likely the TV antenna shot? or just needs lubrication?

The antenna housing needs proper annual maintenance and is mostly lubrication. Also, I have found since we camp mostly at state parks, sometimes twigs, nuts, and other pieces of debris will get in the mechanisms. So when the crank gets hard to turn, go look for a cause. The installation manual that came with the unit if you still have it outlines what needs to be done. If you don't have one the Winegard website should have one you can download.