You will not achieve an exciting and long-lasting traveling experience without an RV antenna upgrade.
Generally, updating an RV antenna avails better image quality, many channels/programs, and enhanced signal reception.
Usually, it involves replacing an inferior antenna with a high-performance product.
But why do people upgrade antennas, and how do you achieve it? Today’s article provides answers to such questions and more. Let’s get rolling!
Table of Contents
- Understanding RV Antennas
- Reasons for RV Antenna Upgrade
- Steps To Upgrading RV Antenna
- How can I get better reception on my RV antenna?
- FAQs
- Final Remarks
Understanding RV Antennas
RV (recreational vehicle) antennas are special devices that capture radio and TV signals while moving. We can broadly categorize these antennas into directional and omnidirectional.
Generally, the omnidirectional option receives signals from all directions, thus being effective for situations where you change direction.
Conversely, the directional antennas can only receive signals from one direction, and you must point in the direction of the transmission tower for effective performance.
While selecting your RV antenna, you must consider compatibility and signal range to achieve optimal reception.
Reasons for RV Antenna Upgrade
(A satellite dish on top of an RV)
As a part-time or full-time RVer, you must upgrade your RV antenna for the following reasons.
Improved Signal Strength
Upgrading an antenna means replacing the old feature with more improved features that allow for better signal reception and strength.
For instance, instead of the standard antennas that only provide access in rural or remote areas, you will have modern options with better reception features to work in any location.
Better Channel Selection
Upgrading an RV antenna means dismantling and replacing the old option with a new one.
Interestingly, all new and modern antennas have improved features and better signal reception capabilities allowing for many channels.
As a result, you will be spoilt for choice on the available option and enjoy all types of entertainment channels/programs while on the move.
Over-the-air HD Channels
(An RV caravan with an antenna)
A standard antenna always offers blurred or pixeled images, which annoys most users who prefer HD content.
Therefore, an antenna upgrade is the only option to receive HD content.
All you need is to replace your current standard RV antenna with an HD-compatible antenna from a reliable brand/manufacturer.
Versatility and Flexibility
When you upgrade your antenna, you will achieve great flexibility and versatility, especially regarding antenna installation.
A modern antenna is compact and lightweight and will offer the option to install on the roof or rear of an RV.
As such, installing your antenna in positions with high signal reception becomes easy.
Future-proofing
Technology is always changing and improving, thus calling for an antenna upgrade to access features that match the latest broadcasting advancements.
Generally, upgrading your antenna means access to modern streaming and digital formats without spending anything extra.
As such, you won’t feel left out in this dynamic digital media era.
Steps To Upgrading RV Antenna
(A traveling vehicle with a satellite dish)
The following steps will help you upgrade your RV antenna for better signal reception.
Research for A Perfect Antenna
First, research the different RV antennas from different brands focusing on factors like installation options, signal range, and reception abilities.
You could look for an antenna that supports your specific RV for improved signal reception.
After you’re through with your research, buy an antenna that will fulfill your needs but in an affordable manner.
Get Materials and Tools
RV antenna installation requires specific materials and tools to accomplish.
Some common tools and materials you will need include silicone sealant, mounting brackets, and coaxial cables.
The best idea would be to check the antenna installation manual to ensure you have everything you need.
Identify Where To Mount
An RV is a very big vehicle with many positions to mount your antenna, but only positions with a clear line of sight to the transmitter qualify.
Therefore, open positions over the roof and at the rear offer the best reception capabilities.
Install The Antenna
Start by following the user manual to drill and fix the mounting brackets on the RV without damaging any wiring or components.
Then install the antenna on the mounting brackets for a tight fit and proper alignment. But remember, all directions antennas should face the direction of the transmitter.
Next, connect a high-quality coaxial cable between the RV antenna and your television, with connectors to minimize losses.
Test/Tune Your Antenna
This is when to turn on your RV television and scan the available channels. If you don’t know how to do it, follow the setup manual or menu.
For the best signal strength and clear television pictures, orient the antenna in the right direction.
How can I get better reception on my RV antenna?
(A satellite antenna over a camper)
Getting a better RV antenna reception is easier said than done.
But generally, start by choosing a reliable installation location free of any obstruction and with a clear line of sight to the transmitter.
You can even adjust the antenna or experiment with different positions to identify an appropriate one.
Sometimes, the problem could result from a faulty coaxial cable. In such a case, replace the faulty cable with a high-quality, shielded coaxial cable.
We recommend signal boosters or amplifiers to improve the strength and enhance the audio or video quality if the signal is weak.
Moreover, keep electronics like microwaves and inverters away from the antenna or switch them off if they are not in use.
And if all the above recommendations fail to bear fruit, just replace or upgrade your antenna with a more reliable option.
FAQs
What does an RV antenna do?
An RV (recreational vehicle) antenna is a special one that captures TV or radio signals on the road.
Generally, this antenna captures high-frequency electromagnetic signals and converts them into low-frequency signals to be decoded by your radio or television.
And for the best signal reception, you should position your antenna in a clear line of sight to the transmission tower.
Do RV antenna boosters work?
Absolutely! RV antenna boosters are there to cover the shortcomings of the antennas.
Although antennas are designed for maximum efficiency, they also face problems of poor signal reception and losses.
Therefore, boosters and amplifiers enhance signal strength by overcoming signal losses due to obstructions and weak broadcasting.
What causes RV antenna signal losses?
RV antenna signal loss is not accidental but a factor of many things, including the increased distance between the antenna and transmitter.
Moreover, the loss increases as the amount of obstructions and interference increases.
Furthermore, poor-quality antennas or improper shielding causes signal losses, thus reducing the audio or video quality.
Final Remarks
Upgrading an RV antenna means replacing the entire old system with a new and better system offering better signal reception.
Generally, modern antennas have features that allow for optimal signal reception even in remote areas far from the transmission tower.
They leverage on overcoming all signal losses arising from obstructions and weak broadcasting.
This will serve you well as an RVer who likes traveling to unfamiliar territories far from home.
