Traveling in an RV can be an amazing way to see the country, but one downside is potentially missing out on live TV programming like sports, news, and special events. Thankfully, with the right gear and internet connection, you can bring live television along for the ride!
Finding a Strong Internet Connection
The most important factor in being able to stream live TV in your RV is having a strong internet connection. Live streaming requires a minimum of 5-10 Mbps download speed for SD quality, and 25 Mbps or higher for smooth HD streaming.
While free public WiFi hotspots at restaurants and libraries may work in a pinch, they can be unreliable for streaming. For the best experience, you’ll want to connect to campground WiFi, use a mobile hotspot device, or install an aftermarket cellular modem/router.
When evaluating campground WiFi, ask about the speeds they provide and any data caps. Many RV parks now offer fast, uncapped WiFi capable of handling video streaming. You can also check campground reviews online to see what past guests have said about the internet quality.
Mobile hotspots from companies like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile provide fast LTE speeds for internet on the go. Just be aware of their data limits, which range from 10 to 100+ GB per month. Going over will result in reduced speeds.
Installing a cellular modem and router hardwired to your RV provides the best performance and highest data limits. Pepwave and WeBoost Drive make some of the most popular options. With a 50GB to unlimited data plan, you can stream without worrying about going over.
I installed the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini router in my RV and added an AT&T unlimited data SIM card. Between campground WiFi and the cellular backup, I can count on having a fast and unlimited internet connection anywhere I roam for streaming live sports and TV without any hiccups!
Picking a Streaming Device
Once you have an internet connection secured, the next step is choosing a streaming device. Some of the most popular options are:
Apple TV 4K – Stream in HD or 4K quality from iOS devices using AirPlay. Sleek, intuitive interface. Access to Apple TV+ and ability to download apps like ESPN, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV and more.
Roku Streaming Stick+ – Affordable and portable. Stream in HD via the easy-to-use Roku interface. Has an enormous channel store with apps for live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live and more.
Fire TV Stick 4K – Streams UHD and HDR content. Alexa voice remote. Wide selection of apps including live TV streaming services.
Chromecast – Inexpensive and simple streaming through your mobile device. Cast live sports from apps like ESPN and live TV from services like YouTube TV and Hulu Live.
I alternate between the Roku Streaming Stick+ and Apple TV 4K in my RV. The Roku is great for those cable-like live streaming bundles while the Apple TV works seamlessly with my iPhone and iPad. For under $50 each, it made sense to have one of each!
Choosing a Live TV Streaming Service
With streaming devices in hand, now you need to pick a live TV streaming provider. Some of the top options for RV streaming are:
YouTube TV – $65/month. Offers over 85 channels including sports networks and locals. Unlimited DVR storage. Works on most devices.
Hulu + Live TV – $70/month. Over 75 channels plus full Hulu streaming library. 50 hours DVR storage. Access to ESPN, local channels, and more.
Sling TV – Starts at $35/month. Stream 30+ top cable channels. Cloud DVR storage for an extra fee. Popular packages include the Orange plan with ESPN and the Blue plan with NFL Network and local Fox/NBC.
FuboTV – Starts at $70/month. Strong channel lineup with over 120 channels and an emphasis on sports. Includes 250 hour DVR.
AT&T TV – $70/month and up. Live TV, sports and cloud DVR. Packages with 125+ channels available. Works on the AT&T TV streaming box.
I like YouTube TV for its channel selection, unlimited DVR, and reliability across all my devices. It has all the sports, news, and entertainment we need for under $100/month total. Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option I’ll use for short stints if I just need my ESPN fix!
Tips for Streaming Sports in the RV Lifestyle
Watching live sports while RVing brings a few unique challenges. Here are some top tips for streaming sports on the road:
- Check local blackout restrictions – Sports leagues often black out local live games. Use a GPS spoofer if streaming from out-of-market.
- Set recordings for your teams – Use your streaming service’s DVR so you don’t miss the big game.
- Download games in advance when you can – For scheduled games, pre-download to watch later and avoid buffering.
- Bring an outdoor antenna – Can pull in over-the-air broadcasts as a backup to stream freezing.
- Use a cell signal booster – Boosts weak LTE signals for when campground WiFi stutters. WeBoost and Cel-Fi make popular RV options.
- Ask neighbors to limit bandwidth – Politely ask those around you to limit streaming during the big game.
- Adjust video quality settings – Lower to limit data usage and help avoid buffering during peak congestion times.
About Author
