Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Mobile Internet Setup for Vanlife: Infrastructure Insights from The Road Two Spoons

In today’s age of digital nomadism, mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. For vanlifers like Jess and Marcus, better known as The Road Two Spoons, staying online while travelling full-time across Europe and Türkiye requires more than just a mobile hotspot. Their campervan serves as both home and office, meaning a robust and redundant internet setup is essential.

Their upgraded system offers a great case study into the infrastructure behind reliable van-based internet. It combines cellular and satellite connectivity with intelligent routing and efficient power use—demonstrating how mobile networking hardware can be optimised for life on the road.

The Core: A Multi-Path Internet Router

At the heart of the setup is the Teltonika RUTX50, a compact yet powerful 3G/4G/5G modem-router that supports multiple WAN inputs and advanced network management. Key features include:

  • Dual SIM support for redundancy (though only one slot is currently in use)
  • Auto-switching and load balancing capabilities
  • A low power draw suitable for off-grid living
  • 12V operation with physical on/off switching
  • Multiple antenna ports: 4 x SMA for 5G, 2 x ReSMA for Wi-Fi, and 1 x SMA for GPS
  • 5 x Gigabit Ethernet ports for flexible wired connections

The router integrates seamlessly with both a 5G antenna and a Starlink dish, offering connectivity even in the most remote regions.

Cellular Connectivity: Poynting Antenna Integration

For cellular signal reception, the van uses a Poynting MIMO-4-4 5G antenna. This external, roof-mounted unit connects directly to the RUTX50 to ensure strong signal acquisition, especially in fringe coverage areas.

This antenna enhances the performance of their ConnectPls Europe unlimited data SIM, providing primary connectivity when Starlink is unavailable or switched off. The setup allows automatic failover between cellular and satellite internet sources, keeping downtime to a minimum.

Satellite Support: Starlink Gen3 + Starvmount

Mounted securely on the van roof is a Starlink Gen3 (V4) dish, using the Starvmount DishyMultiMount. This combination ensures:

  • Flat, in-motion satellite connectivity via Starlink Roam
  • Fixed mounting at an optimal 8° angle, aiding both signal quality and weather resilience
  • Improved mechanical security over Starlink’s original mobility mount

Thanks to Starlink’s global coverage and low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, the couple can achieve 200+ Mbps speeds in locations where even sending a text would otherwise be impossible.

Power Considerations: 12V Starlink Conversion

To avoid reliance on inverters and 230V AC power, the Starlink system runs directly off the van’s 12V power system using a Starvmount Dishy NoAC DC power supply. This device:

  • Accepts a wide input voltage (9–36V), suitable for 12V or 24V installations
  • Offers plug-and-play integration between the Starlink dish and the RUTX50
  • Eliminates the need for Starlink’s original AC-powered router
  • Emits a minor static noise under load, so is ideally installed in a cupboard or enclosed space

A dedicated 12V switch allows the system to be powered down when not in use, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Cabling and Waterproofing: Roof-Grade Sealing

Cables for both Starlink and the Poynting antenna are routed through the van’s roof using Scanstrut DS-H-MULTI-BLK cable seals. These seals are:

  • IP68-rated for waterproofing
  • UV-stable to withstand prolonged sun exposure
  • Trusted for roof penetrations in marine and automotive applications

This careful attention to weatherproofing ensures long-term reliability of the system, even in extreme environments.

One Wi-Fi Access Point, Seamless Switching

Because both Starlink and cellular data feed into the same RUTX50 router, the van operates a single internal Wi-Fi access point. The router automatically prioritises the Starlink connection when available, and falls back to the SIM card with minimal delay when Starlink is powered off.

This means no manual reconfiguration is required, simplifying the digital experience onboard and allowing Jess and Marcus to focus on their work, travel, and content creation.

Final Thoughts: Engineering Freedom on Four Wheels

What makes this campervan internet setup impressive is not just the performance, but the thoughtful integration of multiple technologies: 5G, satellite broadband, power management, and rugged installation. By combining a modular approach with careful hardware selection, The Road Two Spoons have created a high-reliability infrastructure that could easily be adapted to off-grid cabins, remote workstations, or mobile command vehicles.

As connectivity becomes more critical in all forms of modern living, this vanlife case study offers valuable insights into how telecom infrastructure can be effectively deployed outside traditional settings—bringing reliable broadband to wherever the road leads.

Watch the Setup in Action 🎥

Here’s a short video from The Road Two Spoons walking through their full campervan internet setup—from antennas to modems and Starlink on 12V:

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