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BobbyD77's avatar
BobbyD77
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014

Fixed or Portable Satellite System

We are going to add satellite capability to our new 5th Wheel and I was going to just have an antenna installed attached to the roof. But I got to thinking about how many parks we have visited with pretty heavy tree coverage. Won't I have problem getting a signal with an antenna attached to my roof that I might be able to overcome with a portable system? I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on which way to go. My wife and I are expanding our travel to 2& 3 month trips - too many trips to Red Box would be required! Thanks.

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  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Feb 28, 2014
    Get a portable automatic dish. Set it down and forget it. No need to manually aim dish at satellites.
  • filthy_beast's avatar
    filthy_beast
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2014
    We had thought about the installed satellite system but went with a tripod and dish setup for that very reason. Most places we stop that are relatively free of trees are commercial rv parks and we are there just for the night.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2014
    My opinion is go with portable.

    I have seen many campers with it attached to the roof jockeying back and forth in a campsite, trying to get a signal.

    We have used a portable with 250 feet of cable for 7 years now. Sometimes the dish is far away from the camper, even across the street, but we have never been "skunked."

    Of course, others may feel differently.

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