEDs gives the camera up to 10 feet of night vision range
  • Automatic sun blocking feature when the camera is facing the sun
  • Dimensions: 14.75" Wide x 1.38" Tall x 2.2" Deep
  • 1-year warranty

Price: $99.95

Purchase here: 4UCAM WiFi Backup Camera

Cell Phone Use In An RV - Conclusion

Are there other items we didn't include that you know about? Do you have experience with any of the ones we mentioned? What cell phone-related purchases have you made for your RV that you love? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.