While you’re completing your long drives during your RV vacation, one of the most important add ons to entertain your riders is a working television. While there are a number of options that give you access to television, we have received a number of questions regarding installing a TV antenna or satellite on an RV. So, we wanted to focus this week’s blog on how to properly install an RV antenna or satellite.
Installing a TV Antenna
Adding a TV antenna to your RV should provide a moderate challenge to an RV owner, but it is completely doable. The first step is to find the right spot to mount your antenna. Warning: this will involve you climbing on the roof of your RV, so please be as careful as possible to avoid injury. Most RV manufactures recommend you place your antenna beside the vent for the refrigerator. Next, take a drill and drill a straight ½ inch hole through the roof. Once you have cleared the insulation inside the hole, drill another ½ inch hole.
Once you have completed the drilling, you will slide your TV antenna into the hole, starting with the drive shaft. After this is completed, place the mounting plate on top of the roof and place the travel support part of your antenna on top. Once you put your travel support on top, you should be able to see the next areas where you will nee to drill to support the travel support.
Mark the places in which you will need to drill to support the travel support, and then carefully drill the holes. Attach the travel support with the screws provided by the TV antenna.
Next, you’ll need to pull the drive shaft through the hole it was placed in and attach it to the ceiling plate. Then attach the crank handle, which lets you raise and lower the TV antenna. Connect the coaxial cable connector to the appropriate box, which will vary based on which company you bought the antenna from. Adjust the cable until it comes through the middle of the ceiling plate.
Adding caulk between the roof and mounting plate may be a good idea to secure your antenna; however, that is based on your judgment. After you have completed these tasks, you antenna should be ready to use!
Installing a Satellite
If installing a TV antenna seemed difficult, working with a satellite is known to be a bit easier. Much like the antenna, you will begin by picking a spot on your RV’s roof to place the satellite. Whichever spot you are thinking of placing it, keep in mind that a satellite needs plenty of room to fold down and rotate. The typical rotation area is about 34 inches in diameter, so do not get too close to a roof vent or anything that can damage your satellite. Keep the installation site as close to the satellite receiver as possible while at the same time staying close to the center of the roof for stability, and also giving yourself an easier time to place wires.
Once you pick a spot for your satellite, see where you will need to drill holes in order to stabilize the satellite and mark them. Once you have drilled through these holes, secure the mounting plate with any of the hardware that accompanied it. After you insert the screws into the hole, you’ll want to add caulk to secure your roof from leakage. Place your satellite on the mounting plate and screw it in with the appropriate screwdriver.
Connect the RG-6 coax cable to the mounted dish and then route the cable to the edge of the RV roof and then alongside it, until you reach a window. Secure the cable to the roof with cable clamps to prevent movement. This will help prevent your cable from going out during a storm.
Attach the flat portion of RG-6 cable. A short section of flat cable makes it possible to route your coax cable through an open window, and still be able to close it. Reconnect standard RG-6 cable on the inside of the RV to the flat cable. Route the interior cable to the satellite receiver. Screw in the coax cable to the satellite receiver’s “SAT IN” port to finish the RV satellite dish install.
If any of these sound to complex, don’t risk damaging your RV or your equipment! Just give Coach Specialists of Texas a call. With our experienced staff in Plano and Mansfield, we will safely and quickly install your antenna or satellite and have you on the road enjoying television in no time. Make your appointment today!