Which plan
Same rules as any RV: size to your busiest month. Weekend van trips with a show at night fit 100GB. Full-time with work calls: Unlimited. The picker does the math.
Mini or Standard in a van
| Spec | Mini | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Kit price on starlink.com | $149 | $349 |
| Average power | 25–40 W average | 75–100 W average |
| 12 V direct | Yes: 12–48 V DC input, so it can run from a 12 V RV system without an inverter | Needs a DC-DC supply or inverter |
| Weight (dish) | 1.10 kg (2.43 lb) without the kickstand | 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) without the kickstand |
| Starlink says | “Best for low-power, compact internet” | Faster, and better in adverse weather |
For battery sizing, solar and running the Mini all day, see our sister site, Starlink Mini USA.
Van mounts
- Roof rack: Starlink’s Roof Rack Mount: the Standard Roof Rack Mount fits rack bars 15–44.5 mm thick and up to 95 mm wide, or compatible T-slots.
- Bolted to the roof: a Mobility Mount into a surface at least 1 in (Mini) or 1.5 in (Standard) thick. Van roofs are thin sheet metal, so this means a backing plate or a rack-mounted panel.
- On the ground at camp: the kickstand, free, and it can reach a clearing.
Cable and power
- Common van cable paths: a roof vent fan’s cable gland, a sealed roof entry, or through a rear door seal for portable setups. Cable entry options.
- Driving with it on: Roam plans allow up to 100 mph. Standby Mode is not intended for in-motion use.
Questions people ask
Mini or Standard for a van?
The Mini draws less power and runs straight off 12 V, which suits small van electrical systems. Starlink describes the Standard as faster and better in bad weather. Power and Mini questions in depth: our sister site.
How do I mount Starlink on a van roof?
On a roof rack with Starlink’s Roof Rack Mount, or bolted to the roof with a Mobility Mount into a solid surface. Many van-lifers start with the kickstand on the ground and add a mount later.
Can I use it while driving the van?
On a Roam plan, with the dish fixed in a mount, yes, for passengers. Not in Standby Mode, and never by the driver.
Sources
- Roam plans and kits for US addresses (starlink.com public order data), read from starlink.com’s published data, checked Oct 5, 2026
- Mini specification sheet (Starlink PDF), checked Oct 5, 2026
- Standard specification sheet (Starlink PDF), checked Oct 5, 2026
- Standard accessories guide (Starlink PDF), checked Oct 5, 2026
- Mini Mobility Mount installation guide (Starlink PDF), checked Oct 5, 2026
- Mobility Mount installation guide, Standard (Starlink PDF), checked Oct 5, 2026
- Can I use Starlink in-motion? (Starlink help center), read from starlink.com’s published data, checked Oct 5, 2026
- What are the alerts on my Starlink App? (Starlink help center), read from starlink.com’s published data, checked Oct 5, 2026