Which Weboost model are most people installing? (1 Viewer)

[prharper]

It’s end of August 2023 and I’m considering adding a Weboost or better to my 100 and 200. Used one in my buddies Tacoma back home in Alaska and was amazed at how well it worked. His is a few years old so not the latest tech. So, a couple of questions:

- Any update relevant to this thread on the latest/ best cell phone signal booster? Any updates in the last year?

- Updated Learnings / best practices for installation? Or is the advice posted here still pretty solid?

- Anyone know a good installer in South Central AK or the Seattle area?

Looks like the Weboost Reach hasn't really changed other than they added an "Overland" package which includes a fold down antenna and mount. I have mixed feelings on the Weboost Reach. Hasn't been a game changer for me. Some of the reviews on their web site seem to reflect my experience.

Drive Reach Overland | weBoost

Meet the first cell signal booster designed for overlanders by overlanders. The Drive Reach Overland is the ultimate booster for peace of mind.

www.weboost.com

If I'm getting off the beaten path, I don't want to have to sit in my truck with the phone next to the interior antenna to try and get a bar. If you don't get service/bar, it's most likely not going to help.

What has been a game changer for me is the Starlink RV/Roam kit and plan. As long as the dish has a clear view to the sky, I can check messages and make voice calls. Was camping in New River Gorge, WV a few weeks ago. No one in the camp area had cellular service. I put the dish down by the river (minus a van) and was able to call my wife, check messages etc.

I only activate the Starlink service when I'm going on camping trips where I know there is poor or no cellular service.

Some folks have a positive experience with their Weboost.

Installation isn't too bad. The exterior antenna cable isn't that thick. I didn't do anything special to route it down the roof > rear tailgate > to the interior > to the Weboost unit behind the second row. Already had 12v power close by. I used an electrical fish tape / wire puller to route the interior antenna wire under the carpet to the dash. Wasn't too bad. If you don't want to deal with it, most car stereo installers can probably knock it out for you.

 

[TeCKis300]

Weboost Reach. Love the thing and keeps me connected with more consistency, throughput, and...reach. Keeps all the mapping and streaming apps going longer in the backcountry. I use to run a trucker/OTR antenna, but have since reverted back to the low profile magnet antenna. The larger antenna was only minimally more performant and only when using a super tall mast, but functionally was about the same so wasn't worth the effort and drag.

I would continue to recommend the Weboost Reach as it has the most gain allowed for a multi-band booster up to the legal limit. Perhaps more importantly, it supports a broad set of LTE channels/bands so it works regardless of carrier and cell phone. Important for upgrades, but also to help friends on whatever carrier they're on.

Install notes
- Keep the interior antenna as close as is physically possible to preserve as much signal boost. I have mine hidden behind the start/stop button panel and my magnet phone mount is 2 inches away on the A/C vent. Giving up precious inches is giving up gain and why some feel like it doesn't perform well.
- Important to keep physical separation as far as is reasonable between interior and exterior antenna to reduce feedback and maximize transmission power. My buddy with a truck struggled to get any performance as his exterior antenna was right behind the cab and that's too close. Exterior antenna as far to the rear as possible.
More notes in my install thread here - Cell Booster Install - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/cell-booster-install.1149040/

I keep my booster brain easy to access under the rear seats. For those with campers, I have a separate power adapter and antenna set in my travel trailer. So I can move brain back and forth. On the trailer, I have a directional Yagi antenna 14' off the ground that can be pointed. Range improves by at least 3x and goes out to miles.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I just ordered a Drive Reach Overland having seen it at Overland East. I guess mounting it on the rear left of the roof rack is the way to go for me as the rear right has my fuel can mount. I'll be referring to posts on this forum for installation hints.

 

[Mrtwooooo]

I have the Reach OTR version. One thing that I didn’t like during install is the antenna cable. You mount the outside antenna and it’s a one piece cable all the way to the booster box. If I want to remove the antenna I have to remove all the the routes cable that’s in the cruiser.
The Overland version I believe takes care of this issue by having a short cable coming off the outside antenna that then attaches to a long extension cable back to the booster box.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I have the Reach OTR version. One thing that I didn’t like during install is the antenna cable. You mount the outside antenna and it’s a one piece cable all the way to the booster box. If I want to remove the antenna I have to remove all the the routes cable that’s in the cruiser.
The Overland version I believe takes care of this issue by having a short cable coming off the outside antenna that then attaches to a long extension cable back to the booster box.

I just ordered one and it looks like the connector will be outside, at least I think it will for my install. I was wondering how I'm going to protect it from the elements.