Boosting Cell Service To Stay Connected Off The Beaten Path
While many of us use our overlanding, camping, and off-roading excursions to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, there is still an element of security in knowing that you can reach someone in the case of an emergency. So, what are your options if you want to reach somebody while you’re out off the beaten path?
Radios are common, but there is a lot to learn regarding different frequency types, potential licensing requirements, and equipment installations for more powerful variants. They’re also limited in range and frequency type. For example, you’ll only be able to contact people within a certain distance of your position and only if they have a radio that operates on the same frequency as yours.
To combat the range limitation, there are also satellite phones. They can be used from practically anywhere and work similarly to a cell phone. However, satellite phones can be expensive. We’re talking $700-$2,500.
Well, I think I have found a decent middle ground between the remote coverage of a satellite phone and the more specialized capabilities of a radio; a vehicle cell signal booster. Specifically, the SureCall Fusion 2Go 3.0.
Installation Overview
Tools Required
- I didn’t use any, however, a pair of pliers may help.
Many companies make vehicle boosters, and SureCall even makes a few versions of the Fusion 2Go. I opted for the 3.0 over the RV or Fleet Vehicle versions because it features a magnetic low-profile antenna that requires no drilling to install. The RV and Fleet Vehicle Boosters both feature permanently attached antennae and since I use my truck as my daily driver, I wanted something super simple to install.
Installation took me a total of maybe 20 minutes and ig came with clear instructions that made it super easy. Cable management is probably the most tedious part.
Package Contents
- Booster Unit
- Internal & External Antennas
- 12V Power Cable
- Velcro Adhesive Strips
Installation simply involves connecting the two antennae and power cables to the booster and magnetizing the external antennae to the roof of your vehicle. Then, simply plug the power cable into your cigarette lighter and you’re ready to roll! The other nice thing about the Fusion2Go is that there is a power switch on the device so it’s not constantly drawing power from your battery.
Once you have everything plugged in, you’ll probably want to do some cable management. I put the booster unit under my driver’s seat and used the included adhesive Velcro to keep it in place. Then, I coiled up the extra cable using a twist tie and tucked the bundle under the seat as well.
I used the provided adhesive to keep the internal antenna from moving as well. The cable to the rooftop antennae is a little trickier to hide; I tucked the cable under the weather stripping on my driver-side door.
Performance Review
While the booster did help me get signal in places I normally wouldn’t have any, I wasn’t able to get service everywhere I would have liked to. That is to say, it seemed to help me reduce dead spots but didn’t eliminate them completely.
With a cell booster, don’t expect to suddenly have a 5G signal everywhere you go. Having said that, there were a lot of times that I was able to find a high or clear spot to set up camp and find a signal. I did notice that obstructions like canyons or tall trees tend to impact the unit’s performance.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve really enjoyed using the SureCall unit. I just want to be transparent about the fact that it won’t work miracles and give you 100% signal everywhere – that’s the case with all cell boosters, though.
This is because several years ago, the FCC mandated metered power output to be limited to .5 watts by all cell and 5G boosters for both vehicles and buildings. Before this mandate, companies were producing ones with a power output of about 3 watts. This limits the booster’s power to push your device’s signal out to ping the available networks. This signal output is a huge part of boosting cell signal and because of the mandate, all of them are now a bit neutered when compared to the old models.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I have enjoyed using my Fusion2Go. It gives me a bit more signal when I am out doing the things that I love and is very easy to install. The low-profile design is unobtrusive, which I really like. I do plan on getting myself a good GSM radio as a backup.
Because of the enhanced signal capabilities, my vehicle tends to become a popular hang-out spot for everyone else during trips. I can also avoid dead spots in the city since this is on my daily driver. All in all, it fits my needs perfectly and I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a cell booster.
