OK, so we were at Rolling Hills RV park next to Rolling hills Casino in Northern California spending memorial weekend there. Went outside when it stopped raining. I noticed this large 5th wheel RV leaving the RV park, but he had his "Batwing" Antenna up. I tried to run to warn him, but it was too late. I assume he did not have anybody to flag him down, I know the 1st overpass would be bad for him. Should that RVer belong to this forum, please let us know what happened.

That's known as poor mans in motion tv

99.9% of the campgrounds I go to have cable. This one time, this cg didn't have cable, so I put up my batwing. I can only guess i haven't used the batwing in a few years. So...leaving, i didn't put it down....then... BANG. Shattered. There were people looking at me as I departed...and no-one said, yelled or motioned anything. Either they had no reaction time...or as with most negative things....didn't want to get involved.So now...I have a "Antenna UP" sign for the handle. This happened about 2 years go. New batwing....haven't used it since.

I left the antenna up once, fortunately no damage. I now a red Velcro cable tie, that belongs in one of two places, the bat wing crank handle or the steering wheel.Ken

Been there, done that twice. The first time a fellow camper stopped me at the gate and the second time I realized I left it up several miles down the road.

I have an orange "CAUTION" tag that's clipped to the batwing crank when it's down, and clipped to the ignition key slot when it's up. Makes it difficult to forget about it when ready to drive off...

Could not run fast enough | Good Sam Community

FunnyCamper
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2018
Dave H M wrote:
My walk around visual after hook up always catches the top also. i don't really think I would miss that. :h

This. Our walkaround catches everything also :)
bobsinn
Explorer
Jun 02, 2018
I hang my keys from the crank, no way I'll drive off with it up.
drmopar
Explorer
Jun 01, 2018
OP here, I actually have a check list hanging near the door. I am also a boater and use a check list with it also, Pilots have a written check list as a rule. I forgot one time to lower my antenna and my Wife asked me if I lowered it just before we left. I made my check list right after that before hitting the road. Thanks everyone for your responses.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 01, 2018
Two items WE never forget (ANYMORE)
Fridge doors latched and antenna down

Didn't check fridge doors and first left turn door flung open and jar of dill pickles, jar of pickled jalapenos and 1 gallon of Ice Tea ended up ALL over the kitchen area.

Antenna got bent up as we pulled out of camp site and low tree branch whacked it

Pretty good about most things as we both do 'walk arounds' BUT we are REAL good if we mess up cause it only takes us ONCE :B
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 01, 2018
I also use a tag clipped to the crank to remind me to lower the antenna
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 01, 2018
I have a red strap that hangs on the antenna crank, when down
And on the steering wheel , when it's up

Now I news something for the awnings
Much more expensive, much more dangerous
Thing to forget, luckily much easier to see, in the rear view mirrors
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 01, 2018
Obviously better to put it down but unless there is a particularly low bridge, he was probably fine.

Most new bridges have 16' or more of clearance. Even most older low bridges are 13'. Of course, the official height is at the lowest clearance point. As both the bridge and road have slopes, you often have a bit more in most lanes.

An 11' high 5th wheel with 2' more for the antenna being up still has a good chance even if you meet one of those really low bridges.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jun 01, 2018
With a trailer, it's a bit different because you may be driving the tow vehicle while the trailer is parked. But for motorhomes, the pins, straps, etc., on the steering wheel because you never drive without the house going with you.

I just replaced my old pre-printed slap bracelet style with unprinted ones. Lots cheaper and I just used a sharpie to write my own reminders on them. Less than $20 and I have enough for my clipper, FnR, and a friend's motorhome.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jun 01, 2018
I put a carabiner clip on the antenna crank handle. It belongs in one of three places; on the crank, in my hand or on the trailer 7-way plug. Don't want to drive around with messages on the steering wheel, gearshift, hanging on walls or on the ignition key.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2018
Beverley&Ken wrote:
I left the antenna up once, fortunately no damage. I now a red Velcro cable tie, that belongs in one of two places, the bat wing crank handle or the steering wheel.

Ken

I use a wooden clothes pin. It is either on the crank handle or the gear shift lever.

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