How to Get Starlink Mobile Internet for RVs and Campervans

We’re starting to see more and more Starlink devices propped on the tops of RVs and campervans as we travel around the United States. It’s so cool that in the past few months, Starlink has made satellite internet attainable for those of us who travel full or part-time.

I first got Starlink mobile internet back in March of 2022 when SpaceX enabled “roaming” on its satellite dishes. Back then, Starlink didn’t officially allow roaming, but it was something RVers and van lifers figured out and tested.

Now, Starlink has made it easy for anyone who travels to sign up for their satellite service, whether that’s through the Starlink for RVs plan or a regular Starlink plan with the added “Portability” feature. I have the latter, because when I got Starlink the company didn’t offer the Starlink for RV plan.

In this article, I’ll go over both options and answer some frequently asked questions so you can figure out if Starlink mobile internet is right for you.

What is Starlink and How Does it Work?

Starlink deploys low-orbit satellites to provide broadband service for people all over the globe. While most satellites orbit the planet at around 35,000km, Starlink satellites orbit at only 550km above the earth’s surface, a very low earth orbit.

Because the satellites are so low, there is barely any latency with Starlink internet service, which allows for activities like online gaming, video streaming and Zoom calls. Latency is the time it takes for information to travel between a satellite and the person using internet on the ground.

Starlink satellites work in conjunction with ground stations around the world. If a particular area doesn’t have a ground station, the internet service won’t work.

In 2020, Starlink started offering beta service to users and has been expanding ever since. As of January of 2022, Starlink has 145,000 users in 25 countries around the world. One of my writers uses Starlink at her home in Italy!

Starlink’s goal is to provide an interconnected network with thousands of satellites into low earth orbit overhead for global coverage. They use SpaceX’s Falcon Rocket to blast more satellites into space all the time.

What is Starlink for RVs and How to Get It?

• Cost: $135 per month
• Equipment: $599

Starlink for RVs is a fairly new service SpaceX rolled out a couple months ago. It’s great because there’s typically no wait time to get your Starlink kit, which includes a satellite dish, router and connectivity cables. With Starlink’s residential plan, some people are put on a waitlist for months or even years.

Another main benefit of the Starlink for RVs plan is that you can stop or start service at any time. This is great for people who only travel part of the year, or don’t find themselves needing satellite internet for a few months at a time.

If this all sounds too good to be true, it is. One huge drawback is that you’re ALWAYS getting degraded service, unlike Residential Starlink with added Portability.

Here are some of the limitations of the Starlink for RVs service, as written on the Starlink FAQ page:

• Best Effort Service: Network resources are always de-prioritized for Starlink for RVs users compared to other Starlink services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of the service are not guaranteed. Service degradation will be most extreme in “Waitlist” areas on the Starlink Availability Map during peak hours. See Starlink Specification for expected performance here. 
• International Travel: Starlink can only be used within the same continent as the registered Shipping Address. If you use Starlink in a foreign country for more than two months, you will be required to move your account to your new location or purchase an additional Starlink to maintain service.
• No In-Motion Use:  We do not support Starlink use in motion at this time. Using the Starlink Kit in motion will void the limited warranty of your Kit. While our teams are actively working to make it possible to use Starlink on moving vehicles, Starlink is not yet configured to be safely used in this way.

Even though SpaceX doesn’t support in-motion use, we are seeing many examples of people disabling Starlink’s motors in order to lay Dishy flat and use it on a moving vehicle. You’ll have to do this at your own risk as this does void your warranty with Starlink and the company could decide to revoke your service.

You can join this Facebook group to see how people are using Starlink in motion: Starlink ESIM: Earth Stations in Motion.

Residential Starlink with the added Portability Feature

• Cost: $110 per month plus $25 for “Portability” feature
• Equipment: $599 for dish, router and cables

Another way to get Starlink mobile internet is to get a residential plan and add on the “Portability” feature. The main drawbacks of this plan are finding a service address with availability and the fact that you can’t stop and start service at will.

However, Starlink’s residential plan with portability doesn’t get degraded service at all times like Starlink for RV. You’ll only see degraded service if you’re in a busy area where lots of people are using Starlink.

The residential Starlink plan costs $110 per month with the added “Portability” feature an extra $25. This is the service we use as the Starlink for RV option wasn’t available when I ordered Starlink back in March.

Here’s what Starlink says about service on their FAQ page if you’re using the Portability feature:

• Best Effort Service: Portability service is provided on a best effort basis. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of services are not guaranteed. Starlink prioritizes network resources for users at their registered service address. When you bring your Starlink to a new location, this prioritization may result in degraded service, particularly at times of peak usage or network congestion.
• International Travel: Starlink can only be used within the same continent as the registered Service Address. If you use Starlink in a foreign country for more than two months, you will be required to move your registered service address to your new location or purchase an additional Starlink to maintain service.
• No In-Motion Use:  We do not support Starlink use in motion at this time. Using the Starlink Kit in motion will void the limited warranty of your Kit. While our teams are actively working to make it possible to use Starlink on moving vehicles (e.g., automobiles, RVs, boats), Starlink is not yet configured to be safely used in this way.

You can check out Starlink’s Service Map to see if it’s available where you are traveling or if there’s a waitlist.

Starlink for RVs vs Residential Starlink with Portability

You’ll have to decide which service is right for you, depending on your travel style and internet needs. If you need very fast satellite internet for work and travel full-time, you might want to go with the Residential Plan with Portability. Starlink for RVs is always a deprioritized system when it comes to speeds.

However, if you only travel a few months out of the year, Starlink for RVs is the way to go as you can stop and start service at will. Starlink for RVs is also good if you need your equipment right away, as there’s no waitlist for most addresses.

Residential Starlink can be harder to get as many cells are currently full and have a waitlist, but there is a good hack I’ll describe below to get residential service immediately.

Here are some key differences between the services per Starlink’s FAQ:

Starlink for RVs

• Pause Service: Provides the ability to pause and un-pause service, allowing users to customize their service to their individual travel needs. 
• No Waitlist: At this time, there is no waitlist – all orders will be shipped shortly after the order is placed. Supply is subject to network and equipment availability. 
• Best Effort Service: Network resources are always de-prioritized for Starlink for RVs users compared to other Starlink services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of the service are not guaranteed. Service degradation will be most extreme in “Waitlist” areas on the Starlink Availability Map during peak hours. See Starlink Specification for expected performance here.   
• Example Use Cases:
  • I want to travel with my RV.
  • I want to go on a weekend camping trip.
  • I have another home that I use for one season a year.

Residential Starlink + Portability

• Prioritized Service Address: Starlink prioritizes network resources for users at their registered Service Address. The Service Address on your account will receive priority whether Portability is enabled or not. When you bring your Starlink to a new location with Portability, this prioritization may result in degraded service, particularly at times of peak usage or network congestion. Service degradation will be most extreme in “Waitlist” areas on the Starlink Availability Map during peak hours.  
• Multi-Purpose Internet: Starlink with Portability allows you to use the same Starlink for both your home internet and when you travel.
• Example Use Case:
  • I want Starlink at my home and travel with Starlink a few months a year.

How to Order Residential Starlink Even When Your Service Address is Full

To get a Starlink dish and router using the residential service option, you first need a service address where Starlink works. Starlink is divided into “service cells”, and sometimes, those cells fill up if there are too many users in a particular area.

You’ll need to find an address where Starlink is available. Click here to input a Starlink service address and order your dish.

I started by typing in the addresses of friends and family members in Arizona, California, Oregon and Minnesota. I even tried my mailbox service in South Dakota. Every time the message was the same: Starlink service expected in 2023 or later.

There was no way I wanted to wait that long for Starlink internet.

I started studying posts in the Facebook group, Starlink for RVers and Other Mobile Users, to see how people were getting their units for mobile Starlink.

Turns out these RVers were searching for addresses in rural areas across the country, trying to find an address that had availability. You’ll know a service address works if Starlink.com lets you pay for the entire unit, instead of just putting down a $99 deposit with expected delivery sometime way off in the future.

One thing to know is this: you can make your shipping address different than the service address.

Armed with this knowledge, I tried an address near me on a whim: The Why Not Travel Store in Ajo, Arizona.

It worked!

I set my shipping address to Lukeville, Arizona, which is an easy place to pick up packages as we were stationed in Puerto Penasco, Mexico at Cabrales Boatyard at the time. Then, I waited with fingers crossed for my Starlink package to arrive.

Is Starlink Mobile Internet Worth it for RVs and Campervans?

When I first got Starlink, it was for internet service down in Mexico, where it’s really hard to find unlimited cell phone data plans. It worked like a dream in Puerto Penasco, Mexico and in the Sea of Cortez.

However, when we came back to the United States, I immediately noticed some of Starlink’s drawbacks, so I signed back up for my favorite unlimited cellular hotspot through Reliable Internet Services.

For one, Starlink doesn’t work well unless it has a very clear view of the sky. When we were boondocking on Mt. Hood in Oregon with some tree cover, Starlink did work but had outages every few minutes. I was able to do some work on my computer, but this wouldn’t be satisfactory for Zoom calls or watching videos.

Another thing is that Starlink does require quite a bit of power to run, about 3-4 amps. This is the same amount of power my portable fridge uses, which only comes on about once per hour. Starlink is on continuously. As we don’t have our solar panels set up yet on our Sprinter van, this makes using Starlink all day every day unsustainable.

Thirdly, we often travel in areas where there is good cell phone signal, which means I typically get fast enough speeds using my hotspot. My hotspot is way easier to set up and can run for hours off a single charge which doesn’t drain the van’s batteries.

Lastly, Starlink is BIG. We find ourselves moving it around constantly to keep it out of our way, which is a bit annoying for a small vehicle like a campervan. I can’t wait for SpaceX to introduce a mobile dish that can be mounted on our roof and is smaller.

I do know that if we were traveling more off-grid and away from cell signal, Starlink mobile internet would be absolutely vital for me. This would work especially well in states with open skies, like Utah, Arizona and Colorado. We often spend summers in Oregon, which has a lot of tree cover.

When deciding on Starlink, you should think about whether you really need satellite internet or if a hotspot will work just fine.

Setting up my Starlink Satellite Internet Service for the First Time

I was initially worried about finding a big list of setup instructions inside the box but only found a cardboard cutout with a few images showing how to set up Dishy.

I opened the Starlink app and scanned the sky for obstructions, which is like playing a Pac-Man game where you “eat” all the dots on your screen, which covers the entire sky around your dish. The app tells you if it thinks a location is suitable for setup.

The best locations are those with a wide-open view of the sky. If there are too many trees, tall buildings, etc., this may be too many obstructions for your satellite internet to work properly. You might experience intermittent signal.

This is what Starlink says in its FAQ section:

• While tree branches often cause intermittent service by disrupting the connection between Starlink and satellites, many Starlink customers live in an area with a lot of trees. Prior to order, we recommend downloading the Starlink App and using the “Check for Obstructions” tool to assess your field of view. If your setup location has obstructions, consider an elevated install as the height improves the chances of clearing nearby obstructions.

Once I found a good location according to the Starlink app, I set Dishy pointed north, plugged in the router, and waited for the app to do its magic. I followed the prompts to connect to Starlink WiFi and create my own network name and password.

After doing all this, it only took the Starlink system 5-10 minutes to scan the sky and find a satellite. It first points up to detect satellites, then stays in a stationary position pointed toward the north if you’re in the northern hemisphere, and south if you’re in the southern hemisphere.

Dishy automatically points in the direction that has the highest density of satellites, and it doesn’t need to move to track satellites across the sky.

I was up and running with blazing fast speeds in no time.

Using Starlink Satellite Internet Internationally in an RV or Campervan

In its FAQ section, Starlink claims it will work internationally on the same continent for up to two months. If you plan on being in another country longer, you might have to either move your service address to that country or even buy new equipment.

My thoughts on this are that Starlink is changing its policy and rules at all times. If you already own a Starlink and plan on “snowbirding” or “summering” in another country, you should write to Starlink support for advice.

I have heard anecdotally from a friend of mine in Mexico that her Starlink has been working way over that two-month limit.

When we were in Mexico, Starlink worked amazingly well. We were in the desert, so Dishy had an open view of the sky. Speeds were very fast with few drop-outs.

Here is what Starlink says about international travel:

• International Travel: Starlink can only be used within the same continent as the registered Service Address. If you use Starlink in a foreign country for more than two months, you will be required to move your registered service address to your new location or purchase an additional Starlink to maintain service.

Sounds like we will keep learning as more and more people try Starlink mobile internet across borders.

How Much Does Dishy Cost and How Much is Starlink Monthly?

Both Starlink residential service and Starlink for RVs cost $599 for the dish and router. Residential service costs $110 per month with a portability fee of $25. Starlink for RVs costs $135 per month.

Even though plenty of people are complaining about the price, I still see it as a bargain for high-speed satellite internet service. When I priced this out several years ago it cost many thousands of dollars for satellite equipment and a huge monthly bill.

Starlink makes satellite internet affordable and I couldn’t be happier with the service.

What Does the Starlink Kit Come With?

The unit arrived in a gray box with Starlink emblazoned across the front. I opened it and pulled out my rectangular satellite dish, named Dishy McFlatface by Starlink (no joke.) The rectangular dish is 19″ by 12″ and weighs 9.5 pounds, which is lighter and smaller than the first generation dish, which is round, is 25″ tall and weighs 16 pounds.

The dish contains all the technology needed to interact with the low earth orbit satellites and provide internet.

The Starlink kit also comes with a router and 75′ of cable between Dishy and the router. The router has a 6′ power cable.

Can You Use Starlink Satellite Internet on a Moving Vehicle or Boat?

Starlink’s official stance is that mobile use is not supported and will void any warranty, but that’s not stopping people (including me) from doing it anyway.

I have seen some reports in the Facebook group Starlink on Boats that people are having some success in marinas, at anchor and even underway. So far, we’ve had success at anchor and in a marina, but have not tried using it underway as we don’t have a permanent mounting system yet.

Also, I have seen a couple of posts where RVers have had success using Starlink while driving, and I saw at least one post when someone used it while sailing. But there hasn’t been enough data to know if it will work when in motion.

Some people are disconnecting Dishy’s motors and mounting it on top of a pilothouse or bimini so it points directly at the sky, and having success. This seems easier with the round Dishy and harder with the rectangular one. Of course, none of this is officially sanctioned or recommended by Starlink at this time.

Here is what the Starlink website says about using Dishy in motion:

• In Motion Use – We do not support Starlink use in motion at this time and mobility use is currently prohibited until we have obtained all necessary approvals. While our teams are actively working to make it possible to use Starlink on moving vehicles (e.g. automobiles, RVs, boats) in the future, Starlink is not yet configured to be safely used in motion.

When reading Starlink’s Terms of Service, here is another point they make about using Dish in motion:

• Starlink does not support in motion or mobility Services. Using the Starlink Kit in motion will void the Limited Warranty of your Kit.

Can Starlink Mobile Internet Be Suspended When Not in Use?

One question I see a lot in the Starlink for RVers Facebook group is whether or not satellite internet service can be suspended. Some people travel in their RVs, sailboats or campervans only part of the year.

If you have Starlink for RVs, you can stop and start service whenever you want. However, it gets more complicated if you have a residential service with portability. You can cancel this service, but you can’t suspend it. If you want to restart service, you’ll need to find an available service address and reinitiate your plan.

However, you can cancel service and return everything for a full refund within 30-days of receiving your Dishy.

Starlink’s Power Consumption for Mobile Use

We’ve only used Starlink a couple of times while connected to our Sprinter van’s Battleborn lithium battery bank, which came fully charged. We haven’t measured its power draw just yet, but I’ve heard a lot from others using the service.

However, I’ve read from other mobile Starlink users in RVs and boats that they’re seeing a 40-watt power draw with the rectangular Dishy, which only works with 120-volt AC power. While that isn’t huge, it’s not tiny either.

You’ll need a robust solar system, battery bank and inverter to run your Starlink terminal the entire day. Another option is to use a portable power station like a Jackery or Yeti Goal Zero. In our Sprinter van, we will have 400 amp hours of Battleborn Lithium-Ion batteries plus an array of solar panels on the roof.

We will most likely choose to just use Starlink’s satellite connection a few hours per day, and leave it off otherwise. I usually don’t need internet 24/7 when I’m in a remote beautiful place ripe for exploration, hikes, paddleboarding and windsurfing.

Getting a Refund on your Starlink Kit & Cancelling Service

If you order Starlink and then decide it isn’t for you, you only have 30 days to return Dishy and the router for a full refund. After that, you can return your equipment within the first year for a partial refund, but only if you’re in the United States or Canada.

Within that first year, Starlink will refund you 200USD or 260CAD.

It is possible to transfer your Starlink kit and service to someone else with the help of the Starlink team. Here is what Starlink says about service transfers:

• Transferring Services. You may have the option to transfer your Services to another responsible party if (a) the account is paid-in-full and in good standing; and (b) the Service address is the same or the requested Service address has network availability. Service transfers are subject to Starlink approval. Please visit https://support.starlink.com/ to learn more about transferring your Services

You can also cancel service at any time and hold onto your equipment in case you want to restart in the future. However, this will be based on availability and where you want your service address to be.

So, Starlink is a commitment. If you get it just for roaming and find it doesn’t work for you, you’ll be out a few hundred bucks if you don’t return your equipment within the first 30 days.

Moving your Starlink Residential Service Address

If you don’t want to gamble that you’ll have roaming, another option is to change your service address to where you’ll be parked or moored most of the time. For example, if you’re a snowbird who goes to one particular RV park or marina during the winter months, you can try to see if a cell is available there, and move service.

You will do this at the risk of losing service at your original service address, so if you also have a house that relies on Starlink, you might not want to do this.

Here’s more info about moving your service address from the Starlink FAQ:

• You will be unable to change your address if the new area does not have current service availability.
• By changing your location, you may not be able to return to your original address based on service availability. Once updated, service at your previous address will be disconnected, and the spot will become available to new customers.
• Deposit holders can update their service address at any time before Starlink ships. Orders are fulfilled based on the date of your initial Starlink order within your coverage area. Your place in the queue at the new location will still be based on your initial order date.

What if Your Starlink Kit is Stolen?

If you’re planning on using your Starlink kit while traveling around with your RV, you may be wondering about theft and what happens if someone steals your Dishy.

Here is what Starlink says about that:

• If your Starlink Kit is stolen, destroyed or otherwise removed from your premises without your authorization, you must provide notice via the Starlink Customer Portal immediately, or else you may be liable for payment for unauthorized use of the Services. You are liable for any charges or fees incurred by the use of the Services and Starlink Kit by anyone else.

It’s recommended that you don’t leave Starlink out when you leave your RV to go on a hike or bike ride. Some RVers do permanently install their Dishy on their rig’s rooftop, which makes it not as easy to steal.

Should You Get Starlink Service for Mobile Use? Final Thoughts.

I was extremely happy with using Starlink mobile internet in Mexico, at the boatyard, marina and at anchor in the Sea of Cortez. Before, I was using a TelCel SIM and purchasing 2-hour increments at 15 pesos each to get through my workday. This ended up costing around $5 per day, not to mention the data I used through my Google Fi phone. Not an economical or easy way to work remotely here in Mexico.

Starlink is a blessing compared to using that TelCel SIM.

However, when traveling in my campervan in the U.S., I find myself more often reaching for my Unlimited AT&T hotspot than plugging in and using Starlink. Satellite internet is hard to use in tree-covered areas, uses a lot of power and takes up a significant amount of space when being transported inside my van.

If we were boondocking or camping off-grid, Starlink would be invaluable to me, which is why I keep it around in my campervan.

Starlink is definitely opening doors for nomads, especially if roaming keeps working, and as more and more low orbit satellites are launched into the sky.

If you’re traveling in mostly populated places where a cellular hotspot is available, that might work better for you as it’s not limited by trees or other obstructions. And new 5G service is blazing fast.

I am hopeful that service and Starlink capabilities will keep expanding as SpaceX works toward worldwide availability. I remain hopeful for a mobile, smaller unit that is easy to use while in motion.

Do you have Starlink? What do you think?