In recent years, finding reliable internet for RVs has become a top priority for digital nomads, remote workers, and seasonal travelers. TravlFi promises to solve this problem by providing an RV-friendly internet solution that works on multiple networks. In this review, we’ll dive into how TravlFi performs, its features, and whether it’s a good option for your RV internet needs.
What is TravlFi?
TravlFi is a mobile internet service designed for RV owners, remote workers, and travelers who need an affordable, flexible, and reliable internet solution while on the move. The service uses a 4G router that can connect to major mobile networks, offering coverage across a wide range of locations.
Pricing Breakdown:
- Router: $300 (One-time cost)
- Service Plan: $130/month (Unlimited data)
While TravlFi isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it offers flexibility with monthly plans, which is perfect for seasonal RV users who don’t want to commit to a long-term contract. It also supports external antennas for better signal reception, an important feature for users in areas with weaker coverage.
How to Set Up TravlFi
Setting up TravlFi is simple and straightforward. The process involves the following steps:
- Attach the Antennas: The device comes with six antennas that need to be attached to ensure optimal signal strength.
- Connect the Router to Your Account: After attaching the antennas, you can link the device to your TravlFi account through the companion app or online portal.
- Pick Your Data Plan: Choose a suitable plan based on your internet needs. TravlFi offers unlimited data, which makes it appealing for RV owners who need to stay connected on the road.
External Antenna Support
TravlFi also supports external antennas, which could help boost your internet speed and reliability, especially if you’re in remote areas or locations with weak mobile signal.
TravlFi Performance Review
Real-World Testing:
During my trip to New England, I decided to test TravlFi’s performance under real-world conditions. I was excited about the idea of a multi-network service, which promised better coverage than just relying on one carrier. However, the results were a bit underwhelming.
I found that TravlFi could almost always establish a connection, but the speeds were often too slow for smooth browsing or streaming. While my Visible phone (on Verizon) maintained a solid connection with good speeds, TravlFi would frequently connect to T-Mobile, which offered less than 5mbps – barely usable for anything.
Network Experience:
TravlFi claims to work on three major nationwide networks: T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular. In practice, however, the modem barely connected to US Cellular, and when it did, the speeds were acceptable but not great. The real issue came when it was connected to T-Mobile. Due to T-Mobile reallocating bandwidth to their 5G service, their LTE network was sluggish and inconsistent in most areas.
Tower Scan Function:
TravlFi has a “tower scan” feature that helps the modem select the best available network. However, despite this feature, it stuck to T-Mobile almost exclusively unless T-Mobile had no signal. This made the service feel more like a T-Mobile Home Internet solution rather than a multi-network provider, which was a bit disappointing.
Speeds and Coverage:
- T-Mobile: Frequently slow (less than 5mbps), especially in rural areas.
- AT&T: Usable, but speeds were inconsistent and not very fast.
- US Cellular: Never connected during the trip.
For those who need reliable and fast internet for working, streaming, or browsing, TravlFi may not be the best choice unless you’re exclusively comfortable with T-Mobile’s network.
Analysis of the Three Major Networks
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is heavily focused on 5G deployment, which means its 4G LTE network has seen a significant reduction in bandwidth. This is likely the reason for the slow speeds experienced while connected to T-Mobile through TravlFi. While 5G is great for high-speed internet, it’s still not universally available in rural areas, which is where TravlFi may struggle.
AT&T
AT&T’s coverage was better than T-Mobile’s, but not by much. It offered decent speeds, but the connection was often unstable. In areas where AT&T had strong coverage, it was certainly usable, though not perfect for high-bandwidth activities like video streaming.
US Cellular
In theory, US Cellular should provide a solid option for internet connectivity, but during the trip, TravlFi never connected to their network. This could be a dealbreaker for those who rely on US Cellular for better coverage in certain rural locations.
TravlFi Review: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible Monthly Plans: Ideal for RV users who only need internet seasonally.
- Multiple Network Support: Can connect to T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular.
- External Antenna Support: Improves reception in remote areas.
- Easy Setup: Simple installation process with minimal effort required.
Cons:
- High Price: At $130 per month for unlimited data, it’s on the expensive side, especially compared to other mobile internet providers.
- Limited Network Support: T-Mobile is often the preferred network, which leads to slow speeds in rural areas.
- Inconsistent Speeds: Connection speeds were slow and unreliable in many locations, especially on T-Mobile.
Comparison Table: TravlFi vs T-Mobile RV Plan
| Feature | TravlFi | T-Mobile RV Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $130/month | $160/month |
| Network Support | T-Mobile, AT&T, US Cellular | T-Mobile only |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | Yes |
| External Antenna Support | Yes | No |
| Setup Ease | Easy | Easy |
| Speeds | Slow (T-Mobile), Moderate (AT&T) | Moderate to Fast (T-Mobile) |
| Availability | Nationwide (limited by network) | Nationwide (limited by T-Mobile) |
Should You Buy TravlFi?
Based on my experience, TravlFi might be a good choice if you are someone who prefers the flexibility of month-to-month plans and are okay with relying primarily on T-Mobile for internet access. It offers decent value compared to T-Mobile’s RV plans, but be prepared for slower speeds in certain locations, especially if you need reliable coverage in rural areas.
If you’re not tied to T-Mobile and need more consistent performance across multiple networks, you might want to look at other options or consider using the external antenna feature to boost your signal.
TravlFi offers an interesting solution for RV travelers who want an easy-to-use, flexible internet option. However, the heavy reliance on T-Mobile’s network and the inconsistent speeds could be a dealbreaker for those who need reliable and fast connectivity.
Ultimately, TravlFi could work well if you’re fine with limited speeds and coverage from T-Mobile, but if you’re expecting consistent high-speed internet across different networks, it might be worth exploring other options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About TravlFi
1. What is TravlFi?
TravlFi is a mobile internet service that offers flexible, month-to-month plans for RV owners, travelers, and remote workers. It connects to multiple networks, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular, providing nationwide coverage.
2. How does TravlFi work?
TravlFi uses a 4G LTE router that connects to the three major mobile networks (T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular). The service offers unlimited data with a flexible monthly plan that can be activated only when you need it. The router comes with six antennas for optimal signal reception and even supports external antennas for better performance.
3. Is TravlFi worth the price?
At $130 per month for unlimited data, TravlFi is on the higher end of the price spectrum. While it’s a good choice for RV users who need month-to-month flexibility, the speeds can be inconsistent, especially when connected to T-Mobile. If you’re looking for more reliable performance across multiple networks, you might want to explore other options.
4. Which networks does TravlFi use?
TravlFi connects to T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular. However, it tends to prefer T-Mobile, which may offer slower speeds in areas with heavy 5G deployment. AT&T provides decent speeds but is not always reliable in remote locations, while US Cellular wasn’t available during my test.
5. Can TravlFi be used for remote work?
TravlFi can work for remote work in areas with good AT&T or T-Mobile coverage, but its speeds might be too slow for heavy internet use (like video calls or large file uploads) in certain locations. It’s best for light browsing, emails, and occasional streaming, especially if you’re okay with less-than-ideal speeds on T-Mobile.
6. How fast is TravlFi internet?
Speeds with TravlFi vary depending on the network it connects to. On T-Mobile, speeds were often under 5mbps, making it difficult to use for tasks requiring fast internet. AT&T provided usable speeds, but not as fast as typical home internet. US Cellular’s performance was not tested during my trip.
7. Can I use TravlFi with external antennas?
Yes! TravlFi supports external antennas, which can improve your signal strength and speeds, especially in rural or remote areas. External antennas are sold separately but can be a worthwhile investment if you often travel to places with weaker network coverage.
8. Is TravlFi better than T-Mobile’s RV internet plan?
TravlFi is slightly cheaper than T-Mobile’s RV plan ($130 vs. $160 per month), but it’s more limited in network support, as it prefers T-Mobile. If you’re okay with using only T-Mobile and need a more affordable option, TravlFi could be worth considering. However, if you need more consistent speeds across different networks, T-Mobile’s RV plan might be a better choice.
9. Can I pause TravlFi service when I don’t need it?
Yes, TravlFi operates on a month-to-month plan, which means you can activate or deactivate the service as needed. This makes it ideal for seasonal RV users or those who only need internet while traveling.
10. What should I do if TravlFi keeps connecting to T-Mobile with slow speeds?
If TravlFi is sticking to T-Mobile and you’re experiencing slow speeds, try manually selecting AT&T or US Cellular if available. Alternatively, you could invest in external antennas to boost your signal, especially if you’re in an area with poor T-Mobile coverage.
