What type of satellite antenna?

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jbprac

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Joined
Jan 13, 2013
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Location
Oregon coast
I just bought a new (to me) motorhome (Itasca Sunrise).  It does not have a satellite dish or dome.  We are long time Dish customers and had a Kingdome on our last coach.  There are quite a few new products out there since we bought the Kindome.  I understand there are not only carry-outs, but also ladder mounts capabilities, etc.  We are not interested in "in motion" capabilities.  Does anyone have any experience or advice?  I would appreciate any thoughts...........Jim
 
A portable dish has the advantage if you often park among trees, but a dome is more convenient as long as the southeast sky is readily visible. It's a trade-off of set-up time vs greater accessibility to the satellites.
 
We have had the Winegard RM-DM46 for years and really like it.  It's fast to deploy with the Elevation Magic and being roof mounted doesn't take any storage space.  We have rarely had a problem getting campsites open enough to use.
 
Thanks for the info.  I will be doing more research.  We have very seldom found a problem with not being able to find an open camp site.  Any thoughts about weight of some of the new, automatic systems on the roof?

Jim
 
The newest antenna, the Winegard SK-SWM3, weighs 53 lbs. and would be the model of my choice if I wanted a fully automatic, HD capable antenna for DirecTV.  If you don't want or need HD, then the RM-DM46 is the better choice.  Much less expensive and actually faster to deploy manually than the automatic models do.

Since you have Dish network, the Winegard SK-1000 would be the automatic of choice.
 
The most significant problem we had with the Winegard dish mounted on top of our coach, which we bought new in 2004, was wind.  It was a problem for us, and the reason we bought a Kingdome.  Does anyone know if the new Winegard automatic systems, such as the SK 1000, hold steady in windy conditions?...............Jim
 
We have the Winegard SK-3005 Trav'ler and have not had problems in winds gusting to 25 mph on a number of occasions. (If you wonder why I know the speed, it's a pilot thing - we always know how hard the wind is blowing and from what direction -  ;D ).
 
Our DM-RM46 is rock steady in any wind.  Its predecessor (a much earlier model dating from 1998) had been on the roof for many years and had worn out and was quite loose.  The new model seems much better in that respect.  I would expect the Winegard automatics to be just as solid.
 
jbprac said:
I just bought a new (to me) motorhome (Itasca Sunrise). I understand there are not only carry-outs, but also ladder mounts capabilities, etc.  We are not interested in "in motion" capabilities.  Does anyone have any experience or advice?  I would appreciate any thoughts...........Jim

I have the Winegard Carryout with a ladder mount and I am very pleased.  I also have the tripod for portable use and about 100' of coax and power cable.  This combo comes in handy in the Southeast where Many campgrounds are heavily wooded.  If I don't have a signal from the ladder mount, I can move the antenna to the tripod and find a signal.  This is not something that I would do if just stopping for the evening, but if setting up for a few days, it is worth the effort.
 
We have the Winegard Dish model roof mount (automatic) and it has been rock solid for us through 50 to 60 mile an hour winds - no problem!!
 
Do take a look at the new RF Mogul automatic satellite dish:  RFM-4100 for DirectTV and RFM-3100 for Dish TV.  It was developed by the folks that left MotoSAT about six months ago.    Tele:  801-895-3392    VP of Sales at:  [email protected].

I saw it at an FMCA rally. 

Here are some features.

Easy to fix:  For example if an electric motor failed you can unplug it and replace it "on the roof."
Virtual GPS technology for faster satellite acquisition.
Single coax SWM technology.
HDTV

JerryF
 
Ned said:
The newest antenna, the Winegard SK-SWM3, weighs 53 lbs. and would be the model of my choice if I wanted a fully automatic, HD capable antenna for DirecTV.  If you don't want or need HD, then the RM-DM46 is the better choice.  Much less expensive and actually faster to deploy manually than the automatic models do.

Sorry if this is a basic question, but with this antenna, could I just bring my Directv HD boxes from the house when I go off half-timing?
 
Bob.n.Carolyn said:
Sorry if this is a basic question, but with this antenna, could I just bring my Directv HD boxes from the house when I go off half-timing?

Yes, but once you move any distance away, say 100-200 miles, you won't get your local networks.
 
Some people have had success by calling DirecTV when they move and changing the service address to get the local networks.  Just don't change your billing address.  I would not tell them the receivers are in an RV.
 
On my 2003 Mountaineer TT, I had a roof mount dish.  Once during a storm I noticed the ceiling flexing up and down from the wind on the dish.  Cranked it down fast.  For this reason, if I wanted a roof mount, I'd go with a dome.

On our new 2013 Cougar 5th, I opted for the Winegard GM-1518 CarryOut.  Did this mainly because we do some boon-docking and this allows me to get clear of overhead obstructions.  Have only used it in my yard at this point but hooked it up, applied the power and by the time I walked into the trailer it had already acquired the satellites and the set-up screen was on the TV.  Nice unit.  Biggest problem with a portable unit is you have to take some precautions against theft.  Plus, you do have some set-up time not associated with a roof mount unit.

Randy
 
The Winegard Travelr and RF Mogul are the only systems mentioned here that give you full HD capability including recording a program off one satellite while watching one off another.
 

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