If you want to enjoy SATTV INTERNET while traveling, you can install a satellite dish on your RV. Satellite TV is important while traveling as it entertains you with your favorite programs and news channels. In this guide, you will find out how to select the right one, buy it, and even how to put it on your RV.
Choosing A Satellite Dish
The first step involves choosing a satellite antenna system for recreational vehicles RVs exclusively. You have a few options to consider:
- Dish Type: There are two common types of satellite dishes for RVs, which includes DISH-style mounted on the roof or a dome antenna. A roof-mounted dish can be manual or automatic. They provide you with more angles to achieve the best signal strength but occupies more room on the roof. Dome antennas have a lower profile, an aerodynamic design but they can only cover a limited area.
- Portability: Make sure that the satellite dish can move at highway speed, and still be secure and also be able to handle the various terrains and altitudes. The mount and dish must withstand motion within the trailer and physical factors such as wind and rain.
- Power Source: Recreational vehicle satellite antenna systems are usually 12/24 volt dc power rather than using a wall outlet. Select an automatic dish that can level itself and has low power demands suitable for RVs.
- Signal Strength: A dish with higher gains like 24dB or 36dB generates a louder signal. This provides you with much better clarity and more flexible positioning possibilities.
Commercial satellite dish Home System acquisition
Once you have decided between a roof mounted self-contained automatic or dome satellite, you can purchase an RV Satellite Kit at most electronics and RV stores. These kits come with all the crucial components in one consolidated set:
- Reflector dish and antenna with mounting accessories
- Signal meter and leveling accessories
- Cables and power inserter with integrated coaxial cable RG 6 and power cable
- Mounting control box to make control of the aiming and leveling of the dish easier
For purchasing the individual components, you should look for RG6-sized coaxial cable, which should be at least 6 feet long, F-connector female crimp that you will have to use to connect the cable to the dish and the right kind of mounting hardware and sealant that you can use on your RV roof depending on the material.
The Satellite Antenna Equipment
Here are the step-by-step instructions for safely and properly installing your recreational vehicle satellite equipment:
Find An Installation Site
Choose an area on the roof that:
- Holds an unobstructed position facing south
- Is near existing wiring for connection
- Requires at least 12 inches of space around the dish in all directions
- Will not hinder other parts of the roof when used in a stationary manner or when in motion
Mark and Cut an opening (for roof mount dishes)
The self-leveling roof mount satellite system is recommended; when installing, you should lay out the roof panel, where you wish to mount the dish, using the template provided. Ensure that it stands as much as possible to have good structural and weatherproofing integrity. Take a utility knife, and with the help of a straight edge, cut a hole slightly less than the circumference of the base of the dish.
Install The Mount Foot/Base
Seal the corners of the pre-cut opening with a non-abrasive roof sealant or caulk. The surface must be clean of any dirt, dust, grease etc. Place the mount base over the hole opening such that the bowl lip is in line with the roof surface. The outer periphery of the base rim will lie outside the bore hole. Fasten the mount base to the roof with screws that are fastened to roof decking or structural reinforcement. Inspect ceiling and all possible surfaces for bulging, dampness or any signs of mould. Also, if necessary, apply more of the sealant to the surface you are working with.
Attach The Antenna Dish
Gently perform the final positioning of your satellite dish on top of the mount base that you have just installed. Assemble the dish with the mount as per the steps required for the particular model you are using. When using washers and tightening bolts, they should be done gently to avoid cracking. Position the cable for the plug at the back of the antenna rear which should now pass through the roof hole into the ceiling. Pass the satellite TV cable cord securely inside the construction towards the outlet.
Connect Cables And Power
Screw the other end of the coax cable to a satellite receiver box, most commonly DIRECTV or DISH using F female connector. If the dish needs power usually in case with an auto-self leveling dish then connect a power inserter to 12V/24V DC power system. Solder the receiver using the HDMI or the composite cables to the TV.
Align And Lock Position
Switch on the receiver box and television monitor. Adjust skew and elevation settings manually or from the back of dish to get the highest bar on the receiver. If the lock is positioned correctly, use screws to fix all lock mounting hardware to ensure that they remain in position. Seal roof hole openings also provide protection from weather situations and leakage.
Not only do you get satellite programming and internet in a convenient unit, but the dish is built to pick up signals when traveling. All you have to do to initiate the search and tracking of satellites regardless of its position and the surface type is simply to press the power button. Ensure high performance by inspecting the seals, mounting the security, wiring condition so that your recreational vehicle satellite continues to connect and entertain you.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
