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RV TV

randy1953
Explorer
Explorer
Wanting some type satellite tv for our trips. Seems very limited and expensive options are all we have. Mostly camping in rural areas, so regular over the air not very feasible. Is it suck it up time , or do anyof you guys have better options or pixy dust? Thanks
11 REPLIES 11

myredracer
Explorer II
Explorer II
Well, for something totally different, there is "free to air" satellite TV (aka "FTA"). Needs a receiver specifically for FTA and a dish that is at least 36" dia. I just bought an FTA receiver for a 39" dish I already had and am now watching some channels and shows from all over the place, many in English. I am hooked and will probably take it camping. You won't get regular shows like Survivor, DWTS, History channel, etc. but there def. is some fascinating and entertaining stuff like Velocity channel, PBS, documentaries and more, some which is from around the world. It's actually pretty cool!

Takes a while to understand how the various satellite signals work, which ones have adequate signal strength/quality, what shows are available and how to set up and aim a dish. Unless you get a motor to automatically turn the dish (not recommended for camping due to setup time), you'll have to choose which satellite you want. Or for more advanced users, set up a 2nd dish or learn how to mount 2 or more LNBs on a dish. Not exactly a 2 minute setup and go watch TV affair tho. Will take $200-$300 to get what you need and could set it up at home to figure out how it all works. Best part is no subscription fees and it's all legal.

TechWriter
Explorer
Explorer
Mandalay Parr wrote:
Look at the Tailgater. It's automatic and works on Dish.

Since OP is in Kentucky, he would be better off with a Winegard Pathway X2.

DISH offers Pay-As-You-Go service which DirecTV does not offer.
2004 - 2010 Part Timer (35โ€™ 2004 National RV Sea Breeze 8341 - Workhorse)
2010 - 2021 Full Timer (41โ€™ 2001 Newmar Mountain Aire 4095 DP - Cummins)
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DISH TV for RVs

FordDiesel250
Explorer
Explorer
We purchased the Direct TV Kingdom satellite at Camping World at about $500.00. It uses Direct TV and when we are at our campsite we sit it up and call Direct TV and then it is turned on. We have Direct TV as our carrier and the satellite has to have a certain receiver our you can bring your receiver from home and use it. It works for us but it is not for everyone.

MrWizard
Moderator
Moderator
Yes but that $20: stands alone plane is no longer available
A similar service is available in a bundled att account

This stuff should be mentioned when making suggestions
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s

cmcdar
Explorer
Explorer
With AT&T car connect unlimited data plan and a ZTE Mobley unit I have a Roku unit that allows us Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.

All for $20. Per month. (Well $40./month counting Netflix & hulu subscriptions )

Have had no connection issues. Am in the middle of a National Forest as I write this.
HTT: 2007 R-Vision Trail Cruiser c191
TV: 2010 Nissan Titan Pro4X Crew Cab

Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Explorer II
randy1953 wrote:
Wanting some type satellite tv for our trips. Seems very limited and expensive options are all we have. Mostly camping in rural areas, so regular over the air not very feasible. Is it suck it up time , or do anyof you guys have better options or pixy dust? Thanks


How often will you be using satellite TV services? If it is less than 6-8 months per year then you will want to be a Dish customer and you will want to sign up for their Pay-as-you-go service which allows you to turn the service on and off as often as you like.
Do you camp in trees? If so you are going to need a portable unit either and automatic dome (several hundred dollars) or a home style antenna mounted on a tripod (a pain to setup but much less expensive).
If you are going to be on the road a lot then I suggest a roof mounted automatic antenna which is quite expensive but makes your like very easy. No parking under the trees but for a bit under $2000 and the DirecTV service (best Nationwide service) you will be watching what you like when you like.
What I post is my 2 cents and nothing more. Please don't read anything into my post that's not there. If you disagree, that's OK.
Can't we all just get along?

Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Explorer
Look at the Tailgater. It's automatic and works on Dish.
Jerry Parr
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azrving
Explorer
Explorer
I should also say that ours is a dome style that seeks the satellite so probably more pricey.

donn0128
Explorer II
Explorer II
Less than 200 dollars will get you a complete ground based dish setup. You need to figure out which service you want. Dish offers a pay as you go, so many people opt for that. Find a local contractor and see if they will sell you a cheap package with month to month service.

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
If you donโ€™t want to pay, it is โ€œsuck it up timeโ€ regardless if you โ€œat an area with trees so it won't work there.โ€
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

azrving
Explorer
Explorer
Two years ago we had an air station in Quartzite. Last year we got nothing so we went to the satellite store in town. About $5xx.00 don't remember exactly. We have it on for 3 or 4 months then shut it off. It also pulls around 2.x amps or so. We also spend time at an area with trees so it won't work there.