Dutch_12078 wrote:
1. We pay a $12 DVR fee for each Hopper, but I understand the rate for new Hoppers has gone up to $15 now, and $7 for each Joey. So bottom line, our additional cost is just the receiver fees, the same as if you added them at home. Our program package costs are not affected by the receiver count. You could save that $8/mo for the protection plan. If something breaks and/or requires a service call, you can add it on again instantly and be covered. You do need to keep it for 6 months then, but that's cheaper than keeping it year round when it's not needed.
2. I don't think Dish will provide the second Hopper at no charge under your current contract, but it's probably worth asking. If they will, have it installed somewhere in the house, and then move it to the RV later on. Or perhaps get it through an independent Dish retailer that isn't as fussy. If you buy one outright from an independent dealer of course, then Dish doesn't know where it's installed. All of my Dish equipment was bought online from various sources, including Amazon.
3. You have to listen to the Dish official wording carefully. Dish says they "do not SUPPORT" installing a Hopper in an RV, not that you can't HAVE one in an RV. Basically, they won't do the installation, but I can assure you they will happily take your money for the extra equipment fees. Independent Dish installers sometimes will do an RV Hopper installation, particularly in heavy RV use areas like the popular snowbird states. Dish apparently feels that any DVR receiver with a built-in hard drive is not suited to mobile use, but the many RV'ers that successfully use them prove that wrong. I do have my Hopper installed with "vibration pads" (a couple of folded over foam mouse pads) under it and a couple of TV tie downs keeping it in place. My gasser is a bit rougher riding than most DP's though. I used the same setup back when we had a VIP211K as well, just as a precaution. The Hopper in the RV has been in use going on two years now, with zero problems.
Particularly as near full-timers, I can tell you that having the satellite TV service in our motorhome has been well worth the minor inconvenience of setting up the dish as we travel. My wife and I are both solid NHL fans for instance, and not having the "Center Ice" package available during the season would just not be acceptable to us! ;)
Looks like I'll call DISH and try to talk them into "lending" me the hopper, but I won't hold my breath. lol Just about every source I've found (2 satellite shops and everybody who's tried except you) have said that Dish won't do it. But it doesn't hurt to ask. Your idea of having them install it in a home room and then I can just move it to my RV myself sounds like it might be the smartest way to go. The only hangup there is that, when I was on the phone with them a night or 2 ago, they offered to get me the Hopper 3 (basically upgrade the whole system to that) for no additional charges or install fees and all bill line items would remain the same. Problem is, while they are ok with multiple hoppers in the same home, they told me I couldn't have a Hopper 3 and a sling hopper in the same home (even though I'd immediately move the sling to the RV but can't tell them. lol). This whole situation is pretty laughable to me. It's like I'm having to manipulate them just so I can give them my money. It's like a petulant child is running the company but they have what I want and so I have to deal with them. :)
If I had to go the purchase route, I did check Amazon athe hopper w/sling is about $250 (which is more than fair in my opinion).
Given the apps available to help you line up the dish, I don't think it'll bother me at all to do it the way you're doing it. I'd rather have the recording "power" than the automatic dish.
