Camping World donated this product for the purpose of review.
Before reviewing the Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit, I viewed It as the golden ticket to reliable Wi-Fi as an RVer. Do I still view it that way? Well, read this complete Starlink for RV review to find out!
I’ll preview the specs, suggest who it’s best for, outline the installation process, offer my pros and cons list, and make a final recommendation on whether I feel the Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit with Wedge Mount is worth the investment.
What Comes With This Starlink Kit?
Let’s answer the obvious “What’s in the box?” question. Here’s everything that comes with this kit:
- Flat High-Performance Antenna and Cables
- Router
- Power box
- Wedge mount
- Cable Pass-Through Kit
- Shoulder bolts, machine screws, and lag bolts (in varying sizes for the different mounting options)
- Silicone sealant
- Thread locker
- Sealing washers and washers
- Blind hold nuts and lock nuts
Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit At-A-Glance
Here’s an overview of the important specs for the Starlink Flat High-Performance antenna:
- Antenna Type: Electronic Phased Array
- Orientation: Fixed
- Environmental Rating: IP56
- Operating Temperature: -22℉ to 122℉
- Field of View: 140°
- Average Power Usage: 110-150 watts
- Wind Rating: 174+ mph
- Dimensions: 22.6” x 20.1” x 1.6”
- Weight: 18 pounds
Lastly, here are the most important router specs:
- Wi-Fi Tech: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards
- Chipset: Wi-Fi 5
- Radio: Dual Band – 3 x 3 MIMO
- Security: WPA2
- Environmental Rating: IP54 (configured for indoor use)
- Range: Up to 2,000 square feet
- Operating Temperature: -22℉ to 122℉
See the full list of specs and features for this Starlink Kit.
Who Is This Starlink for RV Use Best For?
This particular Starlink is for campers seeking a permanent Wi-Fi solution mounted to their RV’s roof. The Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit reduces your reliance on unreliable campground Wi-Fi and expands your ability to work remotely when not camping in traditional campgrounds.
Pros and Cons of the Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit
After completing the installation, I took several trips with my RV and the mounted Starlink to test the unit in several locations. These are the positives and negatives I noticed with this Starlink antenna kit:
Pros
Permanent Installation: I don’t have to set anything up whenever I arrive at a campsite.
Clear Installation Instructions: The installation steps were clear and easy to follow, helping me overcome my anxiety about drilling into my RV’s roof.
Wall Mounts for Router and Power Source: I love the ability to mount the router and power module on a vertical wall so they don’t take up valuable cabinet space in my small camper. For best performance, Starlink recommends mounting these components in a central location outside of an enclosed compartment.
Pay-as-you-go Service: The Starlink allows you to start or pause service monthly, so you only pay when you need Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Performance: It’s been incredibly reliable in settings with no trees overhead, allowing me to work remotely, stream YouTube videos, and watch Netflix movies in the evening.
Cons
Fixed Position: Once your RV is parked, the antenna cannot be repositioned for optimal satellite positioning, but with the large field of view, this hasn’t been a huge issue for me. Still, you may need to consider positioning your RV for optimal service.
Lack of Install Equipment for RV Interior: While the kit came with everything I needed to complete a secure, weatherproof roof installation, there was no equipment for routing or securing the cables inside my trailer. You’ll likely need additional supplies to tuck the cables out of the way and finish the installation in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Performance in Tree-Covered Campgrounds: The Wi-Fi was essentially unusable the first time I tested it because I was parked under a tree. Although there was still an open sky in front of my trailer and the tree had minimal foliage, it still obstructed the antenna’s view enough to render my Wi-Fi useless.
Thoroughness of Instructions. I felt that the instructions left out a few key points, such as taking a photo of the product information label on the back of the antenna BEFORE mounting it to the bracket. They also lacked instructions for installing the router and power box mounts inside your RV, although that process was relatively straightforward.
The bottom line is that to optimize Starlink’s performance, you’ll need a campsite with little to no tree coverage above your RV.
Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit Features
Here are a few additional features of this Starlink kit:
- Mobile Applications: It’s designed to work while you’re traveling, making it a great Wi-Fi solution for motorhome owners. Your partner can work or research travel plans while you’re driving.
- Weather Resistance: It provides better upload/download speeds at higher temperatures, which is great for summer camping. It’s also important, considering you can’t really park under much shade and expect reliable service.
- Obstruction Testing: The Starlink app allows you to check for obstructions above your antenna that could slow your connection. This is useful for checking internet speeds before deciding on a campsite.
- Snow Melt Capability: Through the app, you can turn on a snow melting feature that warms up the antenna and melts snow at a rate of up to three inches per hour.
Additional Considerations
While the installation instructions are clear, the lack of additional instructions and supplies for the interior mounting does add a degree of difficulty to the Starlink installation. You don’t need to be an RV DIY expert, but you’ll need a moderate level of comfort with a drill and hand tools. The more you understand about how your RV is built, the better.
Luckily, you can always trust the installation to our team of certified RV technicians. If you’ve already bought your Starlink kit, contact our Performance and Installation department to schedule an appointment.
Would You Recommend Starlink for RV Use?
The Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit is great for full-time RVers, especially those who work remotely. Although the initial investment is significant, you may be able to write off certain equipment or service costs as business expenses.
The real benefit? Camping with reliable Wi-Fi almost anywhere. For example, you may save on camping costs because you no longer have to choose a campground based on campground Wi-Fi availability. Or, like me, you may reduce the frequency of coffee shop visits to work while you’re on the road.
As long as you have a generator, you can dry camp and enjoy reliable internet service. Just ensure you choose locations without tree coverage.
Alternatives to Starlink’s Flat High-Performance Kit
If you aren’t in the full-time or remote work categories, you have other Wi-Fi options. Start by learning about cell signal boosters and Wi-Fi hotspots for RV use. Then, compare these recommended products to see what fits your RV lifestyle.
- TravlFi Journey1 LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: This mobile hotspot is one of the most affordable RV Wi-Fi solutions. With pay-as-you-go service plans, it prioritizes and converts the best available service from the three major US cellular networks and can handle up to five devices at a time.
- Lippert OneControl Hotspot Prepped Kit: This kit is designed for Lippert hotspot-prepped RVs. It comes with a SIM card and plan activation instructions and delivers internet speeds up to 150 Mbps.
- Winegard Gateway 4G LTE Wi-Fi Router: This router is a plug-and-play Wi-Fi solution for RVs prepped for installation. It requires factory prep and is only compatible with the Winegard AIR 360+ dome antenna.
Are you looking to add other camping gear, recreation toys, or technology to your RV? Check out a few other reviews:
- The Best EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Review
- Blackstone 17″ Griddle Review: How To Add an RV Outdoor Kitchen For Under $500
- Huffy Electric Bike Review: The 20″ Fat Tire Centuric
What questions do you have about this Starlink for RV review? Let us know in the comments below.
I think the article is misleading the RVing public. You reviewed a $2500 Starlink system mostly aimed at businesses.
You should have reviewed, or at least mentioned, Starlink’s “Mobile Regional” package for $499 + $150/mo pay-as-you-go subscription. If an RVer wants to use the system in-motion, there is a higher subscription fee. $250/mo., I think. I would never want a “fixed” antenna on my RV because I’m always looking for shade to park under. With the $499 package you get 75′ of cable so you can set up the dish in an open area. Another thing you could have mentioned, that was a surprise to me, is if you have cell phones with “wi-fi calling”, you get excellent cell phone coverage using the Starlink wi-fi. Great when there is no cell phone service where you park. Perhaps you were never out of cell phone coverage and didn’t discover this! Contrary to your statement, you don’t need a generator to use the system if you purchase an inexpensive 12v inverter (I recommend full sine-wave) to run it. Mine cost about $80 for a 1000 watt inverter. A lot of newer RVs already have an inverter system built-in. BTW, I run a 32′, 1987 Fleetwood Pace Arrow.
Hi John!
Great point about the inverter! I didn’t even consider that and it is a great alternative to needing generator or shore power for the antenna to work.
My biggest downside of this particular model is indeed that fixed position. It makes me reconsider my campsite choices (to have open sky), which isn’t great during the heat of the summer when I’m otherwise seeking shade at every chance I can get. I think that would be the biggest reason for choosing the mobile regional package over this Flat High-Performance kit, so I appreciate you pointing it out, and your point about the in-motion package having a higher monthly cost is valid, from what I’ve read.
I personally haven’t been out of service to use the Starlink for Wi-Fi calling yet, but that’s another great advantage. Ultimately, this is just one option for mobile connectivity that may be right for some RVers and imperfect for others. Thanks for adding your insights for others to learn from!