Figure Out Technology On The Fly ? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

DEWhit · RV-Dreams Family Member

Figure Out Technology On The Fly ?

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Before we started to FT we hardly ever watched tv while camping so we decided to cut the ties with Direct TV and see what happened. So far the air channels or cable has been fine for us. When things change we will see what's available at that time.

As far as internet goes we use the hotspot off our cell phones. Our current usage is around 6 gigs so the data plan on our cell phones is the most cost effective for us at this time. We did however purchase a Wilson Sleek antenna booster and of course haven't needed it since our purchase. Lol.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Us too. While not full time yet, we are waiting to see if we want a dish. I am addicted to the history channel type of TV so the transition may be difficult for me. I'm thinking we can find a park with cable occasionally for a fix. Internet will take more discipline. I will want WIFI when I can get it and tethering off the phones might suffice other times.

We are going to adapt as we go.

Clay L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Before we started full timing in October of 2002 we only watched TV when something major was going on like 9 11 or the gulf war. The TV was in the basement family room which we rarely used. We got two morning edition newspapers which we used for news.

When we first hit the road we got stuck in Russell Kansas for three days waiting for I70 to be clear of ice. The RV park had cable TV. We found the weather forecasts to be valuable along with the news programs. I also discovered the History, National Geographic, Discovery, and Learning channel. At that point we decided that a reliable source of TV would be nice and a little later we subscribed to Direct TV and bought a tripod, dish and receiver.

We have now settled down in one spot after 11 great full timing years and have TV in the living/family room and a dish on the roof. We watch the news each evening and usually some of the channels mentioned above. I keep intended to subscribe to the local newspaper but haven't got "a round tuit" yet.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Like Jack Mayer told us... A lot can change technology-wise in a very short period of time, so we haven't made any hard and fast commitments to any technology. Cell phones are getting more capable every day. Cell coverage is getting more widespread every day. Television and media delivery options are increasing rapidly. A few years ago it was PC's, then laptops, now tablets and smart TV's. Everything is merging into one interconnected universe. My take is, get the best/newest technology you can afford for your budget.

If I was going to hit the road today, I might consider, just having the batwing antenna for local TV and diverting the satellite expenses to adding additional GB's on a data plan so I could stream the content I wanted from Amazon Prime or Netflix or Hulu+ and renting movies from Redbox (can be returned to any Redbox). This, rather than signing up for a satellite plan that provides a bunch of content that I don't want or need.

We both have laptops, and I don't see us abandoning them for the foreseeable future. Cindi has a Kindle, we both have basic phones(for now) but then we aren't in need of the many excellent Apps available as yet. I am leaning toward an iPad somewhere down the road but not now(just don't need it). I love gadgets as much as the next person, but I'm also practical and you have to do a lot of convincing me that I really really need something before I'll get it.

FWIW

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Even if you do figure out all of your technology before you hit the road, this stuff evolves so rapidly that you'll find yourself figuring it out again 'out there'. We're constantly changing things up :)

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

As Cherie said, you will constantly change things over the years and should factor that into your thinking. Just like doing maintenance on the RV has a cost associated with it, so too does keeping up with the most effective technology. So don't plan on any solution being static - plan to evolve it over time.

folivier · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good advice! One of the most frustrating things in going full-time was losing our unlimited DSL at the house. We're limited to 20Gb/month with Millenicom + 2Gb Att hotspot. But we make it work. We're pretty heavy internet users and usually come close to our 20Gb/month allotment. Yesterday we were at our sons house and make good use of his internet by updating both of our laptops. Came out to about 4Gb for the updates.
We don't stream video over internet since it would limit our other internet uses. Wish we could but it's just not practical for what's available over cellular. Now if we could pay month to month for an internet DSL or cable at our winter spot that would be great!
So we use our sat. dish and local antenna for tv. Occasionally a Redbox video.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We sort of pieced it together as we went. We're semi-heavy data users but nothing like many of you. We got the Millenicom 20 gig device and shipped it to a friend to pick up. We added the Wineguard Traveler Satellite Antenna for our DTV service after about 8 months on the road. We love it and saves so much time and aggravation when setting up. There are certain programs we're addicted to and we can record and play back at our convenience.

We'll probably add a Wilson Truckers antenna in NH. We'll see if we need it.

Sherry

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

After two days of solid rain and forecast for two more, we went in to town and bought a portable black and white 12v TV. That was in our first RV in 1975. Like others have said as our needs changed and technology changes, we constantly upgrade our electronics and communications. At present our 5th wheel is outfitted at near Air Force One capabilities....LOL.

I keep running wires and adding stuff...most recently were security cameras.