Choosing the Right Starlink Setup for Travel
Whether you’re working on the road, keeping the kids entertained, or just want a solid connection at camp, Starlink has become a must-have for Aussie travellers.
But with different dish models and just as many mounting options, figuring out the best Starlink setup for your caravan or camper can get overwhelming. Do you flat mount it? Use a pole? Leave it on the ground?
We’ve broken it down so you can find the right setup for how you travel.
Which Starlink Dish Do You Have?
Before we get into mounts, it’s worth knowing which dish model you’re working with.
- Gen 2 Standard (Rectangular) - The most common choice for travellers. Lightweight and easily clicks into standard poles with no adapter needed.
- Gen 3 (High Performance) - Bigger, more powerful, and no motors. Comes with a kickstand that must be removed to mount on a pole. Needs a Gen 3 pole adapter.
- Starlink Mini - Compact and portable, great for short stops. Also comes with a kickstand. Needs a Mini pole adapter for elevation.
Mounting Options: What Works for Travelling?
When you're caravanning, free camping, or setting up in unfamiliar terrain, how you mount your Starlink dish can affect everything from your signal strength to safety and convenience.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common mounting styles used on the road:
1. On the Ground or Table
This is the quickest way to get set up especially for overnight stays or quick stops. It is best for short-term stops in controlled environments but is not ideal for high-traffic or remote areas.
But while it's convenient, it has a quite a few downsides:
- Easy to trip over cables
- Vulnerable to pets, people, and passing vehicles (yes, we’ve seen it happen)
- Can get muddy or unstable on uneven ground
- Theft risk at busy campsites
2. Flat Mounting to Your Car or Caravan Roof
A sleek, low-fuss option, especially if you’re after a permanent, always-on connection. It is best for full-time travellers who stay put for long periods and want a “set-and-forget” setup. But again while convenient, it also has downsides:
- Can be expensive & may require professional install.
- When fixed to car or caravan roof, you lose interest when away from van
- 2 dishes require separate accounts if you want both car + van connectivity
3. Pole Mounting (Our Top Pick for Travellers)
Flexible, portable, and great for getting the best signal, pole mounting is ideal for travellers on the move. It is best for anyone who moves regularly, camps in varied terrain, or wants a smarter Starlink setup.
With a Telescopic Starlink Pole or Fibreglass Extension Pole, you can raise your dish for:
- Better signal in bushy or built-up areas
- Safer, tidier setups with cables off the ground
- More security, elevated dishes are harder to tamper with
- Quick pack-up when you're ready to roll
Pro Tip from the Experts
“Mounting the dish is highly recommended for optimal performance and stability.”
— SpaceTek Australia (Official Starlink Distributor)
Whether you're camping in the bush or parked by the beach, elevating your dish gives better visibility to the sky, meaning fewer dropouts and a stronger connection especially in rough weather.
Do You Need an Adapter?
The newer dishes come with a kickstand that needs to be removed and replaced with a pole adapter.
If you’ve got a Gen 3 or Mini, we’ve made it simple:
👉 Gen 3 Adapter with Gen 2-Compatible Shaft – Mounts your Gen 3 dish securely to any Gen 2-compatible pole system.
👉 Mini Adapter with Gen 2-Compatible Shaft – Designed for the ultra-portable Starlink Mini, with a secure fit and clean finish.
Keep your setup lightweight, stable, and road-ready with these injection moulded adapters.
Our Recommendation?
If you're travelling full-time or just love moving from place to place, a pole-mounted Starlink setup is the smart choice. It's flexible, secure, and gives you the freedom to set up anywhere without the cost and commitment of a fixed install.
✅ Ready to upgrade your Starlink setup?
Explore our full range of poles, adapters, and accessories here.
Cook, Connect, and Camp Smarter.