Connecting to the Internet

It's a double-anchor day in Hanksville, Utah. The wind is blowing and gusting. After our satellite Internet dish was blown over and cracked while we were near Great Basin National Park in Nevada, George fashioned a tie down for the dish. (The red strap is connected to a stake, which is pounded into the ground.) He was able to repair the cracks with epoxy and it still works. However, on days like today, we like double insurance so added a few gallons of water as weight.

Prior to staying in Big Bend for a winter, I used a Verizon Aircard to stay connected. Aircards work very well for some RVers - if you have a digital cell signal. Here in Southeast Utah, cell coverage has been spotty with none in Hanksville. When we in Big Bend, we had no digital signal at all. We ended up with a land line but in the evening, when the kids got on the Internet, we often could not connect. A health food/coffee shop in Terlingua - 40 miles away - had WiFi, which I used to upload and download big files. Before we left, we purchased a satellite Internet system that we set up manually when we camp for the night. It usually takes George about 10 minutes.

For me, a reliable Internet connection is essential to do my job. Yet even with the satellite Internet, there are times we supplement it with WiFi picked up in an RV park or along the road. Sometimes we don't set up our satellite dish due to weather conditions or because the view to the satellite is blocked. And, very occasionally, in desperation I use a dialup connection or have used the computer in an RV park or a coffee shop!

It is sure convenient for RV workers to have an Internet connection. You can research employers, and then make initial contacts and send resumes to those with potential. You can participate in forums. Workamper Plus subscribers (Workamper News) can also get the daily hotline update, check employer ratings, update their Awesome Applicant resumes.

Your choice will depend on your budget, where you travel, and how often you need or want to connect. You can spend upwards of $6000 for a MotoSat Internet system where the satellite automatically finds the signal. The Hughes Internet system like we have is about $1500. An Aircard is around $150 or you can connect using your cell phone with a Mobile Office Kit for around $40-50. Newer computers have built-in WiFi so no equipment is needed. (You can purchase a card for an older computer.)

Then, of course, you have monthly fees. They range from about $40 to $80 or more. You can pick up WiFi as you travel, however for each provider you could have a fee, unless you find a free network. T-Mobile does not get you access at a Flying J, which has their own system, so fees can add up for WiFi if you rely on that heavily. You may end up like us, using more than one method to connect.

In the meantime, if you choose a portable satellite system like ours, be prepared to anchor it firmly or take it down if the wind blows too hard. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.