WiFi added to truck?

Has anyone added a permanent or semi-permanent Wi-Fi setup to their truck? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but I don't mind spending money on a decent setup either. Now that I'm running a dash cam that needs to Wi-Fi to upload videos, I'm thinking about adding this to my truck. My wife and kids could also benefit from the connectivity too. I thought about a portable hotspot but I'd like something that runs through the truck to utilize the antenna for reception. Possibly an ODB2 port unit or even a separate modem.

 

It ain’t cheap, but Elon might have you covered:

https://www.starlink.com/rv

 

That's definitely more than I want to spend, plus I don't want to use a satellite antenna on my truck. Thanks for the recommendation though.

 

Get a hotspot, put in the glovebox/center console and wire in a constant hot USB (or switched with key) to keep it charged or powered. Then you can grab it and use it elsewhere rather than some in the truck mounted stuff.

That stated, why..... phone hotspot if you really want to upload vids

 

Look at Joying. it’s an Android HU. You can use 4G and 5G. Also has CarPlay if you don’t want to pay the extra cellphone fee.

 

No I try to minimize exposure to those frequencies.

get outside and get the screen out of your face for a while.

 

Easiest and cheapest is to enable your phone tethering. Pocket hotspot is best hotspot.

 

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

 

‘Radiation is probably higher outside. That’s why people have to go out side to get cell reception.

 

I’m not aware of anything that would allow the use of the antenna. I went with a Visible from Verizon no contract phone, tethered via a $30 Amazon router. Works great so far. The Visible service is $30/month. I have ATT for my regular cell, so having the Verizon helps in spots ATT doesn’t have great coverage.

Here is a link to the router. I’ll be installing it permanently in the truck this weekend when I get the console molle panels delivered.

GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router - WiFi Router/Access Point/Extender/WDS | OpenWrt | 2 x Ethernet Ports | OpenVPN/Wireguard VPN | USB 2.0 Port

$32 GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router - WiFi Router/Access Point/Extender/WDS | OpenWrt | 2 x Ethernet Ports | OpenVPN/Wireguard VPN | USB 2.0 Port

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07794JRC5

 

so you use a USB cable to connect to a portable wifi extender that needs its owner power source...... when you could just turn hotspot on on the phone itself? why?!?!

The ONLY way i could see this being beneficial is if you absolutely needed a wired network connection for a device. In which case you could probably plug a USB wired ethernet adapter right into your android phone and call it good.

 

The wifi router charges the phone while it is tethered to it. I went with the different service (Verizon) due to traveling to different areas where ATT has spotty service at best. The phone is also mounted in a spot I can’t reach to restart the hotspot if it happens to disconnect while I’m driving, hence the reason for tethering and the mini router.

Scroll on if you don’t agree. I don’t recall asking for your approval/advice to begin with.

 

I pay $200 yearly for Toyota connect with AT&T.

unlimited Wi-Fi

 

Try WeBoost, double check with your provider to make sure your GSM bandwidth is compatible. I've seen quite a few long-haul truckers and RV's with this system and seriously thought about getting it for the truck but it doesn't work with my network provider, though it may now since they've merged with another company. It basically turns your vehicle into a mobile cell tower and amplifies the signal through a small in-cab antenna. You have to be within like 15 ft of the antenna for it to affect your cellphone. Or just enjoy the great outdoors and put the screen down.

-J

 

Which isn't a thing on second gen tacomas; notice this is in the second gen forum.

 

Sorry. I was searching for Wi-Fi interior antenna location and stumbled on you all. My bad, I will get back in my corner and color!