Cell phone signal booster

[TRG]

Anyone here ever used a cell signal booster? We were boondocking on the Mogollon Rim this weekend, and just out of range of cell. I was wondering if these things actually worked well or are just snake oil.

It sure would be nice to be able to check email, etc and still be far out.

[Mello Mike]

I don’t own one, but I know several people who do. They swear by them. I’m planning on getting one, too. Where on the RIM were you camped? I can usually get cell service all along the RIM road (FR 300) unless you get further inland away from Hwy 260.

[TRG]

We were at the FR9350 camping area, right off of FR300. Here –
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.347257,-110.9864165,16.35z

A few hundred yards toward the rim, I could get signal, so we’d walk there and check email, etc but it was a pain. There are a few locations much further in I’d like to check out, so I’m curious as to how these things work.

Any particular model you have in mind, Mike?

[Don Nelson]

The weBoost Drive 4G-X series had the best overall reviews when I researched boosters a few months back. Three different “outside” antennae were available in packages, magnetic roof-top, mirror-mount trucker and RV mount, and there were several other add-ons available tuned for the device.

The antenna that talks to the phone has limited range (so as not to interfere with the outside antenna), so the booster can be used either in the truck cab or in the camper, but not both. At this point my brain got caught in the “cab/camper/cab/camper” feedback loop, and I put the project on the back burner.

Let us know what you decide to do.

[Wheeldog]

Got a couple of the Wilson Boosters. Been using them for years.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/

2016 3500 HD Durmax

1994 S and S 9.5' Camper (SOLD)
1999 S and S 9.5 Camper

[John Powell]

I also have Wilson boosters, you must select the correct one because the home high powered unit I have in my residence requires 50′ seperation between the antennas. I live where cell signal is zero on the phone but I get 2-3 bars with booster, I still get dropped calls because of the terrain, trees and distance to the tower. The direct connect was the best but most of these modern phones don’t have an antenna plug. We tell people DON’T call me on my cell as a first choice, I was raised without one and when they came along I was building my house where they didn’t work.

Aircommuter

[John Powell]

I forgot to mention that Wilson is now called WEBOOST.

Aircommuter

[Author]

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