Living in a tiny house on wheels offers an incredible sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to choose your location and live a minimalist lifestyle. However, with this freedom comes the challenge of accessing the internet—a necessity in today’s connected world, especially for those who work online or enjoy streaming content.
This guide explores various ways to ensure you have reliable internet access in your tiny house on wheels, whether you’re parked on a friend’s property or living off-grid in a remote location.
Sharing Internet with Your Host
If your tiny house is parked on someone else’s property, one of the simplest solutions is to share internet access with your host. How you achieve this depends on your proximity to their home.
- Wireless Range Extender: If you’re parked close enough, a wireless range extender can be used to capture the Wi-Fi signal from your host’s router and rebroadcast it to your tiny house. This method is quick and easy, making it a popular choice for many tiny house dwellers.
- Ethernet Cable Connection: If you’re further away and plan to stay put for a while, running an ethernet cable between your tiny house and the host’s home might be the best option. Ethernet cables can generally stretch up to 100 metres without significant signal loss, but it’s essential to use a weatherproof cable or place it in a conduit to protect it from the elements.
In either scenario, it’s courteous to offer to share the internet bill or pay a little extra rent. Also, be mindful that others on the same network could potentially see your browsing activity unless you use a VPN or secure websites.
Wireless Broadband
For those living in areas with good mobile coverage, wireless broadband offers a flexible internet solution. This option uses a mobile network to provide internet access, eliminating the need for a fixed-line connection. While it may not be as consistent as the NBN, it offers the advantage of being portable—perfect for tiny house living.
Mobile Hotspot
Using your mobile phone as a hotspot is another convenient option, especially if you have a generous data plan. Simply connect your devices to your phone’s hotspot to access the internet. While this method can drain your phone’s battery and isn’t ideal for long-term use, it’s a handy and easy-to-implement solution for short-term needs or during travel.
Dongle and Pocket Wi-Fi Modem
For those who prefer not to use their phone as a hotspot, dongles and pocket Wi-Fi modems provide a compact and portable internet solution.
- Dongles: These USB devices plug directly into your laptop or computer, offering a direct connection to a mobile network. However, they can only connect to one device at a time and require a USB port.
- Pocket Wi-Fi Modems: These battery-powered devices allow multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously without the need for a USB port. They are small and portable, making them ideal for the limited space in a tiny house on wheels.
Satellite Internet
If your tiny house is located in a remote area with limited mobile coverage, satellite internet might be your best option. This requires installing a satellite dish on your tiny house, which then connects to a modem inside your home. While traditional satellite internet can be slower than NBN, it’s a reliable option for those off the beaten track.
An emerging alternative is Starlink, which uses low-orbit satellites to provide faster internet speeds compared to traditional satellite options. Starlink comes with a small portable dish that you can install yourself, offering a more convenient and potentially faster solution, though it comes at a higher price point.
Powering Your Internet
To keep your internet running in a tiny house on wheels, you need a reliable power source. If you’re parked on a host property, an extension cord to their home might suffice. However, for those who prefer off-grid living, solar power with a backup generator is a sustainable choice. To explore more about powering your tiny house with solar energy, check out our dedicated blog on the topic.
Staying Connected in a Tiny House on Wheels
Tiny houses on wheels offer a versatile and adaptable living solution, capable of supporting a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you’re aiming for an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle or simply want the flexibility to move your home, staying connected to the internet doesn’t have to be a challenge. With options ranging from shared connections and mobile hotspots to wireless broadband and satellite internet, there’s a solution for every situation.
No matter where you choose to park your tiny house on wheels, reliable internet access is within reach, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of tiny living without sacrificing connectivity.
