20160204_092136

First up we were discussing the handling of internet while we were on the road.  With most RV parks having issues with internet speed we decided to look for an option that would handle our needs without breaking the bank.  We settled on a yourkarma hotspot ($10 discount through this link).  They have a neverstop option at 5Mbps, which is unlimited data, but it throttles down after 15GB of data used per month.  You can only attach 3 devices at a time, but we are able to get a round that further on down the page.  That’s not ideal, but for $50 per month we figured it would work for us.  Also, it’s based on Sprint coverage, so take that in to consideration based on where you are traveling.

We looked in to getting satellite radio, but decided instead to go with streaming internet radio through our hotspot. (When we signed up it was unlimited data with no speed throttling.  The terms changed while we were on the road)  We also used this FM broadcaster (We chose the 2016 version) which has worked fantastically for us with our old radio.

We also picked up this travel router to get around the 3 device limit on our hotspot, since we’ve got multiple phones, computers, and tablets.  This has also worked out great for us.  It’s also handy to use when traveling to hotels that limit the number of devices you can connect.  You connect to the hotspot or other provided Wi-Fi with the router, and all of your devices attach to the router, so you aren’t limited based on only being able to connect one device to the hotspot or Wi-Fi.

One thing we didn’t do this trip, but will do on future trips, is pick up a cheap Verizon phone and sign up for a prepaid plan.  This would be for emergency purposes only.  As of today it looks like it would cost $15 per month plus fees (there’s always junk fees added in 😉 ).  Here’s a link to what I’m talking about.  Verizon Prepaid Plan  If you already have a Verizon plan then I believe you already have the best coverage available.  We currently use Ting phone plans ($25 discount through this link), where you only pay for what you use.  They work well for us because we’re not data hogs.  This is tied to the Sprint Network.  The Sprint Network works well for us most of the time, but we’ve found a bunch of areas where we have no cell or data.  Are we positive we’d have cell and data through Verizon?  No.  But I know that Verizon has the best coverage overall nationwide.  I figure an extra $15-20 for an emergency phone plan is well worth it.

Now, after doing some mate, how many devices do you need to charge, that can be charged through USB?  Our total, including tablets and Ipods, is 10.  Now, not all of that needs to be charged all the same time, but you also don’t want to plug in devices for charging in to 4-10 outlets in a camper.  Behold the 4 port charging station that we purchased.  We actually purchased this a couple of years ago for our travels and have been very happy with it.

Bonus Tip – Not Technology Related

Remember when I mentioned in my last post about a website for finding places to park your camper overnight for free or little cost?  Well, here’s that website.  I think it’s well worth the cost of $24.95 per year.  http://www.overnightrvparking.com/

If you have any questions about any of this, or anything else about designing your Location Independent Lifestyle, feel free to ask here or join our Facebook Group and get the input of everyone there who is pursuing changes towards that end.