I used DIRECTV and a tripod with a Slimline 3 LNB for years. I was very proficient at it.
I switched to DISH, tried to go the tripod route with my Hopper but the meter in the Hopper is very slow to lock. The first few times took forever until I figured out you have to scan very slowly. Not to mention dragging out the Hopper, the Joey WiFi box, the Joey and setting it all up was painful. You need a compatible Birddog meter if you go the tripod route IMHO.
That’s when I decided to go the Pathway route with a 211leaving the 211 connected in the RV.
It’s so simple and easy.