What do all of you replace your round antennas with? Need something better.

we're starting the shopping for a new or new-er motorhome. all of the new ones we've checked out seem to have the Jack antenna. we prefer the Winegard Batwing Sensar IV. the low-profile antennas are fine for urban areas or when in the primary service zone for TV. but get too far into the secondary or tertiary zones and antenna height becomes your best friend.

The Winegard Sensar IV is considered the best for all-around reception.Winegard link

Tom_M wrote:The Winegard Sensar IV is considered the best for all-around reception.Winegard linkX2. Only issue is it folds down so careful consideration needs to be given to where you mount it so it doesn't hit the AC, vents, etc.

Along with originally installing a POS antenna, they located it in a bad location.The current location would be bad for the Winegard since it would fold down over the vent cover. Not enough room. The version of Jack antenna that sits on the roof and rotates only could work there.The antenna would not quite be as good as the Winegard but should be very acceptable. Since the present location is where the coaxial cables lead to, creating a new hole elsewhere will involve cost and time to run coaxial cables to the new location (not an easy job).

MNtundraRet wrote:Along with originally installing a POS antenna, they located it in a bad location.The current location would be bad for the Winegard since it would fold down over the vent cover. Not enough room. The version of Jack antenna that sits on the roof and rotates only could work there.The antenna would not quite be as good as the Winegard but should be very acceptable. Since the present location is where the coaxial cables lead to, creating a new hole elsewhere will involve cost and time to run coaxial cables to the new location (not an easy job).MT, wouldn't Winegard batwing work if you folded it down away from the vent? Looks like there's a lot of room to fold a batwing down towards the rear of the trailer.

TV Antenna Replacement Options | Good Sam Community

Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2014
Ron3rd wrote:
In that case the easiest fix might be the Jack Antenna. They seem to be decent.

A Jack would be a working replacement but it's unlikely that it would increase performance. You also still need to drill a hole all the way through and if you are doing that you might as well put a good antenna (Winegard) in that new hole.
MNtundraRet
Navigator
Nov 06, 2014
If the picture is the front of trailer, the Winegard Antenna should fit.

It looked like the rear of the trailer to me when I first posted.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Nov 06, 2014
Sifter wrote:
Looked through the install, not as bad as I thought. Guess I need to see how the existing base and this new base compare in size to determine if any patch work is needed.

Installation Manual

The hardest part would be running the cable, which you already have there. Basically all you need to do is drill a hole to the inside to mount everything up. Should be a fairly simple job.
Tom_M1
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
Here's a link to download the installation manual:
Sensar IV manual download

The install is fairly straightforward.

Any decent antenna will be directional and will have to be rotated. This includes both the Winegard and Jack antennas.
Sifter
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
Looked through the install, not as bad as I thought. Guess I need to see how the existing base and this new base compare in size to determine if any patch work is needed.

Installation Manual
Sifter
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
DavidP wrote:
While you're up there you may want to consider installing a MaxAir cover.

Yep, on the honey do list.
DavidP
Explorer
Nov 06, 2014
While you're up there you may want to consider installing a MaxAir cover.

x2 on the Winegard Sensar IV
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Nov 06, 2014
BEST: winegard Sensar IV with Sensar Pro indoors (That's the wall plate)

Medium: the jack

Worst: you already have that.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Nov 06, 2014
Sifter wrote:
I really hate the idea of having to drill a larger hole etc all the way through the camper roof, cause as it is right now, there is no rotation option or anything in the ceiling currently.

You can download the instructions from Winegard on the install of the batwing and decide if you want to tackle it.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Nov 06, 2014
Tom_M wrote:
I believe the photo is showing the front of the trailer. Even if it were the rear, the Batwing could be installed so that it folds down to the side. I installed mine sideways four years ago and have had no problems.

I agree, but it looks like he has plenty of room to fold down to the rear, towards the AC unit.