Motorhome Traveler reviews cell phone amplifiers

Being full-time motorhomers, our cell phone is the only way we have to stay connected to family, as well as modem to access the Internet for uploading these articles to our travel magazines —so extended cell phone coverage is very important to us.

We had tried the little antennas that you put direct on your cell phones and found them to be a joke. But we were determined that there was an answer out there for our need. After much online research we purchased and tested the Wilson Wireless Cellular Amplifier Kit and found that, as stated on their web site, it did indeed drastically increase our cellular coverage. This amplifier boosts the normal cell phone 1/2 (one half) watt power to the maximum legal limit of 3 watts.

After many question-and-answer phone conversations with the dealer, Kevin, at PowerfulSignal.com about the ins-and-outs of this piece of equipment and the installation process, we felt confident enough to order the kit. We found the customer service we received was superior, and they are willing to talk you through the installation process. Phone 866-912-3444

The main decision that WE had to make was where to install the equipment. The incoming wire from the outside antenna is 20 feet long. We chose to install it close to our driving compartment rather than close to where we use our cell phone to get online with our computer, seeing that our computer is a laptop and we can move it to the inside antenna range.

After arrival, the installation, in our case, was quite simple...because we removed the radio antenna from the roof of our beloved motorhome (we use our XM radio exclusively and didn’t need this antenna) and used the hole from that to install the cell phone amplifier exterior antenna. If you do not have the luxury of a pre-existing hole on your roof, we suggest having a professional do this part of the installation.

The rest of the installation was just a matter of connecting the incoming and outgoing wires to the amplifier, plugging it into a 12 volt receptacle and turning it on. Tah Dah! we now had cell coverage where there previously was none. Our RV park neighbors were so envious! Many of them came in and used the amplifier with their cell phones to reach their loved ones.
wilson cell amplifier

(The amplifier works with most all cell phones, except Nextel. They do sell a specific amplifier for Nextel phones if you have that cell service.)

With this unit we can also easily move it to our dinghy when needed. After installing the magnetic car antenna kit (no holes to drill) then just a simple connecting of the incoming and outgoing wires to the unit, plug it into the 12 volt receptacle and now we can have our cell phone amplified in our car as well.

We were free at last from having to only go where we could find cell phone coverage. This amplifier is not able (of course) to bring in a signal where there are topographical obstacles such as mountains blocking the signal. One thing we felt assured about was that this unit is programmed to shut off automatically if the signal brings in over 2.98 watts because if you go over 3 watts you are in danger of dire repercussions from the FCC.

Bottom line. We do highly recommend the Wilson Wireless Cellular Amplifier and we think it is well worth the price, especially if, like us, you are dependent on being in cell phone coverage area.

We have provided you with links below to the web site where you can find out more info and the dealer has agreed to give you, our readers, a 5% discount on anything you buy at their web site by putting in this promo code at the shopping cart. RV4U690