I would finally like to setup for satellite in my 5th wheel. As have many before me I can’t decide between Dish vs. Direct. I also realize that both offer monthly service options. Things to know: I do not have ATT phone service but rather Verizon and that is a slight negative vs Direct. Also, I do not have either Dish or Direct at home just typical cable.Outstanding questions include: 1. Do I drop the home cable and go totally Dish/Direct? (I could get my internet via my century link land line) 2. Should I buy the total package from Dish/Direct vs. buying hardware, converter and satellite dish from say amazon etc. 3. What have I not also considered regarding going satellite other than the obvious “choose an open campsite , avoid tree cover”. Thank you all in advance. Happy Trails

We have tried both Sat services thru the years and found that DISH is the better of the two, as far as service is concerned. We have purchased our own receivers (model 211's, and Sat. If we have a problem with aiming we just call. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!

I also have tried both systems and found Dish works best on road. We also have the 211 receiver with the tailgater. Works great.

We have had directv for years in the house and use to take a box in the MH. We now have Dish in the MH and directv in the house. Dish is better to work with when traveling.

We have Dish and own our equipment, we have an "RV" account, on when we need it off when we don't. We also got an TailGator dish, all we need is clear view of the southern sky, it will align automatically.

We've used Dish Network and a Tailgater for over a year (at home and the camper). It's a simple setup and it works well. The Tailgater is a no brainer. Just point it at the southwestern sky and it will find the satellites automatically. We are discontinuing service however, not because of poor service or product but we just don't watch as much tv as we used to. We stream when we can or just watch "antenna tv" or a dvd while camping. Going back to cable at home.Put the free "Satellite AR" app on your phone to get an idea of where the sats are.

Advice on Satellite Setup | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

RustyJC
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
We've had DirecTV since the 1990s, and we have it in the RV. However, to get HD service with DirecTV, you need a roof-mounted system such as our Winegard SK-SWM3 automatic dish. NONE of the carry-out dishes will give you DirecTV HD service. You could, however, use a Slimline multiple LNB SWM dish on a tripod if you want to set it up every time you move.

That's not the case with Dish - HD service is available with capable carry-out dish systems.

So, it depends what capabilities you want and what you're willing to spend.

Rusty
lee_worsdell
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
I use dish with the tail gater and it even works at home here in canada
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2017
We have had DTV for eons. i use a slimline 3 dish set up on a tripod when camping. BTW, I don't need z "clear" campsite. I usually can find a way to shoot between two trees or get the dish out by the road.

i have noticed that the Dish dishes apear to be smaller than the DTV, which could be a plus up.

As far as your home package, i would think you would just have to cost that out.

I am not too sure if one is better than the other but am currently tied up with DTV with the combined ATT cell package.
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2017
Have had Direct TV in home for over 25 year's and since I had a Datron Auto dish on the TV when purchased, I've stuck with it.....but if I was starting fresh, I'd go with Dish simply because they seem to be ahead of the curve with HD reception on the road(ie Domed HD)....if HD was important to me in the RV, I'd switch.
ksbowman
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2017
We have Dish and like it. Since we have it at home it is only $7 more a month for the rv. Have a 211k receiver and a Playmaker, works great.
Tennessee_Nomad
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
We've used Dish Network and a Tailgater for over a year (at home and the camper). It's a simple setup and it works well. The Tailgater is a no brainer. Just point it at the southwestern sky and it will find the satellites automatically. We are discontinuing service however, not because of poor service or product but we just don't watch as much tv as we used to. We stream when we can or just watch "antenna tv" or a dvd while camping. Going back to cable at home.
Put the free "Satellite AR" app on your phone to get an idea of where the sats are.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 06, 2017
We have Dish and own our equipment, we have an "RV" account, on when we need it off when we don't. We also got an TailGator dish, all we need is clear view of the southern sky, it will align automatically.
K_Charles
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
We have had directv for years in the house and use to take a box in the MH. We now have Dish in the MH and directv in the house. Dish is better to work with when traveling.
kennethwooster
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
I also have tried both systems and found Dish works best on road. We also have the 211 receiver with the tailgater. Works great.
md_procouple
Explorer
Jan 06, 2017
We have tried both Sat services thru the years and found that DISH is the better of the two, as far as service is concerned. We have purchased our own receivers (model 211's, and Sat. If we have a problem with aiming we just call. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!

Forum Discussion

Advice on Satellite Setup

30 Replies

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

TOAD setup advice please

Advice on deep cycle setup?

Advice on Satellite Setup

Satellite Setup

Satellite Newbie looking for advice