Installation of the Trav'ler

I've been contemplating putting a Trav'ler on and upgrade to an HD receiver. Currently have a Winegard crank up dish with dual lnb and the DirecTV receiver.

Looks like I can get a Trav'ler for about $1500 +/-.

The real deal is wiring the coach for HD. It's a 2005 Dutch Star and came with coaxial and the mechanical push button distribution box. I have a front TV and one in the bedroom.

Since the HD DirecTV receiver no longer has an output for coaxial, plus I don't think you can get HD via a coaxial cable anyhow, I'm at loggerheads as to how I can get the signal to (a) the rear TV, and (b) the outside TV. The front one is no problem since it's right next to the receiver and easy to just run an HDMI cable to it.

In addition to the physical issues of getting the HDMI cable from the front to the back, is the cost of HDMI cables.

So, I'm looking for some ideas or experiences of folks that may have made a similar conversion.

TechWriter wrote:

TechWriter wrote:

I would NOT suggest placing a Solo (or Duo) Node on the roof because it limits future upgrades.

What future upgrades?

A Winegard Traveler can support two Hoppers using a Duo Node that is connected to the 3 sat outputs (A, B, and C).

While you might not plan on installing two Hoppers, running those 3 cables inside your RV gives you that option.

Bill.Satellite wrote:

Installing the Solo Node on the roof also gives you the option to install a Duo Node later (few will ever need or want this, however) and it gives you many more options as you where to run the cables to the second Hopper.

I think you're wrong.

Installing a Solo or Duo Node on the roof (instead of just running 3 RG6 cables from the Travler into the RV) is still a bad idea because . . .

(1) A node is subject to more abuse on an RV roof. It's not the same as hanging a node on a stationary dish in your back yard.

(2) If you add a Duo Node later on an RV roof, you'll have to run another 3 GHz RG6 coax through the roof somewhere -- which means opening up an existing hole or drilling another one.

(3) A user will have to remember to run 3 GHz RG6 coax from the Dish Pro Extreme connection on a node to a Hopper.

Finally, I never thought I'd put two Hoppers in an RV, but did because the 2nd Hopper was only $5 more per month than a Joey + I get 3 more tuners.

Regardless, it's a no brainer to just run 3 cables (instead of 2) from the Travler during the initial install.

Still like my idea better but that's not important. It's just good to let folks asking questions know that it can be just as successful an installation no matter where you choose to put the switch. I have installed too many systems where it made the most sense to make multiple runs from the roof and not through the interior cabinets. YMMV!

ncrowley wrote:
Just to make sure I understand - I can use the two existing coax cables but I need to add a third one.

You can just use the two coax cables. Running the third one just gives you more options.

Just to make sure I understand - I can use the two existing coax cables but I need to add a third one.

TechWriter wrote:

I would NOT suggest placing a Solo (or Duo) Node on the roof because it limits future upgrades.

What future upgrades?

A Winegard Traveler can support two Hoppers using a Duo Node that is connected to the 3 sat outputs (A, B, and C).

While you might not plan on installing two Hoppers, running those 3 cables inside your RV gives you that option.

Bill.Satellite wrote:

Installing the Solo Node on the roof also gives you the option to install a Duo Node later (few will ever need or want this, however) and it gives you many more options as you where to run the cables to the second Hopper.

I think you're wrong.

Installing a Solo or Duo Node on the roof (instead of just running 3 RG6 cables from the Travler into the RV) is still a bad idea because . . .

(1) A node is subject to more abuse on an RV roof. It's not the same as hanging a node on a stationary dish in your back yard.

(2) If you add a Duo Node later on an RV roof, you'll have to run another 3 GHz RG6 coax through the roof somewhere -- which means opening up an existing hole or drilling another one.

(3) A user will have to remember to run 3 GHz RG6 coax from the Dish Pro Extreme connection on a node to a Hopper.

Finally, I never thought I'd put two Hoppers in an RV, but did because the 2nd Hopper was only $5 more per month than a Joey + I get 3 more tuners.

Regardless, it's a no brainer to just run 3 cables (instead of 2) from the Travler during the initial install.

TechWriter wrote:

rgatijnet1 wrote:
There are the coax cables AND the control cable that supplies power to the antenna.

Right. There are 3 sat cables (labeled "A", "B", and "C") + 1 control box cable.

Currently Winegard provides two RG6 cables. Do yourself a favor and run 3 RG6 cables into the RV for possible future upgrades.

Bill.Satellite wrote:

JimM68 wrote:
Does anyone know for sure if the trav'ler will support a dish hopper?

Does the required "solo node" switch mount outside or inside?

The Dish Trav'ler (SK-1000) does support the Hopper and Joey combination. You can install the Solo Node either inside or out. Just base it's location upon where you will be running your cables that leave the Solo Node.

I would NOT suggest placing a Solo (or Duo) Node on the roof because it limits future upgrades.

What future upgrades?

A Winegard Traveler can support two Hoppers using a Duo Node that is connected to the 3 sat outputs (A, B, and C).

While you might not plan on installing two Hoppers, running those 3 cables inside your RV gives you that option.

Installing the Solo Node on the roof also gives you the option to install a Duo Node later (few will ever need or want this, however) and it gives you many more options as you where to run the cables to the second Hopper.

Pirate wrote:
Just a quick note for new installations. Winegard also says a massive mounting plate for the swm installation. I mounted the mounting plate, sealed all the screws, and then Eternabonded it down to the roof. The Travler then installs to the mounting plate via pre-drilled holes.

The additional plate you describe would only be necessary for an RV where there is little or no structure in the roof to screw the Trav'ler to. Very, very few installations would ever require this.

Just a quick note for new installations. Winegard also says a massive mounting plate for the swm installation. I mounted the mounting plate, sealed all the screws, and then Eternabonded it down to the roof. The Travler then installs to the mounting plate via pre-drilled holes.

Mine didn't come with screws. Can someone that has one tell me what size they are?

Timely thread since I'll be installing mine in a few days. Well, I'll supervise my 2 manly sons-in-law as THEY get that beast on the roof!

PS on edit: Sept 2013 FMCA magazine had a lengthy article with pictures on how to do this. As someone said, there are several You Tube videos that are good.

DSDP Don wrote:
ncrowley......The latest model of TravLer comes with a SWM switch . . .

OP has DISH, not DirecTV.