QAV Wi-Fi Booster - Anyone use one?

[climb.on]

On our new FR No Boundaries 19.8 travel trailer there is a sticker on the window that says "This camper is prepped to upgrade to wi-fi." It says to go www.qavaftermarket.com for more info. The website doesn't give very good or very clear information. This antenna box is mounted up on top of the camper. So i'm guessing the antenna box is empty and they want $239 for the guts to make it functional. My question is...has anyone done this? If so, how well does it work?

There are many wi-fi boosters out there and many with lots of reviews. This thing has almost no presence (sales, reviews, etc) on the web other than their own website. Kind weird.

[Flybob]

There are quite a few threads here on WiFi extenders. Be aware that most campground WiFi networks are not designed to allow for streaming or any higher speed needs. Email and some internet are possible. What you plan to do with the WiFi will determine if it is worth it or not.

[NoBo_Rick]

I just had the dealer add it to my new 2020 19.6 as part of the purchase deal. I figured I'd let them do all the wiring.

I'll try to update this thread when I have a performance report.

[climb.on]

Originally Posted by NoBo_Rick

I just had the dealer add it to my new 2020 19.6 as part of the purchase deal. I figured I'd let them do all the wiring.

I'll try to update this thread when I have a performance report.

Yes, please do. Thanks!

[SPHiss]

I have been conversing with a "Sales Coordinator" from QAV and have received some information that I can share with you here.

Installation (outside):
If your RV already has a QAV TV antenna in place, then you can purchase the Upgrade rather than the Complete kit. All you do is unscrew the existing antenna, leaving the base plate in place, and disconnect the coax from the current antenna and attach to the new one. Then there are two more wires on the Wifi unit: a wire for the "Reset Wifi" wall mounted button and an optional ethernet cable for a hard-wired connection. There are no instructions for how to bring those other 2 wires into the coach and I'm pretty sure the Forest River RVs are not pre-wired with those two wires. So I'm expecting to have to wing it. My initial thought is to omit the ethernet wire and always use a wifi connection to the built-in router. For the wifi reset button, I'm thinking of drilling straight down from the antenna base into the ceiling and mounting the reset button directly below the antenna on the ceiling.

Installation (inside):
Since I'm not planning to install the optional ethernet cable, I think I can use the existing wall plate rather than the new one provided in the kit, which has coax and ethernet ports. This will be better since the existing wall plate has 2 coax ports, one for the roof antenna and the other connected to the satellite/cable jack on the outside of the RV. Then all I will need to do is mount the aforementioned reset switch on the ceiling after connecting the wire coming through the ceiling.

Purchasing:
The only way to purchase from their website is through Paypal. I have an a Paypal account but the functionality is not currently working on their web site (qavaftermarket.com). So again I would need to call the sales coordinator and give my credit card over the phone in order to purchase.

Summary:
The dearth of information on their web site and the failed shopping cart/Paypal integration has left a sour taste in my mouth. On the other hand, using the existing wiring with a small amount of drilling will produce a cleaner install, in my opinion. So I make take a leap of faith and forge ahead to see how it goes. Their TV antenna products are well-rated on Amazon but I can find no reviews of this wifi product.

Documentation I received from them is attached.

[Marine3038]

Originally Posted by SPHiss

I have been conversing with a "Sales Coordinator" from QAV and have received some information that I can share with you here.

Installation (outside):
If your RV already has a QAV TV antenna in place, then you can purchase the Upgrade rather than the Complete kit. All you do is unscrew the existing antenna, leaving the base plate in place, and disconnect the coax from the current antenna and attach to the new one. Then there are two more wires on the Wifi unit: a wire for the "Reset Wifi" wall mounted button and an optional ethernet cable for a hard-wired connection. There are no instructions for how to bring those other 2 wires into the coach and I'm pretty sure the Forest River RVs are not pre-wired with those two wires. So I'm expecting to have to wing it. My initial thought is to omit the ethernet wire and always use a wifi connection to the built-in router. For the wifi reset button, I'm thinking of drilling straight down from the antenna base into the ceiling and mounting the reset button directly below the antenna on the ceiling.

Installation (inside):
Since I'm not planning to install the optional ethernet cable, I think I can use the existing wall plate rather than the new one provided in the kit, which has coax and ethernet ports. This will be better since the existing wall plate has 2 coax ports, one for the roof antenna and the other connected to the satellite/cable jack on the outside of the RV. Then all I will need to do is mount the aforementioned reset switch on the ceiling after connecting the wire coming through the ceiling.

Purchasing:
The only way to purchase from their website is through Paypal. I have an a Paypal account but the functionality is not currently working on their web site (qavaftermarket.com). So again I would need to call the sales coordinator and give my credit card over the phone in order to purchase.

Summary:
The dearth of information on their web site and the failed shopping cart/Paypal integration has left a sour taste in my mouth. On the other hand, using the existing wiring with a small amount of drilling will produce a cleaner install, in my opinion. So I make take a leap of faith and forge ahead to see how it goes. Their TV antenna products are well-rated on Amazon but I can find no reviews of this wifi product.

Documentation I received from them is attached.

Trying to figure out the CA-1000 wifi myself = how did your install go? Is this wifi upgrade kit worth it?

[SPHiss]

Installation
See attached photos. Installation was relatively easy. Removed existing antenna with 4 screws and coaxial cable. With an extra long drill bit (> 3" needed), I drilled through the base all the way through the ceiling. I ran the "reset wire" through the drilled hole by taping it to a wooden skewer and pushing that through the hole. I left the Cat-5 internet cable unused in the base and connected the coax to the new Wi-Fi/TV extender, then remounted the new antenna to the base using the 4 screws. Attached the 4 antennas to the new unit.

Inside the RV, connected the reset switch to the reset wire using wire nuts. Screwed the reset switch into the ceiling. I did NOT replace the wall plate originally installed in the trailer's entertainment center with the one provided with the new unit.

Performance
I had the opportunity to test the installation over the Memorial Day weekend at Garden of the Gods RV Resort in Colorado Springs. The wi-fi signal was very weak (unusable, really) at the site where my trailer was located, so this would be a good test of the wi-fi booster. Using my phone, I found the SSID of the router in the QAV unit and connected to that network. Then I navigated the browser to the 192.168... URL as specified in the setup guide and got the login page for the administration. After logging in, I successfully connected the QAV to the campground's wi-fi, changed the ESSID to something more user friendly, and added wi-fi security with WAP2 authentication key. After saving that configuration, I was able to connect my phone to the new network SSID I had established, and everything seemed to be working okay for a few minutes.

But then, the wi-fi dropped and the wireless network SSID I set up has never been seen since. I tried pressing the reset button with no results. Since it was a holiday weekend, tech support from QAV was off the table.

I returned my trailer to the storage lot to plan my next steps.

Next Steps
Yesterday I took my trailer back to the dealership where I purchased it for some other warranty work. I asked them to try to get the Wi-fi extender working, and gave them the wall plate that came with the unit to see if that is critical to a successful installation. I will wait to hear back from them on their progress and then will post again here.

[A1Motion]

I too bought a NoBo 19.5 and purchased the "Upgrade" through QAV-Aftermarket. I have a decent amount of experience with all things wifi. I installed the upgrade which was very easy, and setup the network from my driveway accessing my home wifi - all worked great. I also changed the SSID and password for the network name, again worked great. Then we headed out for a trip.

After arriving at our campsite, I could scan for the campground network, and select it, but it wouldn't do anything when submitting. Not good. I went through menu options and preformed a factory reset, it then allowed me to submit the campground wifi and it worked. But it did the same thing again with thee next campground. I have tried contacting support through phone and email and have not gotten any response.

The upgrade also seemed to make the TV Channel booster lot worse, it barely gets any reception.

I am still going to try to get support, I would like to install different firmware to see that helps. Their firmware seems to be based off of WRT Open Source firmware.

Bottom line - It is definitely not worth the price of the upgrade, especially when support is so difficult to get. And there are better products out there

[NoBo_Rick]

Well, I had this QAV included in my original purchase price of my 19.5. IT has been a difficult process. My dealer installed the hardware and it fails to function properly. It will connect up to a WiFi signal, but only for 30 seconds then drop off. My dealer has been trying to get resolution from the vendor, but they appear to be stumped. It has been a week with no additional response from the vendor, the dealer is expecting new hardware but, we wait and see.

[climb.on]

Thanks for the feedback. I was afraid of this. Nice concept, poor execution.

[bikendan]

I wouldn't spend any money on a WiFi booster since most campgrounds have poor and slow WiFi.

[NoBo_Rick]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I wouldn't spend any money on a WiFi booster since most campgrounds have poor and slow WiFi.

I agree in general, but the dealer offered it as a throw in and two trips we take per year are on sites (Dry Camp - No Campground) that do have good WiFi, so took the offer

[2021Nobo19.6_Bill]

I'm so thankful for this thread. I Just bought my 21 NoBo 19.6 yesterday. My first thought was to get the antenna upgrade. After this, I think I will pass. I was hoping for different results but, you all just saved me a little money.

Thanks,
Bill

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

The basic unit came on our 2020 Surveyor. I am not interested in the WiFii feature. I have tested the TV reception with this antenna at several campgrounds. The results are dismal compared to my old trailer with a furrion antenna. I called tech support several times and left messages. No response. As noted the web site is practically useless. How they expect to sell and provide customer service is beyond me.

I finally sent an email and got a nasty gram phone call back informing me that "I never miss any voicemails" And that it had to be my fault.

Anyway based on my experience and the web site.

Not getting any $ from me.

Good Luck all.

[NoBo_Rick]

Originally Posted by NoBo_Rick

Well, I had this QAV included in my original purchase price of my 19.5. IT has been a difficult process. My dealer installed the hardware and it fails to function properly. It will connect up to a WiFi signal, but only for 30 seconds then drop off. My dealer has been trying to get resolution from the vendor, but they appear to be stumped. It has been a week with no additional response from the vendor, the dealer is expecting new hardware but, we wait and see.

As an update.....
Still not working or resolved.

[RKiersey]

How difficult would it be to just remove it and replace with something like a Winegard? Could the factory wiring be used?

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by RKiersey

How difficult would it be to just remove it and replace with something like a Winegard? Could the factory wiring be used?

I am not sure about Winegard. But I am definitely replacing the antenna with something else. Just have to find something that will replace the mounting holes or cover them up. The cable and amp are still probably reusable.

Good luck all.