Winegard mast orientation while driving

[JimJohnson]

On almost every RV I've seen, the storage position of the Winegard batwing (Sensar) mast is along the length of the RV, front toward back. Would I run into any problems if instead I store the mast from side to side while driving?

Here is why... We have a 2008 little (18') travel trailer with a Winegard batwing & mast. The batwing & mast just fits between the AC unit and the refrigerator vent.

This older batwing mostly supports VHF frequencies and with the switch to HDTV, most broadcasters use UHF frequencies. Winegard makes a bolt on UHF booster for these legacy batwings, but I don't have enough room to store it between the AC and refrigerator vent. However if I lower the mast 90 degrees - across the width of the trailer, I have plenty of space for the UHF add-on.

I wrote Winegard many days ago with this question and so far have no response.

[Tom_M1]

wa8yxm wrote:
THE JACK does not perform as well as the winegard.

the biggest issue is that there is a "Slot" in the mounting bracket, with the antennain the proper position one (or both) of the arms falls into this slot. That takes the stress OFF the rotation collar and shaft..

If you park the antenna sideways... The rotation system can be damaged.. It's easy to replace. but still... $$ to do it.. don't bother asking how I know.

I'd shorten the UHF directors by an element if you have the need.

You have to rotate the base so that the lift mechanism stows in the slot. I have had no problem with my install after 10 years.

The OP has already stated that cutting off an element is not an option.

[LouLawrence]

That's going to be a serious concern during any wind events. Not sure which will give out first, the antenna mount or the roof base.

[wa8yxm]

The reason for laying it flat pointing back is that way there is little stress on the rotational collar when you drive. Laying it forward, or sideways, can introduce enough stress to break the collar (the big part you turn or rather the inside parts of it) Trust me I know.

Wingard suggests cutting off one of the directors (the elements on the extension are called Directors)

[JimJohnson]

I gave up and created my own RV TV antenna. I purchased a General Electric Ultra Edge Outdoor HD TV Antenna - basically an oversized and sturdier version of the indoor flat plastic panels. Package rated for 60 miles and meant to be mounted to the side of a house; so I also purchased a 'make your own' window screen kit, mounted the antenna to the screen, salvaged the mount from the old (very old) batwing and attached that to the screen. The antenna moves just like the batwing to maintain the correct orientation. I also replaced the external coax and by-passed the Winegard 12v power injector.

[Tom_M1]

It's already been mentioned to rotate the base and the OP states that cutting back the Wingman will not work. As I stated previously, I have had no issues stowing the Winegard sideways and it is in front of my A/C unit. Rotating the base will require digging out the sealant, removing the screws, and prying it up. If the coax passes through the base you will have to drill another hole through the roof.

[wa8yxm]

THE JACK does not perform as well as the winegard.

the biggest issue is that there is a "Slot" in the mounting bracket, with the antennain the proper position one (or both) of the arms falls into this slot. That takes the stress OFF the rotation collar and shaft..

If you park the antenna sideways... The rotation system can be damaged.. It's easy to replace. but still... $$ to do it.. don't bother asking how I know.

I'd shorten the UHF directors by an element if you have the need.

[LouLawrence]

Are you creative and a bit handy? Could you cut the Wingman, cut it at the base and add a hinge and a spring? The arms or the Wingman would fold upward and the antenna stowed and would unfold when raised. There are no electrical connections so that would not be an issue. You would just need to ensure there was a smooth surface while raising to avoid a jam.
Otherwise, the antenna can be mounted sideways if you make an effort to ensure there is not a breeze or a eddy of air what would effect the antenna while traveling. Also, you would not want to leave the base in the current orientation but rotate the entire assembly to ensure that when the antenna is stowed the arms still settle in the holder on the base.

[JimJohnson]

Looked up the dimensions and the Jack antenna is too wide for the current space between AC and vent.

Ditto for cutting off the UHF radials, all but the last one would have to go.

So far, my choices are to sit across the roof in front of the AC unit (the roof is flat in both directions on this camper) or purchase this and mount it to the top-most mast arm:
General Electric Ultra Edge Outdoor HD TV Antenna

I'd prefer the Winegard add-on.

[Lynnmor]

I had the same problem and talked to a Winegard representative about cutting off the first element. He said that it would reduce the performance a bit but still have some benefit.

[Tom_M1]

I installed mine so that it stows to the side and never have had a problem. My previous RV was a pickup camper and the Winegard stowed toward the rear. I had one of the wings fold up.

I also have tried the Jack antenna and it did not perform as well as the Winegard Sensar IV.

[MrWizard]

If you do this, will the new resting position be forward in front of the A/C, or rearward behind the A/C ?
Up front the Batwing will catch all the road wind, behind the AC will give some wind break protection,
Can you add a wind deflector in front of the batwing to protect it from lifting forces and damage ?

[IAMICHABOD]

I would think that it would have a tendency to fly with the wings in that configuration.

I might suggest that you replace it with a Jack antenna as I did when I had a space problem when trying to upgrade my Winegard antenna,with much better reception as outlined in This Post

Good Luck!