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down_home's avatar
down_home
Explorer II
Feb 12, 2020

TV Antennas

Our Motorhome has the original amplified Weingard antenna.
Near Kingman we are pulling in Phoenix channels for the most part.
however it does not search and lock on to signals itself.
I read on the net about all the different antennas available, and everyone's is the best. Comparison articles never give clear determination of which is the best. It would make Manufacturers mad.
AAs RV Owners we are not bound by such nonsense.
So.. which offers a motorized search and lock feature for the strongest signals and or 360 degree coverage and longest range...and won't be ripped off by trees not trimmed by counties in the Midwest...and so on?.

16 Replies

  • I have put the king antenna onto the winegard raising arms. That seemed to work ok. On my past unit the king came with the unit and did not work worth anything. That's a whole story in its self.

    I ending up getting this
    http://lavaantenna.com/en/product_detail_95.htm

    I was really happy with the fact I did not have to turn anything to get channels. Now it did not pull any more or any less channels but it was trouble free.
  • Winegard makes the Rayzar Automatic roof mount OTA antenna, but be aware it's not as sensitive as the manually operated Winegard "batwing" amplified Sensar III plus the Wingman add-on or the Sensar IV that includes the Wingman. For even better reception, add the SensarPro inline amplifier that replaces the standard power supply wall plate to both power the rooftop Sensar and enhance the signal with it's own post amplifier. The SensarPro also displays channel signal strengths to make aiming easier. Professional level testing has shown the "batwing" to be the most effective RV OTA antenna currently available.
  • I've had the standard Winegard batwing antenna and added their reflector without noticing any difference. Now I'm using a King Jack antenna and can't see that it works any better. Lot's of claims but of them stand out as better according to my experiences.

    At my house, I tried a small 18" square antenna right after the change over and was surprised at the signals I got - but there were still A LOT of drop outs only to come right back. I figured if I had a bigger antenna, I get a better signal. I bought an antenna that was 4 times bigger. The sad truth is my TV didn't work a bit better with it than with the smaller one.

    I've also tried adding an amplifier without making any appreciable differences.

    One second you'll get 80+ on the signal bar and the next "0" - a few seconds later, it's 80+ again only to repeat this over and over.

    Best of luck with your search for a good reliable signal!
  • Wouldn't the TV have to search and find the channel? that is the way mine works.
  • The Drive makes recommendations at https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28243/best-rv-antennas

    Lots of untrimmed trees in the South too.
  • i'm not aware of any OTA antenna that will search for and lock onto OTA signals. but i sure would like to know so i am following.

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