When I wrote my first couple Winegard product reviews, I didn’t think the ConnecT +4G RV mobile broadband solution could get much better. So when Winegard contacted us to review the new ConnecT 2.0 I had to see for myself.
tldr; The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 Wifi Extender +4G LTE is an ideal mobile broadband solution for RVers who rely on local wifi and want cellular data on the go without a service contract.
Winegard ConnecT 2.0 RV Internet Overview
At first glance, the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 Wifi Extender +4G LTE (model ConnecT4G2) is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The wifi and 4G antennae are all contained in a sleek low profile dome. The footprint is only slightly larger, but it no longer looks like an inverted stool that could easily be damaged while rolling down the road.
What is it?
The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 is a self-contained roof-mounted booster that allows you to connect all your devices to the internet via wifi or 4G LTE wireless networks through its built-in secure mobile broadband hotspot. The Winegard ConnecT Wifi Extender will scan and connect to any local WiFi network, boost the signal strength, and rebroadcast it in and around your RV. It also enhances the performance of 4G LTE network signals to improve cellular phone and data service. This maximizes network speed & range to improve performance in remote locations with weak WiFi or cellular network signals.
What’s New?
Aside from the new design, the Winegard ConnecT now supports multiple 4G carrier plans. One of the best features has not changed–only gotten better…No wifi, no problem! To connect at 4G speeds with a Winegard data plan, simply purchase a 30 day plan that meets your needs, with no contract, no daily limit, and no bandwidth throttling.
And now, with the capability to swap out the SIM card, you can use an existing data plan or add a new one from various other carriers.
Whether you want to improve the strength and rage of campground wifi networks, boost cellular service where coverage is weak, or connect via wireless broadband service with no contract required, the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 +4G will do the trick.
What does it do?
By boosting wifi and 4G signal performance, the ConnecT 2.0 will enhance wifi calling and messaging, allowing you to make and receive calls by connecting to your Winegard data plan, or selected carrier SIM card. The boosted wifi signal will help improve your web browsing, online gaming, or video streaming experience. Boosted 4G network signals will improve cellular voice and data performance for all your mobile devices or broadband hotspots.
How?
Turn on the ConnecT and log in to the secure admin interface with any web browser to select any local public wifi network. If the network is secure, you will need to enter the password. That’s it! The wifi signal will be boosted and rebroadcast in and around your RV. Or, select 4G/LTE to use your Winegard ConnecT data plan, or another carrier if you have replaced the included SIM card with your own.
What doesn’t it do?
The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 does not perform magic. It will not make toast. Local wifi performance is still limited to the speed of the trunk internet connection—think the router in the park office. And it will still be impacted by the number of users, and congestion on local network node or cellular tower.
How do you install it?
This part is simple. The original Winegard ConnecT unit I reviewed required installation of the external antenna array, with network cabling routed to the booster inside your RV. The new ConnecT 2.0 is an all-in-one unit which only requires DC power to be routed to the roof-mounted dome. The kit comes with a wall switch and simple to follow instructions for tapping into your RV 12v power.
- Mount the dome on the roof.
- Connect to DC power.
- Install the switch.
Turn on the ConnecT and and you’ll get online in minutes with an intuitive interface and minimal configuration required. Really, there is nothing to configure. Just select Wifi if you want to boost and use any available local wifi network. Whenever you are in motion, or anywhere with no public wifi, Select the 4G mode to connect via LTE speeds.
Come on, is it really all that?
The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 is a vast improvement over the original version, but it does still have a couple drawbacks.
If you have no data left on your Winegard 4G plan, you still have to connect via wifi to access your account and purchase another plan. But that can be done from anywhere, and no other provider offers such pay-as-you-go plans.
When first connecting the ConnecT seemed to take a bit longer than I am used to on our various other mobile broadband devices. The ConnecT does have LED status indicators which tell you what’s going on, but those are on the dome…which will be on your roof.
What’s it cost?
That’ usually the first question we get on all our product reviews. So I saved the best answer for last…
The best improvement in the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 +4G is that at $349± it costs 30% less than the original model ($479±). Considering there is no contract required, Winegard ConnecT data plans are also rather affordable.
Conclusion?
As far as I know, the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 Wifi Extender +4G is the only mobile broadband solution that will both boost wifi and cellular signals and connect via 4G LTE, without any service contract. For RVers who rely on public wifi and want 4G service with no contract required, the ConnecT 2.0 is my recommendation.
If you travel full time, this is one mobile broadband solution for you that offers both a wifi booster and built-in 4G. Did I mention there is no data plan contract required?
If you do not travel full time, this is the mobile broadband solution for you since you won’t be paying for cellular data service when you’re not using it.
Read more Winegard ConnecT reviews on Amazon.
Any questions?
If you need access to work from home like we do, redundancy is the best RV internet solution. The Winegard ConnecT 2.0 Wifi Extender +4G offers two redundant connectivity methods in one package!
Why can’t I connect to my phone as a hotspot? It just doesn’t show up as anavailable network.
Connect what? Restart all the devices. And consider contacting Technical Support for whatever equipment you’re referring to…good luck!
Hello, Are there any roll over plans so you can bank unused data?
That would depend upon which provider you use. I recall an old Verizon plan that allowed us to carry over a certain amount of data, before we moved on to “unlimited” plans long ago.
We just started rving and learning all sorts of stuff. One thing is the difference between cellular data on a phone plan and hotspot data. Our ATT plan has unlimited cellular data. I can use a cable to my tv from phone and watch forever, unlimited. But if I use my phone as a mobile hotspot, I only get 40 gigs of data. So if I connect my Amazon fire stick to our mobile hotspot I can tear through that 40 gigs in days. If I put a sim card in the Winegard, what does it use, cellular data, or mobile hotspot data?
Thanks
Good question! It would likely use cellular data, because hotspot data is only that bandwidth used via devices connected to the hotspot via wifi.
What will it do without buying a plan?
That would depend upon which model you’re referring to Jeff. This post is from 2009, when the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 would still boost any local wifi or cellular signal. Without a broadband contract though, it would not provide direct connectivity. So, as stated above: “The Winegard ConnecT Wifi Extender will scan and connect to any local WiFi network, boost the signal strength, and rebroadcast it in and around your RV. It also enhances the performance of 4G LTE network signals to improve cellular phone and data service.”
I’ve been trying to add Wingard to my Verizon plan for the last few days.
If your Grandfather in their 55plus plan then forget it. Only way I can use this device with my Verizon is to select a different plan which is costly. And I won’t be able to go back to my Grandfathered plan ever.
Guess I’ll just tether off my phones if WiFi is poor.
I’ve had the Winegard ConnecT 2.0 for almost 2 years now. My wife and I RV probably a little less than many on this site so and we just started for the last couple years sparingly. I watch YouTube videos on internet connectivity frequently. I noticed that they just reported that AT&T had a 100GB data plan for about $55. So I took my SIM card into the local AT&T store and was given a new SIM and started an account for about that price. The employee wasn’t sure of the plan I was referred to by the Mobile Internet Solutions team and she offered it at 100GB for $60 but because I got an extra discount I got it for $55.00. I have been frustrated with the Winegard ConnecT but most of that is due to my own lack of knowledge around the device. I discovered that I could hook my Apple TV up to it either via the wifi or the 4G/LTE and airplay as well as get most of my applications to stream to the RV’s TV. I almost accidentally found that out. I have gone from serious disappointment with the Winegard ConnecT to being absolutely thrilled over its performance. Again, most of the failings of the device were due to my own ignorance. Up to speed now.
Thanks for the feedback!
Im still not totally understanding how it works…
Do you HAVE to buy a data plan?
Or does it give you better service if you purchase a data plan?
Do it do anything stand alone? or purchasing a plan is the only way to go?
Consider contacting Winegard Josh. The wifi extender will certainly work without any data plan. But his post is now 3 years old, so they are the best to answer your question.
Hi Jim,
I recently had the Connect 2.0 installed on my RV and tho I’ve only used it so far at one campground for a few weeks I must say that I’m unimpressed. It’s slow, as in switching between wifi and cell, and performance overall. My ipad gets better signal and thruput, but can’t share it very well and there’s that pesky FW requirement . I frequently have to power cycle it as I lose connectivity. And then the looming 5G, or lack there of, coming down the road. I really hope the come out with a simple upgrade for that. Time will tell.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll presume you’re referring to an iPad with cellular connectivity, and not connecting to wifi.
Does the WINEGARD® Connect 2.0 that comes with the Thor chateau act also as the tv antenna for local channels
That’s a question for Thor, but I doubt it. As I know, the ConnecT 2.0 is only mobile broadband antenna and wifi booster.
I’m purchasing a new rv and I speced out after a little research a connect 2.0 due to the att connectivity as I already have them. After 1 hour on the phone and 4 departments I was told they don’t do that. They then referred me to winegard for their service. They did not even answer the phone.
Is there a better way to have ability to use 4g service while traveling ? Cuz this don’t appear to be it
Redundancy is your
bestonly option for reliable connectivity anywhere! Consider the Skyroam Solis for connecting to different providers, or get multiple devices – for example an ATT phone and Verizon hotspot.Last year I purchased a Winegard model WF2-435 Connect 2.0 4G-LTE + WiFi Extender. We recently decided to take a trip after the covid 19 and contacted Verizon. We were told that they did not support this unit. AT&T does not have a special plan for unlimited data what they do have is a very expensive plan for 30 gb for 70.00 mo. I have talked to both Winegart and AT&T.
Thanks for the feedback!
I just purchased the winegard and have Verizon. I added a jetpack to my plan and put the SIM card in and it worked right away.
The only thing I can’t figure out is why or how it burnt they all of my data in 2 days.
I’m sure everyone who has ever burned through their data asks the exact same question! You’d be surprised how much dta is eaten up by simple browsing and email use these days. But massive data use is usually due to automatic app and system updates…like the time we had a few gigs of our satellite data eaten up by a windoze update that took place unexpectedly overnight long ago. We now pay very close attention to these things.
I have the Winegard pre-installed by Thor on the RV we purchased. I appreciate reviews like this, and I thank you, but some honest reporting on the ability of the equipment to actually do what the manufacturer says it will do would be more helpful than to simply restate manufacturer claims as if these claims were tested by you and found to be true. I refer you back to an earlier comment about the Winegard acting as a cell phone booster and your response that, while you promoted that use as part or your review, you were simply repeating what the manufacturer had claimed without any independent testing on your part. As for that question, I will tell you that my testing resulted in absolutely no gain in cell phone performance. Zero. Further, this system is not easy, nor reliable, and has proven to be so frustrating, that even as “free” (already installed when I purchased the RV), I am going to take it out and trash it and replace it with a cheaper, but usable, extender that I have used in the past for the grand price of $40.
This is for internet data, not cellular use.
The 4G is a plan you pay to get internet data from a cell tower, much like you would from a cable company in a residence when you subscribe for internet service .
thank you for your honest insight. I used Verizon’s jet pack for many years without too many problems. Since i used it for business purposes I needed something reliable. I didn’t know anything about the Wingard unit but it sounds like I should stick with the jetpack.
Which one did you use i paid for the winegard to be installed and purchsed, they ripped me off at $1,300.00 installed labor and devices im 70 whi can help me get wifi im a full time rver
What kind of extender did you buy for $40? I want to trust Winegard but i don’t want to waste my money.
Thanks
Christine
Are the only SIM cards compatible either winegard, att, or Verizon.
Sounds like a good question for Winegard!
Lets say you already have two phones with either ATT or Verizon. (We currently have Verizon plans with 15GB 4G data on each phone. You can get a sim card and 15GB more (Total of 45GB per month) for only an additional cost of $20 per month.
(We have the phones anyways)…..
So we are looking at Winegard at about $400 per month for same amount of data……or our phone costs plus $20 for the sim card/added data plan……Not to hard a decision to make
Everyone’s needs are different. It’s all a matter of how much data you use, and whether or not you need the wifi-boosting capabilities Winegard offers.
I got one of these things! It’s a monster getting connected to Verizon. I’m not talking changing the chip. That’s easy! Getting that chip activated is very spendy and the data plans are the same price as Wineguard. So just a few hours of streaming is $80 and if you don’t use it, you lose it. If all you want is a WiFi booster, there are cheaper ways. I’ll keep mine as I have the holes in my roof but I do not recommend it!
Sorry it’s not working out for you Dolly. Thanks for the feedback.
How do I purchase a US data plan for the Winegard Connect 2?
John, contact Winegard.com for details about current plan offerings.
I am trying to get a data plan for my connect 2.0. Been trying for hours and haven’t found a way yet
I suggest you contact Winegard for support. I’m sorry, but I can’t be of any assistance without any sort of indication whatsoever about what type of issues you might be encountering. Good luck with that!
Hi,
Your article mentions that the device will boost cellular signals.
“the only mobile broadband solution that will both boost wifi and cellular signals and connect via 4G LTE”
The folks at rvmobileinternet.com say that the device is not a cellular booster.
Thanks for the comment Mike. The information in our review comes directly from Winegard, which declares:
Great write-up! I have one question about the Winegard data plans. What network(s) do they use?
Great question! I forgot to mention, the Winegard data plans us AT&T. I covered that in our first ConnecT reviews, but am glad you brought it up here. Thanks!