RV Television Antenna Options

[SkiSmuggs]

Our 2012 fiver came with the standard Winegard crank up antenna. At some point I saw where folks were saying good things about the King Jack replacement head and got one. It did improve reception somewhat. Then, of course, Winegard came out with the Wingman add-on to make the Sensar III into a Sensar IV, and from what I have read, that is better than the King Jack which I still have.
Last October we camped in a few days of hard rain and our crank up antenna mast leaked. We cranked it down and the leaking stopped. I now plan to replace it all with the King Jack complete replacement for a no leak solution as rain is when we watch the most TV.
Before doing that, does anyone know where the crank ups leak and how to prevent leaks?
I do like the King Jack solution for preventing issues with accidentally leaving the antenna up.

[SkiSmuggs]

Johno02 wrote:
In addition to the spray lube mentioned, I use a bit of silicone lubricant designed for swimming pool fittings. Just put a glob on the shaft when I replaced it, then another glob on the gears. Seals and Lubricates. I keep a tube around just about all the time. use it for sewer hose connections, and lots of other things..

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea.

[SkiSmuggs]

pdogg wrote:
Another vote for King antenna.. I bought the fixed version, so I never have to worry about forgetting to take it down.. Ask me how that went once.. 🙂

Yeah, I like the looks and the lack of maintenance, but I have to replace a pair of Trojan batteries and 4 tires, so the wingman or leaving the Jack in place is the cheap approach.

[SkiSmuggs]

BFL13 wrote:
Usually we hear about the leak being from the "boot" on the roof coax not covering the hole where the coax goes down in. Not sure how you can tell where the water is coming from by seeing the leak inside.

I found that some putty helps keep the boot in place.

I have the Jack replacing the batwing. The Wingman sticking out would hit a roof fitting on ours--measure for that before buying one (as they advise)

The leak seemed to be right from the crank handle, BUT, the boot had traveled up the cable a few inches. I wasn't sure that was the problem as there was caulk, but thanks for the heads up.

[BFL13]

Usually we hear about the leak being from the "boot" on the roof coax not covering the hole where the coax goes down in. Not sure how you can tell where the water is coming from by seeing the leak inside.

I found that some putty helps keep the boot in place.

I have the Jack replacing the batwing. The Wingman sticking out would hit a roof fitting on ours--measure for that before buying one (as they advise)

[pdogg]

Another vote for King antenna.. I bought the fixed version, so I never have to worry about forgetting to take it down.. Ask me how that went once.. 🙂

[Johno02]

In addition to the spray lube mentioned, I use a bit of silicone lubricant designed for swimming pool fittings. Just put a glob on the shaft when I replaced it, then another glob on the gears. Seals and Lubricates. I keep a tube around just about all the time. use it for sewer hose connections, and lots of other things..

[SkiSmuggs]

Now that I know how to properly maintain it and prevent leaks, my plan has changed to put the Winegard back on and get the wingman addition that makes it into a Sensar IV.

[SkiSmuggs]

SoundGuy wrote:

SkiSmuggs wrote:
Before doing that, does anyone know where the crank ups leak and how to prevent leaks?

The Winegard Sensar Installation Instructions provide detail on lubricating this antenna so it doesn't leak. If you've not followed these procedures on a periodic basis since owning your antenna it's no wonder you experienced leaking. I've done mine several times and haven't had any issues at all.

Thank you! The one issue I have is lubricating the quad ring. I tried something like that on my previous trailer and end up with a poorly functioning crank assembly as it didn't go back together as well as it was prior. The first two lube steps look easy.

Alright! I found the entire procedure on YouTube.
Winegard Antenna Maintenance

[MFL]

I use a King Jack on a mast, for better reception, when my pos Omni is getting poor reception. Works for me, as I need the Omni for the FM stereo stations. The Jack also requires a fair sized entry hole, but I guess that is what gaskets, and Dicor are for.

I know there is a solution for the Batwing leak, and I'm thinking O-ring lube, or replace, but others may provide more info.

Jerry

[SoundGuy]

SkiSmuggs wrote:
Before doing that, does anyone know where the crank ups leak and how to prevent leaks?

The Winegard Sensar Installation Instructions provide detail on lubricating this antenna so it doesn't leak. If you've not followed these procedures on a periodic basis since owning your antenna it's no wonder you experienced leaking. I've done mine several times and haven't had any issues at all.