Tailgater Satellite Dish

[DonJ68]

Hey All,
We've decided to upgrade yet again, but I'm looking for some feedback first. I am considering the portable satellite dish (Tailgater http://www.12volt-travel.com/tailgater-portable-automatic-satellite-for-dish-p-23348.html). I wanted to know if anyone here has experience with these and if you're happy with it or not.

I've seen them in the camp grounds many times over the years, but I've never stopped to chat with anyone about the units.

Thanks a bunch, Don

[DonJ68]

oh. yeah it's a wash. I did have to purchase the receiver separately, so I guess the cost is about the same.

[lbrjet]

The Cabelas price includes the receiver so it is about a wash.

I like local channels so I can record the local news and watch the local weather forecasts. Especially prior to a travel day.

[DonJ68]

ORbiker wrote:
I purchased the King Tailgater at Cabela's on sale for $449. I had some gift cards for almost 2 years that helped with the payment.

Tailgater

Whoa! I paid $100 less, got free shipping, didn't have to drive and got reward points to use later on!

http://www.12volt-travel.com/tailgater-portable-automatic-satellite-for-dish-p-23348.html

I almost feel bad pointing this out.

Don

[DonJ68]

I was thinking the same thing about the service address. Fortunately I don't need or want "local" programming. Well I did receive the tailgater and the 211z yesterday just as promised. I have the receiver activated and the dish connected. I was just sitting in the camper watching a little TV and remembered that I also promised an update here. It's raining here today. A lot. No problems with the satellite TV. I love it!!! Thank you all for all of your feedback.

[hbillsmith]

lbrjet wrote:
You don't need a local channel adaptor if you just call Dish and change your service address.

That is true. You can change your local address each time you move. Many find using a browser and a chat window the easiest option to do just that. Keep in mind that your TVs back home will lose their local channels if you have left anybody behind at home to watch them.

[lbrjet]

You don't need a local channel adaptor if you just call Dish and change your service address.

[hbillsmith]

You have 2 receiver options for either version of the tailgater, 211K or 211z. Either one supports connecting the trailers onboard antennae to enable local digital channels to appear integrated into the Dish onair guide.

The older 211K is a slightly larger receiver and the local channel coax passthru is builtin. You can find like new 211K at some dish dealers and many times on Craigs list or ebay. If you buy a used 211K it must have been disabled with Dish by the previous owner or dish will not add it to your account. Best to buy from a local dish dealer, they can still sell new and refurb 211K.

If you get the newer 211z by buying by itself or in a tailgater bundle, you will need to spend another $49 for the local channel adapter. It plugs into one of the 2 USB ports and provides the local channel coax passthru.

Lastly, I have the 211z and local adapter plugged into USB port1 and an external harddrive plugged into USB port2 for DVR function. I find this combo does not work well for DVRing local channel shows. I believe its because of memory bus contention caused by USB port 1 and 2 sharing the same data path. I plan to change to 211K and resell the 'Z' gear. For now I only DVR satellite shows.

[ORbiker]

I purchased the King Tailgater at Cabela's on sale for $449. I had some gift cards for almost 2 years that helped with the payment.

Tailgater

[Us_out_West]

DutchmenSport wrote:
When we had DishTV we used a Tailgater. It was great! Especially after struggling with an actual satellite dish on a tripod. We finally got tired of DishTV higher and higher prices and finally canceled Dish. Just last week I gave my Tailgater and receiver to another RV.net forum member who is just starting out RV-ing.

Higher and higher prices with DISH??

Sorry but doesn't fly with us. DirecTV yes.

DISH on the road, espicially with HD, is far superior than the other one.

Oh...and we upgraded to the Pathway X2 from the Tailgater for even better service.

[W5CI]

I have had my Tailgater going on 3 years, I use a receiver from home, it works great for us

[Hideout17]

I see alto of dish network users how about direct TV. Reason I ask is i will be getting one soon.

[DutchmenSport]

When we had DishTV we used a Tailgater. It was great! Especially after struggling with an actual satellite dish on a tripod. We finally got tired of DishTV higher and higher prices and finally canceled Dish. Just last week I gave my Tailgater and receiver to another RV.net forum member who is just starting out RV-ing.

[lbrjet]

Hopefully you have a dedicated sat input on the outside of your trailer. I have read of many people having trouble trying to use the cable input. We also use the DVR functionality and it is pretty decent.

[hilldude]

Have had a tailgater for about four years,use a external hard drive for DVR.Nice to skip commercials and record shows.Light and easy to use.