DIY RV Wi-Fi Antenna (the simplest hack)

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 22/10/2021 | Next review date: 22/10/2023
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Elaine Knight
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This guide is a DIY for an RV Wi-Fi antenna. We will teach you how to make a Wi-Fi antenna (using a Pringles box) and how to boost your Wi-Fi signal.  

DIY an RV Wi-Fi antenna 

Below is a summary of the steps you will have to follow for this simple DIY RV Wi-fi antenna:

  1. Prepare the base of your wifi antenna 
  2. Drill the box
  3. Solder the copper wire and connector
  4. Install the connector of your wifi antenna
  5. Prepare the elements for the front sensor of the wifi antenna
  6. Assemble the front sensor
  7. Place the front sensor of your wifi antenna

The materials that you will need for this DIY are:

  • 1 box of “Pringles” and 2 matching lids;
  • 1 female N-type connector with screw frame;
  • 1 copper wire 3.81 cm long;
  • 1 threaded rod 6 mm in diameter and 14.29 cm in length;
  • 2 self-locking bolts 6 mm in diameter;
  • 1 aluminium tube 10 mm in diameter and 12.20 cm in length (or 4 pieces of 3.05 cm in length);
  • 5 steel washers 2.54 cm in diameter.

Warning: to be able to connect your wifi antenna, your computer must be equipped with a PCI card with a female SMA connector.

How to make an RV Wi-Fi antenna step-by-step

  1. Prepare the base of your wifi antenna 

To create the base of your wifi antenna:

  • Get a tube-size box, like those from the “Pringles” brand of crisps.
  • Empty the box completely, and clean the inside with a cloth so as not to leave any traces of vinegar.
  • Cut the inside edge of the opening with a can opener and sand it to make it smooth.

Warning: do not cut the base of the box.

  1. Drill the box

With a drill, drill a 16mm diameter hole on the box, exactly 8.57cm away from the base of the box.

Tip: do not drill directly with a 16mm drill bit, as this may break the box. Start with a 6mm drill bit and widen the hole by increasing the diameter of the drills up to 16mm.

  1. Solder the copper wire and connector

Take your N-type female connector and a 3.81 cm long copper wire.

Tip: Choose an N-type female connector with a screw frame rather than a frame with holes.

  1. Install the connector of your wifi antenna

Screw your connector into the 16mm diameter hole, copper wire to the inside of the box.

Note: if you have opted for a frame with holes, glue the base rather than screwing it in order to preserve the shape of your box.

  1. Prepare the elements for the front sensor of the wifi antenna

In order to make the front sensor of your wifi antenna:

  • Take your 6mm diameter threaded rod and cut its length to 14.29cm.
  • Cut the aluminium tube (10mm outside diameter and 8mm inside diameter) into 4 pieces 3.05cm long.
  • Take a second box lid of “Pringles” and cut its outline so that it adopts a diameter of 7.62 cm (and that it can thus fit into the box).
  1. Assemble the front sensor

In the centre of your two box lids, make a hole large enough to pass the threaded rod through, then:

  • Glue one of the 2.54 cm diameter steel washers to the inside of the first cover, where the hole is.
  • Thread a self-locking bolt into the end of the threaded rod, and slide it inside the hole in the cover.
  • Then place in order along the threaded rod:
  • a piece of the aluminium tube;
  • a washer ;
  • a piece of the aluminium tube;
  • a washer ;
  • the second cover with a diameter of 7.62 cm;
  • a piece of the aluminium tube;
  • a washer ;
  • a piece of the aluminium tube;
  • a washer ;
  • a self-locking bolt.
  1. Place the front sensor of your wifi antenna

To finish :

  • Place your forehead sensor inside the box, positioning the original cover in its original position on the “Pringles” box.
  • Connect your “Pringles” wifi antenna to the wifi card integrated into your computer via a coaxial cable with a male SMA connector at each end.

Good to know: a classic wifi antenna offers a power of between 4 and 6 dBi (isotropic decibel). Tests carried out on a “Pringles” wifi antenna show that it can reach between 12 and 15 dBi.

Wi-Fi use in your RV: tips and tricks

Nowadays, many recreational vehicles can be equipped with antennas and signal booster, which will allow your offspring to be able to stay in touch with their friends … and the same for you too!

But how do you get the Internet when you’re in the woods?

If you have a cell phone with Wi-Fi (and a good data plan), you will have no trouble accessing the web from your phone. Plus, you can even share your connection with family members, except the signal may be weaker. Hence the usefulness of a Wi-Fi trailer signal booster! In addition, various models of Internet box for motorhomes and 4G router are available on the market; inquire!

A word of advice, however: make sure you have a sufficient data plan to avoid exploding your data because the bill could be quite steep if exceeded …

Do all camping sites have Wi-Fi?

More and more camping sites offer their customers Wi-Fi Internet, to allow them to stay connected with their loved ones, to listen to films or simply to keep up to date with the news or to consult an Internet map. to plan the rest of their journey. 

But while several hundred campgrounds offer Internet access to their customers, many do not offer it for free; Find out about their prices before booking, to avoid unpleasant surprises!

How to boost the Wi-Fi signal

You can boost the wi-Fi signal in your Rv and extend it with a Super WiFi USB 3 antenna!

Have you ever wished you could extend the range of your WiFi signal? If you say no, you are definitely a non Internet fan! But for most of us, we have often tried different ways to get a reliable and stronger wifi signal. Some gadgets work, but most of them don’t offer much.

However, with the Super WiFi USB 3 Antenna, you can access service 300 to 400 feet away, through walls or other obstacles! From your RV, you will therefore be able to pick up weak WiFi signals in campsites, restaurants and other public places as well as extend the range of your home Wi-Fi network.

Just plug it into your computer’s USB port for powerful WiFi reception up to a mile away!

  • It dramatically increases your Wi-Fi signal
  • Indoor/outdoor water-resistant design (IP65)
  • Installation is a snap and the performance is exceptional
  • Various mounting options included
  • Includes separate 15ft USB cable
  • Connection rates up to 150 Mbps with “N” technology for fast file transfers.

Internet in your RV: Final tips

Need to stay connected during your camping holiday? This is possible thanks to the many technologies available in your trailer. 

Cellular signal booster to improve the wi-fi signal in your trailer – If you are one of those people who cannot live without their emails or who like to communicate with their family on Skype, you better have a reliable Internet connection in your RV. Otherwise, the wi-fi signal may cut off, causing many frustrating situations!

One of the best ways to get a good wifi signal in your trailer is to use your smartphone (mobile) to connect to the Internet. Just go to “Settings” and choose the “Connection Sharing” option. Your smartphone will then share the Internet connection with your laptop or tablet.

If more than one person uses the Internet in your trailer, or if you notice that the signal is weak at times, you can purchase a cell phone booster.

As its name suggests, this tech accessory amplifies the cellular signal to improve its power. We especially like the cellular signal booster when camping, where trees can reduce the strength of the Wi-Fi signal in your trailer. You can find cell signal boosters in many electronics stores and big box stores.

Please let us know what are your tips for boosting the Wi-Fi connection in your RV!

References

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