Techwriter, Dish specifically states that the Hopper should not be moved while plugged in. That's where the Dish resistance comes in when being used in an RV. If it's powered off the hard drive will park itself and it's safe. That does not necessarily change the Dish policy. If you want to use an online chat with someone who may or may not know what they are talking about, please feel free to do so. However, if your hard drive crashes and you have them come do a service call in your RV please let me know how that goes.
For the sake of argument, let's say I am giving the wrong info. I like to stay on the safe side.