I'd be more inclined to say it's the Tailgater than the 211 receiver. Could be a connection issue as well since it appears to work sporadically, check coax connectors and make sure they are tight or try different coax altogether to eliminate that possibility.
Although it could be the receiver, whether good or bad, the receiver can only provide satellite content available from coax connected to the satellite input on the rear of the unit. If it's weak or spotty it could reek major havoc on it's functionality.
We use the VIP 211 and manually set up the same model sat dish we have at home. We primarily camp in the four corner states with the majority of it in NM and AZ, even the many trips to Texas and we have always received all the channels we have at home while RVing.