Satellite device options - Directv?

With Directv the more important question is do you want HD channels, if you do then answer is simple. No domes can provide HD content from Directv, now the remaining options are roof mounted automated sat dish or bring along manually pointed sat dish mounted on a tripod or stand.

If standard definition is OK there are a number of domes both roof mountable or portable that perform satellite acquisition automatically, they can also provide HD content for Dish network customers but are limited to only accessing one satellite at a time.

With a portable automated dome no installation is required, simply place in a location with clear southern sky exposure and connect cable to exterior coax satellite input on your RV. Go inside rig and set-up sat receiver and your tv to display subscribed satellite content.

With Directv easily the best choice if you want to mirror all the features, capabilities, and all the exact same channels is to go with either the roof-mounted automated dish which runs roughly $1500 and should be professionally installed, or the same sat dish at home mounted on a stand.

We chose the latter since we tend to park among the trees requiring the ability to move sat dish as needed to find a sat signal through a void in the canopy. We just went online and for under $50 picked up the very same dish we have on our roof and mount it on a tripod.

BlackJeep22 wrote:

-In your opinion, what is better, dish or dome?
A full array dish is better because the larger antenna provides a better signal to the receiver. That may/may not be a factor for you but it is for us.

-Who is better to install the unit, dealer or DIRECTV tech? Depends upon the person but generally using a good sat tech will be best. DTV may/may not be willing to help with your RV.

-Would you expect one to be cheaper than the other? I would expect that it could be expensive depending upon what you choose.

Any DIY person could install a RF Mogul dish. But be advised that it's SWiM only and needs a SWiM capable receiver or converter.

There are some areas where SD locals are not transmitted and HD sat equipment is required.

And you can make a very servicable, rock-solid portable stand for under $5.00. Lightweight, doesn't require any power,and mine worked great with up to 100' of cable. I used two 50' sections, mostly only used one, but it worked with two sections.

We had an extra dish hard-mounted out home, so if we had a problem, we could check it with a known signal from the dish. Used the same type dish as a portable.

I have DirecTv and use the wireless Genie system. My antenna is a roof-mounted Winegard Trav'ler, which I easily installed myself. With the push of a button the Trav'ler will find all three satellites with ease. I swap the DirecTV system from home to RV and back easily enough and we enjoy HD TV on the road as if we were at home. The only drawback is if there are too many trees in the way of the satellite signal. Only had that happen once so far.

BTW, the Trav'ler is the ONLY DirecTv compatible antenna that will get all 3 satellites necessary for HD reception.

WOW... So you paid $1500 for yours?

I have had both Directv and DISH. My RV has a dome on the roof and I used it for Directv when I could.

In Florida, where we prefer camping there are almost always too many trees for a roof mounted antenna; dome or dish.

When I switched to HD I started using a stand alone tripod (a good one) which you can put where there is no interference.

Then DISH caught my eye with their current promo which is 190 channels for $49/mo for two years, three mo free premiums, one year free Netflix, free for life no HD or DVR fees. PLUS a $100 gift card for Camping World if you sign up thru Good Sams.

Add in the fact that one can buy a carryout automatic sat antenna like a Winegard Pathway X2 for $400 delivered and it gets DISH HD channels and you can put it where there is no interference.

With Directv you either use the $1500 Travler or use a tripod and aim it your self.

BlackJeep22 wrote:
Good morning. We just bought our first RV yesterday, The motorhome is "satellite ready" but doesn't have a dish or dome.
We have DIRECTV at home and have a mini receiver that could easily go with us.
-In your opinion, what is better, dish or dome?
-Who is better to install the unit, dealer or DIRECTV tech?
-Would you expect one to be cheaper than the other?
Thanks in advance.

Since you mention a mini receiver it sounds like you might have a Genie and client. If that is the case you cannot use any dome from any manufacturer without some hardware modifications and you cannot get any of the programming in HD although you would be able to watch the HD recordings you recorded while at home.
The roof mounted Trav'ler (best in my opinion) or RF Mogul antennas use the same antenna and LNB as that used at home so you can simply move the receivers back and forth. However, satellite ready does not mean it's ready for any satellite. If this is a trailer or 5th wheel satellite ready only means there is an outside coax connection (usually in the wet bay) that leads inside to where a satellite receiver could be located. That means you could connect a ground mounted home style antenna or portable dome to that port.
It is extremely unlikely that you have any pre-wiring of any kind to the roof unless it is a Class A RV and you requested that option.

We have a dome. Just upgraded to Winegard because our old dish became obsolete. Advantages to dome is quick and automatic lock on and can be accessed inside the RV. Cons: trees or obstructions will block signal. If you are in a very heavily wooded park, neither portable or dome will work.

Directv will not install in RV's. I would contact Advanced Satellite in Junction City OR. http://www.rvtv2go.com/www.rvtv2go.com/Welcome.html
541-607-8968
They specialize in RV satellite and installed satellite systems on Country Coach Class A. I would also ask him to set it up so you can carry a portable dish for those times when you need more flexibility. If you get a portable dish, get one that is automatic.

Thanks again everyone. I think I'll go with a portable & tripod for now.