Indiana-based THOR Industries announced on Tuesday it has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to integrate Starlink flat high-performance dishes into select motorized recreational vehicles (RVs) in the U.S. and across the THOR family of companies in 2023.
THOR says its family of companies are the first RV OEMs to work with SpaceX to integrate Starlink flat high-performance dishes. This includes companies like Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin, where select motorized RVs will get an option to add Starlink.
All factory-installed Starlinks will be eligible for one month of free service after activation. THOR Industries says RV owners in the U.S. and Canada see “robust internet connectivity” as one of their top priorities, based on a recent study.
“This agreement is a big step toward providing constant internet connection for RVers everywhere,” said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin, in a press release. “Whether for work, staying in touch with family and friends, or streaming entertainment, a reliable internet connection is a must-have for today’s RVer. Starlink will help THOR elevate our RV owners’ experiences and create yet another important point of differentiation for the THOR family of companies.”
“We’re excited to work with THOR, Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin to bring Starlink to RV owners around the world,” added SpaceX Vice President of Business Operations Chad Gibbs. “By providing game-changing connectivity in remote locations whether parked or in motion, Starlink is expanding the boundaries of where RVers can explore while still staying connected to friends and family.”
“This agreement is the culmination of some great work by THOR’s Global Innovation Team led by McKay Featherstone,” said THOR Chief Operating Officer Todd Woelfer. “The identification and removal of friction points to the RV lifestyle is a major focus of the Global Innovation Team’s work. Creating an RV experience where reliable internet connectivity can be available to RVers everywhere is incredibly important. Bringing this innovation to the market will reshape the RV experience and lift up the global RV industry.”
Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency broadband internet around the world and has its satellite network at an altitude of 550 km, over 65 times closer than traditional geostationary satellites. This allows for lower latency and higher download speeds, allowing activities such as video calling and online gaming.
SpaceX offers its own RV service for Starlink launched last May, priced at $135 USD per month for service after a one-time cost of $599 for portable hardware. There’s an in-motion hardware option for $2,500 USD.
