Mod: Wi-Fi + Router
DETAILS: Wi-Fi + Router + USB + Light
Prior to this mod, I used my iPhone’s “Personal Hotspot” to provide an internet connection to my Apple TV and other internet-enabled devices. Ultimately, as I added more gadgets to the RV, I wanted dedicated, always-on internet in the rig, even when I wasn’t there (to check temperatures, monitor an alarm, etc.). There are many solutions for this, but few (if any) are as economical. It’s a luxury to open up your laptop or tablet and instantly be on Wi-Fi, just like at home!
During the process of this mod, I also added two dual USB sockets as well as a dimmable LED light with an automatic switch (details and links below).
Internet Service Provider
The internet provider is Visible and they provide a SIM card either for a spare cell phone that you already own, or you can buy a new phone from them (or anywhere you want). I’m using an old iPhone 6 that is now permanently mounted and plugged into the RV (in the area behind the TV). Not all phones are compatible, but most phones from the last 4-5 years will work (compatibility details are on this page of Visible’s website).
Visible is a middleman for an unlimited data plan on the Verizon LTE network. Similar plans on Verizon’s network cost twice as much and most aren’t truly unlimited like this plan. The catch is that Visible’s service and speeds are de-prioritized when demand is high (Verizon’s premium paying customers get priority). However, this doesn’t bother me since this always-on internet solution is mostly connecting smart devices that don’t require the bandwidth of video streaming (i.e. email, web browsing, music streaming, weather station, alarm system, etc.)
In addition to unlimited data, the service also includes unlimited text and calling, so it’s a great backup phone for an emergency. In my case, since my primary phone is on the T-Mobile network, this service expands my available phone & data coverage as I travel to remote places.
It’s important to note that the service only works with Verizon’s LTE towers, not Verizon 3G, etc.
Monthly Cost / Promo Code
The service is $30/month inclusive of all taxes and fees (your bill will be exactly $30/month). It’s a prepaid month-to-month service with no contract. All the details are on the Visible.com website. If you sign up with Visible, use the special/promo code 327vj8 and you’ll save $20 off your first month of service! If you have questions about joining, email me here.
Wireless Router
The router (the small white box on the lower left back wall in the photos) is necessary if you want to connect more than one device at a time to the phone’s internet hotspot. This wireless router is always receiving the internet connection from the phone, and all of your devices then connect to the router via Wi-Fi.
The router allows you to create up to three separate networks that all operate simultaneously: a 5 GHz network, a 2.4 GHz network and a guest network (that can be either 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz). The latest smart devices work on 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks, but some older and/or less sophisticated devices are only compatible with 2.4 GHz, so it’s ideal to activate both types.
One of my favorite aspects to this setup is that the phone's hotspot never disconnects from the router (a month and counting!). Even if you drive through an area with no service, you never have to "reset" or reconnect either device. When you have cell service again, the data starts flowing again without taking any action. When I previously used to connect my primary phone's hotspot to a device directly, it would often timeout and disconnect after a period of no use (or no cell service) which was annoying.
Speed
The stand-alone phone has relatively fast speeds that aren’t throttled, though they can still be de-prioritized. However, when using the phone as a hotspot to the router (the only way you can use multiple devices with the Visible service), the speeds vary. The official word is that hotspot data is capped at 5 Mbps (which is pretty slow). If you’re looking for fast internet to stream TV and movies, this isn’t the best solution (you get what you pay for, and this unlimited data plan is only $40/month!). That said, I have experienced periods with significantly faster upload and download hotspot speeds exceeding 30 Mbps in both directions — but don’t count on this. If your needs are like mine (everything but video streaming), I’ve found it to be both reliable and convenient at all the basic internet tasks for multiple devices.
There is a work-around to stream TV/movies with no speed-cap: connect your phone directly to your TV’s HDMI input via an HDMI adaptor. Click here to see the iPhone version. You’ll also need a short HDMI cable as well.
Power
Since both the phone and the router can be powered by USB, it made the most sense to wire them directly to the RV’s 12vdc system via USB vs. using the 110vac charging blocks that would require the inefficient use of the inverter. My coach didn’t come with any USB outlets in the area behind the TV, so I added two dual USB sockets for a total of four USB outlets. The additional two USB outlets charge my AirPods and Apple Watch at night.
The USB outlets were easy to install. First, remove the black metal plate (see photos) and drill 1 1/8” holes where desired with a 1 1/8” hole saw. Then, hard-wire the sockets with the included wires and spade connectors to one of the 12vdc power sources found when you remove the metal plate. I used the 12vdc source that feeds the TV antenna booster (yellow is positive, white is ground).
The voltage readout on the USB sockets is unnecessarily bright, so I used LightDims LED Covers to knock down about 75% of the brightness.
Mounting
I mounted both the router and the iPhone to the back wall with Command Picture Hanging Strips (the product is 3M’s version of Velcro that can be removed with no harm or residue left behind).
LED Light + Dimmer + Automatic Switch
While I was working in this area, I decided to add a hard-wired LED strip light with a dimmer and automatic switch. Now, when I swing open the TV, the LED strip light comes on automatically (it’s hidden in the ceiling of the cabinet just inside the opening). I can then manually set the brightness of the lights with the LED dimmer that I installed in the top left of the compartment (see photos). Adjacent to the dimmer, there is an automatic switch that turns the light on when the switch’s button is released (see photos).
VISIBLE SIM CARD + ROUTER:
Visible SIM Card: www.visible.com
Wireless Router: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4ZSR2PX
Command Picture Hanging Strips: www.amazon.com/dp/B073XV1P16
USB OUTLET SOCKETS:
Dual USB Charger Socket: www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXH5ZZK
1 1/8” Hole Saw: www.amazon.com/dp/B0052EDJ3O
LightDims LED Cover: www.amazon.com/dp/B01BZBBITE
LED LIGHT + DIMMER:
LED Strip Light: www.amazon.com/dp/B00WQFP1LU
LED Dimmer: www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4UBMY6
Automatic Light Switch: www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5YP9PR
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