If your RV has Winegard Wi-Fi prep, let’s explore if installing the compatible router is a worthwhile upgrade. For example, most 2025 Keystone Coleman travel trailers are prepped for the Winegard Gateway router installation. However, they aren’t the only RVs ready for an internet upgrade.
Most RVs built with a Winegard AIR 360+ roof-mounted antenna are compatible with the 4G or 5G Gateway router. However, not all are prepped for a plug-and-play Winegard installation. If yours is, this relatively easy RV modification should be on your list. Here’s why.
Key Takeaways
- Winegard Gateway routers enhance RV internet by boosting 4G LTE signals, extending Wi-Fi range up to 1/3 mile, supporting Verizon and AT&T, and offering flexible data plans. They are ideal for reliable connectivity on the road or parked.
- Installation varies based on RV prep: Prepped units allow for a more straightforward ceiling mount install, while non-prepped RVs require an under-the-dome method involving roof access and additional wiring. Each technique involves connecting power and antenna cables to the router.
- Professional installation is recommended for non-prepped RVs or if you’re unsure about roof safety or wiring. However, DIY instructions are provided for confident users with proper tools and RV compatibility.
Benefits of the Winegard Gateway Router
Focusing first on the 4G router, Winegard offers an easy way to extend the range of an existing Wi-Fi network by up to a third of a mile. It also boosts existing 4G LTE signals. What does that mean? It can improve one bar of service to additional bars of service for a more reliable connection.
Here are some additional advantages:
- You can use it while parked or while in motion.
- It supports Verizon and AT&T cellular carriers.
- You can choose Winegard’s own 30-day, No-contract data plan.
- The Winegard app gives you a hassle-free way to connect all your devices easily.
- It improves GPS security when using features like “Find My Phone”.
Technician Tip: The Winegard 5G LTE router offers similar benefits but can also be used with a compatible Starlink antenna.
Winegard Gateway Router Installation
There are two Winegard Gateway router installation methods:
- Ceiling Mount Install – best for RVs with a pre-wired accessible cap somewhere inside the RV.
- Under-the-Dome Install – best for non-prepped units or when installing a new AIR 360+ roof antenna.
Let’s highlight each:
Technician Tip: For either method, you may need to install your own power cable. If so, using a minimum of 18-gauge stranded copper wire no longer than 50 feet long with a dedicated 12VDC circuit and a 3A fuse is recommended. To complete this installation, the roof thickness must not exceed seven inches, and the roof’s arc radius must match the manufacturer’s specified measurement for compatibility.
Ceiling Mount Install
Images by Camping World
Begin this installation by assembling the required tools:
Tools Required
- Philips head screwdriver
- Wire cutter/crimping tool
Then, ensure your camper is disconnected from shore power and remove the negative cable from your RV battery to remove power to the antenna. Locate the Winegard-labeled cap in your camper. In most cases, it’ll be mounted to the roof in a central location so that the router, once installed, delivers reliable internet service throughout the floor plan.
Installation Steps
Follow the remaining steps for this type of Winegard Gateway router installation:
- Remove the two screws holding the interior cap to the ceiling and pull the 12-volt power cables and three antenna cables down through the hole.
- Thread all the cables through the guide hole in the router’s mounting bracket.
- Align the mounting bracket with the flat edge parallel to the front of the RV and the guide hole pointing towards the rear. The bracket’s hole must be aligned with the hole in the roof.
- Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling using the four screws that came with the router kit.
- Use the kit’s two wiring nuts to splice the RV’s power cables to the router’s power cables. Connect the router’s red wire to the RV’s power wire, and connect the black wire and the RV’s ground wire. Twist the wire nuts to complete a secure connection.
- Insert the RV’s ground wire into one end of the barrel crimp splice and insert the ground wire from the router into the opposite end. Crimp the splice.
- Plug the Wi-Fi cable with the red tubing into slot #2 in the back of the router.
- Plug the 4G LTE cables into the back of the router. Yellow goes into slot #4, and green goes into slot #5.
- Reconnect the RV battery, plug into shore power, and verify that all connections are properly made before connecting the power cable and checking that the green LED on the back of the router turns on.
- Gently feed all cabling back up through the guide hole in the mounting bracket and push the router onto the bracket’s mating hooks. Then, slide the router until it catches on the hooks and locks into place. You should hear an audible click when it’s locked in place.
Technician Tip: There’s a small release lever on one side of the router. When securing it to the hooks, the router should be installed so that it’s slid in the direction of the lever. To remove the router, gently pull down on the lever and slide the router away from it to release it from the hooks. Then, pull it down.
Under-the-Dome Install
This process will be slightly more complex if your camper isn’t prepped for a ceiling mount installation. Certified Camping World Technicians are your best resource for Winegard Gateway router installation assistance if you’re uncomfortable with this install or unsure about how to get on your RV’s roof safely.
However, if you’re willing to proceed with a DIY installation, assemble the following tools:
Tools Required
- Philips head screwdriver
- Wire cutter/crimping tool
Then, ensure your RV’s roof is fully walkable and set up fall protection before you ascend. If your RV doesn’t have a built-in ladder, you’ll need a telescoping ladder or a tall step ladder.
Technician Tip: If your roof isn’t fully walkable, you may require professional installation assistance.
Installation Steps
Before getting onto the roof, disconnect your RV from shore power and remove the negative cable from your RV battery to remove power to the antenna. You can then safely ascend with the required tools and router equipment to follow the remaining steps:
- Remove the four screws on the outside of the dome, gently remove the dome, and lay it on its side next to the base to avoid damaging the antenna, coax, or other antennas within the dome.
- Use the two wiring nuts provided to splice the RV power cable to the included power cable for the router. Connect the red wire from the router to the RV power wire. Then, connect the black wire and the ground wire from the RV. Twist the wire nuts to secure the connections.
- Insert the RV’s ground wire into one end of the barrel crimp splice and insert the ground wire from the router into the opposite end. Crimp the splice.
- Plug the Wi-Fi cable with the red tubing into slot #2 in the back of the router.
- Plug the 4G LTE cables into the back of the router. Yellow goes into slot #4, and green goes into slot #5.
- Reconnect the RV battery, plug into shore power, and verify that all connections are properly made before connecting the power cable and checking that the green LED on the back of the router turns on.
- Neatly organize and secure all cabling before setting the router onto the bracket’s mating hooks. Then, slide the router until it catches on the hooks and locks into place. You should hear an audible click when it’s locked in place.
- Test proper operation before reinstalling the dome with the four screws previously removed.
Need More Assistance?
Winegard’s owner’s manual for the Gateway routers is a great resource for additional tips. However, a Winegard Gateway router installation on a non-prepped RV is best left to a Camping World Certified Technician. Use the link below to explore our Performance & Installation Services.
Explore these additional resources to learn more about RV internet:
- How To Get Internet for RV Living
- Learn About TravlFi RV Internet
- Benefits of an RV WiFi Hotspot
What questions do you have about this Winegard Gateway router installation? Let us know in the comments below!
