Forum Discussion

DesertTracker's avatar
DesertTracker
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017

Where is My Antenna?

On my last camping trip, the FM wasn't coming in well, so I thought maybe the antenna needed extended or was laid back too far. I walked around and did not see it from the ground, so I pulled out the ladder and found that there is no antenna. I then thought that maybe the Winegard antenna had an FM element, but the book doesn't mention it, and it didn't seem to make a difference when messing with it. The stereo is a standard Jensen mounted on a cabinet. Before I pull out the square drive and pry bar and start removing panels and the stereo, I thought I would ask here if there are other options for antennas; my last trailer had the standard roof mounted spring car type. It's not super important to have an antenna, and in the almost two years I've had the trailer whatever setup it has is ok, but I usually find a local station where I am camping to hear about local events and weather so its a "nice to have", probably not worth poking a hole in the roof to add one. Thanks for any help.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Nov 30, 2017
    If it’s not integrated with your TV antenna, then it’s in the roof with a nail through it!
  • Route_66_Travel's avatar
    Route_66_Travel
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2017
    The AM/FM radio on my Starcraft uses the TV antenna. The antenna booster must be turned on for it to work properly....says so right in the owners manual.
  • Atlee's avatar
    Atlee
    Explorer II
    Nov 29, 2017
    My last TT, a Skyline Koala 21CS, did not have an external radio antenna. My current Jayco 23RB does have an external spring mounted radio antenna.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Nov 28, 2017
    Just another cost savings for the industry and a PITA for the owner.
    My previous camper had the antenna on the side and it swiveled. Might be the solution for you.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Nov 28, 2017
    I made a J-pole antenna for listening to FM. It deploys on the side of the trailer using one of those broom holder clips. It is long so I don't bring it along on all trips because it's a problem to store and gets in the way. In those cases, I hook up my stereo receiver to a piece of wire.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2017
    In my TT the FM antenna connects to the TV antenna. It is directional and is best when raised and pointed at the station. The AM antenna is non-existent. There is no antenna plugged into the port on the back of the Radio/DVD player.

    The trailer was used but I do not see any signs of the spring loaded whip that usually is mounted on the roof or side of the TT. I do not think there ever was one.

    I could of course add one but we have never used the AM radio and mostly use the unit to watch DVDs so there is my much incentive to do so.
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2017
    Mine was a wire laid across the rafters in the ceiling. It worked "ok". When I upgraded my stereo, I also added a real antenna. Works great now.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Nov 26, 2017
    look BEHIND the radio.

    Typically, most RVs the radio is not connected to an external antenna, instead it is often a simple single wire that is either tacked to the wall behind the radio or laying in a jumbled mess of wires from the radio.

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