WeBoost experiences/install

[mhorvath1218]

I’m considering picking up a weBoost reach to install in my 24 Raptor. My truck is basically my office and I often need service/hot spot to my laptop for internet access when I’m areas with poor service.
Anyone have any experience with these boosters? Do they work well?

I’d love to hear from anyone whos installed one on a ranger and has tips for a clean exterior and interior antenna install. I’m mainly looking for a solution to mount the exterior antenna without visible wires.

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[John E Davies]

If you truly want reliable internet for your mobile business, you need a satellite system. A cell booster is only helpful when the signal is weak, once it becomes non-existent, you are completely screwed.

As long as you can get a reasonably clear view of the sky, a satellite system will always work. FYI

Starlink High-speed internet on the go

BIG Change for Starlink Standby Mode

I had considered a Weboost Reach Overland, but around here, the weak cell signals often vanish entirely due to steep terrain such as a canyons, and I don’t think a $500 investment would offer enough benefit, in this situation.

Where do you plan to mount an antenna? Do you have a topper or rack? The Weboost antennas (non-magnetic base) do not require a metal ground plane, but a taller mast is always better, in terms of overall performance. And they won’t work at all when rotated horizontally…. Since the Overland antenna has a rotating base, there is really no way to completely hide the cable. You can use one of these close by, to route the cable into the cabin..

Scanstrut DS-H6-BLK Horizontal Cable Seal for Cables from 2-6mm - Black

I think the regular Reach antenna can be flush mounted, but it will not perform as well as a taller model…..

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[John E Davies]

Have you read the Installation manual for the Weboost?

Drive Reach Overland Cellular Signal Booster

 

[alexjchan]

It was easy to run the antenna cable out of the cab behind the rear seat-back through a factory hole/grommet on the passenger side. I’m using a Seasucker mount so I can loan the WeBoost out and anyone can use it. For the internal antenna I have it sitting where the wireless charger is and seems to work well. It also fits on the center console in front of the shifter.

For a clean mount for the external antenna, some companies make an adapter plate for your high-mount brake light that should be waterproof and have no wires outside. In the future I will build a bracket between the bed and the cab to mount the antenna.

I’ve taken it up the CA coast, Central Oregon forests and all over the Bay Area. It’s not perfect but very helpful on remote drives. I was surprised many times to have reception for phone calls, maps and streaming music in the boonies. There have also been times when there is no signal to boost and in that case, satellite would have been better.

 

[mhorvath1218]

I’m mainly in the ny tri state area, not way out in the wilderness or anything. I generally always have a signal, but there are many towns and specific areas where its too week to run a hotspot. I just want to be able to upload reports on my laptop from anywhere instead of driving to find a better signal.

my ideal install would be the standard small reach antenna on the roof (behind the factory antenna i guess) that stays there permanently. I just hate seeing wires. Looks janky. I did see the Bullet Proof Diesel 3rd brake light antenna mount, but idk If that works with weboost antennas.

 

[BuenaRaptor]

I’ve got one and it does help when there is a bar of signal to boost. It’s not a fix all but helpful. Have had it for 7 years so I’m not sure I’d buy one in this day and time, I think I’d go straight to starling or Leo when it comes out. My antennae is mount in a T slot rail up against the drivers side bed rail and it’s flush with the top of cab. Sorry no pics.

 

[John E Davies]

Cell Phone Signal Boosters: The Definitive Guide

 

[superj]

If you have T-Mobile, satellite is available on all the new phones and it's only 15 bucks a month to add it to your plan.

I got their cheapest phone when my Galaxy flew off the truck on the highway, a moto g 2026, and it's got satellite option.

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