Antenna

[ediemarie]

well I hate to admit it but I know we're not the first.

first time owners of a 2015 Outback. 13'2" tall. first time I managed to just twist the antenna up a little. a friend climbed up top and managed to twist back to basically its original shape.

now I've managed to almost rip the thing off due to low trees. we have a driveway that is perfect for parking. my problem is the trees in the neighborhood, lower than they look apparently!

so anyone have any experience with replacing their tv antennas? any kind of a something or other to attach to the roof of the trailer so I don't screw this up again.

a couple of the trips we've been on we won't be able to do again because of the low clearance due to trees. last trip was fine pulling in and parking but when it came time to leave there was only one way out!

stupid on my part but really sometimes its as though there is no other way to get out of what you've gotten into.

[wa8yxm]

How to replace a Winegard Sensar antenna head

Get the new head (I recommend a Sensar IV)

Raise antenna.. Point toward near side of RV (Wings extend to the sides of where the thing points to)


Disconnect the coax cable (A 7/16" Wrench may be helpful) and let hang

Remove two pins (They have spring pins that lock them in) Needle nose pliars may be helpful

Set old head aside

Align new head with the one arm and insert pin and pin it
Slign other arm with other hole insert pin and pin it

Attach coax cable

Point towards TV transmitters and test...

Return to "Home" position lower and job done.
Job done.

Suggestion: IF you have a problem tearing it off when driving forward (not sure Id' do this for backing) Put a standard Camco or equivlent vent cover just in front of it to either take the blow or lift the small limbs up over the top of the antenna.. They will then fall back onto it but should slid off without harm (I hope).

[ediemarie]

ours does not retract? is that possible?

[Marine_By_Choic]

I learned early in my 39 years of RVing to put several "checks" in place to help save antennaes! I have a bright orange spray painted horse shoe I hook to the steering wheel, the "antennae saver" sign on the visor and I loop my CB microphone cord through the steering wheel. If I still fail to lower the antennae then I deserve to have to replace it:-)

[JaxDad]

MrWizard wrote:
the wineguard bat wing, will set lower than anything else on the roof, when in the retracted position

the only time i ever damaged one, was forgetting to put it down

There's an old saying amongst pilots who fly retractable gear aircraft. There's 2 types of pilots, those who have landed with the gear still up, and those who are going to do so eventually.

"If" is the biggest little word in the English language. If nobody forgot the antenna we'd not be discussing this. LOL.

[MrWizard]

the wineguard bat wing, will set lower than anything else on the roof, when in the retracted position

the only time i ever damaged one, was forgetting to put it down

[Sfla2]

same idea but put a clothes pin on gear shift when up ,when down put it on crank

[BTPO1]

When I do use my crank up antenna I put an uncut blank key into my ignition with the orange reminder sign attached, reminding me that the antenna is up. Before driving off I must remove the key and reminder. I have never forgot the antenna using this method . JMO

[the_vfox]

It was one of our little life's lessons. We left early in the morning for our next stop, never bothered to look to see if the antenna was up. All was well until we stopped for fuel. Off came the antenna 😞
Ever since the, we have a dream catcher we hang on the antenna handle when we put it up. We haven't done it since.

[Gonzo42]

You can buy yourself a little sign to post in your cockpit to remind you about lowering your antenna.

For myself, I have it listed more than once in my pre-flight checklist.



Bride, n. A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.

[ediemarie]

thanks so much for the replies. guess first thing I have to do is convince myself that once I get up there i'll be able to get down!

and yes, those things are flimsy! heavy duty tin foil!

[RollandB]

My 5er is about the same height as your rig, I missed a low tree branch and knocked off the Jack antenna. What I found out is its mast is pretty flimsy so I replaced it with a Sensor4 (batwing) so it wouldn't stick up si high when traveling. I can't help you with the install as I had it done but wanted to pass along my experience.

[n7bsn]

Which antenna? It really does matter.
If you mean the Winegard "bat wing" the parts are available at most RV parts stores, including Camping World