Forum Discussion

jaybrown's avatar
jaybrown
Explorer
Jan 07, 2014

satellite upgrade

Currently we use a tripod for our satellite system but was thinking of upgrading to a roof top. Before I consider this would my FW be pre wired under the roof or would we have to run wires in the wall somehow to reach my basement where we hook up now? FW is a Blackwood 1 year old.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2014
    It is highly unlikely that your FW is pre-wired for a roof top antenna but you should check with the manufacturer. That's really not a problem as there are a number of ways to get new cabling from the roof to the receiver. The Trav'ler will also need the control cable brought in but that does not need to go anywhere special so it can sit on a local shelf where 120V power is available.
    If it's not a project you think you can take on nearly all RV dealers can do the installation for you.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    As mentioned trees block the signal. I would not have a roof mounted dish because most parks we visit have a lot of trees and it would just be simpler to use my tripod. A lot of people like the carry outs but I prefer my tripod. :)
  • doughere's avatar
    doughere
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    You don't say which satellite system you are using, but if its Dish, the tailgater may be a good solution. Tom/Barb stated the 50' tailgater cable "wouldn't get it". I've used a 50' and 100' using a simple coupler to get 150' with no trouble(buy good cable).

    Doug
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    therink wrote:
    A friend of mine got a roof top mounted dish and has yet to be able to use it in campgrounds he has visited due to trees. I have a tripod and would not want a roof top for that reason alone.


    The 1 park we couldn't use our roof top, the 50' cable tailgater wouldn't get it either.
  • Dennis_M_M's avatar
    Dennis_M_M
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    Put on a Winegard Trav'ler in 2010, only one RV park since then where our signal was blocked by trees and we could have moved. A lot of time on the road and overnights during that time.

    Have also used it in a couple of Colorado state parks with no issues.

    #2 investment after the Bigfoot levelers.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    A friend of mine got a roof top mounted dish and has yet to be able to use it in campgrounds he has visited due to trees. I have a tripod and would not want a roof top for that reason alone.
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    See if you FW is Sat ready. Meaning wiring should already be in the roof.
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Jan 07, 2014
    I used a roof top dish for years, but still found a need for the tripod when the roof top dish was blocked by trees.
    About a year ago I bought a Winegard Carryout and really like it. Easy to set up.

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