It’s always fun to be out in nature, spending time with family and friends while camping in your RV. However, it’s also nice to have the creature comforts to which we’ve all become accustomed! While we often turn to our trusty RVs to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, that doesn’t mean that you have to completely disconnect. Whether it’s catching up on your latest Netflix obsession, watching your team’s big game, or keeping up-to-date with the local news, you’ll need a way to connect in order to make all this possible – especially for those rainy days and evenings spent inside the rig!
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Choosing The Best RV Antenna
An RV antenna allows you to watch TV or surf the internet without the need for a standard cable hookup. The antenna is able to pick up signals that broadcast programming right to your TV. This means you can have all your favorite channels right at your fingertips. There are lots of choices for RV antennas out there, and lots of things to consider before you make a decision on your antenna! Here are a few things to think about when looking for a camper TV antenna.
Tip: It is extremely helpful to have good access to TV, internet, and even radio in case of emergencies or severe weather!
7 Tips for Choosing the Right Antenna
1. Make Sure Your Outdoor TV Antenna is HD
HD, or high-definition, antennas are a must if you want to receive HD channels. All new antennas are HD, but if you’re looking to save a few bucks by buying a used RV antenna for TV, make sure it’s an HD model, like the King 0A8000 HDTV Antenna. Stations put out HD signals, and you want to make sure you can receive them.
2. Consider a TV Antenna Booster
A simple contraption such as a Winegard TV Antenna Booster can work wonders if you find yourself needing to boost the signal. Simply snap the booster on your existing outdoor TV antenna and watch more channels.
3. Find TV Stations Near You with Online Tools
There are some great websites that will tell you the distance to the nearest TV stations, and the direction in which your RV antenna needs to be pointed in order to pick up a signal. Both antennaweb.org and the DTV Reception Maps from the FCC are free and simple to use.
4. Dish For RV Versus DirecTV For RV
A satellite TV antenna will probably set you back a few hundred bucks, and you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription rate on top of that. But if you’re a serious TV watcher, you may find the cost worth it!
There are a few different options when it comes to satellite TV networks. However, US users will likely want to look into Dish Network for RV or RV-friendly DirecTV. When it comes to choosing between the two, a lot depends on personal preference, as well as which provider you might already use in your sticks-and-bricks home. Many feel that DirecTV is a bit more user-friendly when it comes to motorhome and trailer installation, but some will argue that DishTV for an RV is a cheaper option, especially if you already use Dish Network at home.
Both are great options, but as always, we recommend doing a bit of shopping and choosing based on what will work best for you in terms of pricing and available channels.
For Dish users, the KING VQ4500 Tailgater is a very popular model on Amazon, with nearly 1700 reviews and a 4.5-star rating.
On the other hand, you might find that having all of that access to television takes away from your camping experience. It’s also good to remember that many campsites offer free cable TV service to their guests, which means that a satellite RV antenna and all of the expenses you incur from satellite TV service may be unnecessary.
5. Improve Campground WiFi Reception with a WiFi RV Antenna Booster
An RV TV antenna booster can help you receive more channels with better reception. There are two basic kinds of booster. One is mounted on the exterior of your RV, while the other is a small device that sits on a desk (or attaches to a window using suction cups) and plugs into your laptop. Either one can keep you surfing the internet comfortably without having to wander around looking for a decent signal. If you work out of your RV, an RV WiFi antenna booster may prove to be an invaluable piece of equipment for you.
6. Want to listen to your favorite radio stations? Purchase an RV FM Antenna
With all of the music and podcast listening options we have at our disposal, it may seem a bit antiquated to want to get plain old FM radio in your RV. However, lots of RVers still really like to listen to local radio. It offers a feel for the regional flavor and is a good source of information. An RV FM Antenna can help to boost radio reception within your RV. Installing one does require drilling a hole for the necessary wires, but it’s a fairly straightforward job for anyone who’s even a little handy.
7. Consider Alternatives
Some of you may be asking, “What if I want to enjoy quality programming without dealing with a dish for my RV?” If this sounds like you, consider a streaming service. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video might be the ideal solution. You can even use YouTube Premium or Hulu to stream live TV if you like. Just make sure you have a good mobile hotspot with plenty of available data.
Best RV TV Antenna: Our Top 5 Recommendations
We’ve scoured many RV TV antenna reviews to present you with the 5 most recommended models. These include, in no particular order:
- KING Directional Over-the-air Antenna
- Wineguard RZ-6000 Rayzar z1 RV TV Antenna
- Dish Playmaker Portable Antenna
- KING VQ4100 Quest Portable/Roof Mountable Satellite TV Antenna (for use with DIRECTV)
- Winegard RVW-395 Sensar IV White DTV/HD TV Antenna
Winegard RV Antennas
Slick, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing aren’t usually adjectives you’d use to describe a TV antenna! In fact, most of the antennas and dishes we traditionally see on houses are actually massive eyesores. Not so with Winegard‘s antenna on RV.
Winegard RV antennas are rated among the top in their class by reviewers, and they’re surprisingly sleek and inconspicuous, making them a great addition to any RV. With a 55-mile radius, they mount easily to the roof and provide crystal clear connections to free digital and HD channels, even in remote areas. And if you want to improve your picture quality, you can add an amplifier to your existing setup or upgrade to a Winegard satellite dish for even more channels.
Installing a Winegard RV antenna is quick and easy, and most users report being able to do it themselves with little help. Simply mount the antenna to your RV’s roof with the included hardware or an upgraded mount, and you’ll be ready to go. With a Winegard RV antenna, you can stay connected to the world while enjoying the comfort and freedom of RV travel.
Do You Want an Indoor or Outdoor RV Antenna?
If you’re considering purchasing an antenna for your RV, then the first thing you need to decide is whether an indoor or outdoor antenna is for you. To pick up the HD signals put out by local affiliates of major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, you will need a TV antenna. So, which one is best? Well, that depends, as they both offer advantages and disadvantages.
- Outdoor RV antennas for TV are perhaps the most popular due to the fact that they pick up more channels than their indoor counterparts. This is because they’re attached to the roof of your vehicle. This also poses some disadvantages, however, as you must raise the antenna to use it or lower it when your vehicle is driving.
- Outdoor TV antennas are made of plastic and aluminum, both of which snap easily, so if you leave it up and drive under a tree, chances are good that you may find yourself in the market for a replacement very soon.
- On the plus side, the location on the outside of the vehicle means they often pick up lots of channels.
- But wait! Outdoor TV antennas now come in a sleek, aerodynamic design that doesn’t need to be raised or lowered.
- Indoor RV TV antennas may last longer, as they’re not exposed to the elements. To boost their indoor signal, you can purchase an RV antenna booster (which we discuss in more detail below). An indoor RV TV antenna does not have the same range, and needs to be stored when it’s not in use, but it’s also easier to position and control.
Satellite Antennas
A satellite antenna is a dish that is installed on your RV and requires a subscription to a service. Essentially, there are 3 different types of RV TV satellites:
- Portables — Portables are generally the most cost-effective option. They can be moved to suit your needs in each location, but they must be set up and taken down each time you move.
- Domes — Domes have a sleek, modern look that many people love. They are automatic and can be mounted on the roof of your RV, meaning less to worry about during setup and teardown. Some can also be used when the vehicle is in motion, making them an awesome option for those who spend a lot of time on the road.
- Multi-Satellite TV Antennas — Finally, there are multi-satellite antennas. Just as the name suggests, these use multiple antennas to ensure they are always offering the best possible signal. These are the most reliable option by far, but also the most expensive.
Other Things to Look for When Choosing an RV TV Antenna
There are also some other things you can take into consideration when choosing the perfect RV TV antenna for your vehicle. These include:
Material: Most RV antennas are made out of plastic or aluminum. If you buy an outdoor antenna, go for an aluminum one because they’re sturdier, rust-resistant, and more durable. Plastic antennas, on the other hand, are perfect for indoor use, as they’re lighter.
Definition: New models of antennas are being created for high-definition use. You’ll want to double-check that yours is high-definition before buying.
UHF and VHF Signals: Want to receive all of the available channels in and around your local area? Ensure your RV antenna is able to pick up both UHF channels (channels 14 to 51) and VHF channels (channels 2 to 13).
Weight: The desired weight of your RV TV antenna will vary depending on whether you choose an outdoor or indoor model. Outdoor models should be sturdy, not flimsy or lightweight. After all, you don’t want heavy winds to snap it off. Indoor TV antennas for your RV can be lighter, however, as you want them to be easy to stow away.
WiFi Capacity: Most RV TV antennas will come with WiFi capabilities, which is great for getting online when you’re RVing. If you frequently camp out in nature, you’ll want an antenna that has a strong WiFi capacity.
Price: When it comes to choosing your ideal antenna, the price will play a large role! Work out your budget first, then see what options are available to you which won’t break the bank.
Installation: Depending on your skill set, you’ll also want to check out the installation details of your RV TV antenna. Some models are easier to install than others.
Where to Buy an RV TV Antenna
You can purchase indoor and outdoor RV TV antennas from a number of destinations, both online or in-store. Check out your local RV specialists to see if they stock antennas, or head online to websites such as Amazon to pick up a good deal, whether it’s for the entire RV antenna or just specific RV TV antenna parts.
FAQs
What is the best TV antenna for an RV?
The best TV antenna for an RV is the KING Directional Over-the-air Antenna. The Wineguard RZ-6000 Rayzar z1 RV TV Antenna and the Dish Playmaker Portable Antenna are also good options.
How do I get better TV reception in my RV?
Here are a few tips for getting better TV reception in your RV.
- Check for obstacles: Trees, buildings, mountains – anything tall can interfere with broadcast signals and make it harder for your antenna to get good reception. Try to camp in an open area to get a better signal. Also, the closer you are to the city you’re getting a signal from, the better.
- Orient your antenna: Begin by doing a channel scan. When the scan is complete, turn your TV to a channel and see if the broadcast quality is good. Turn the circular plate 90 degrees at a time to see if the reception improves. Once you’ve found the spot with the best reception, set your antenna there. You can also use a signal finder tool like Channel Master’s Antenna Selection Guide to find nearby broadcast towers and orient your antenna.
- Turn on your amplifier: Most new, omnidirectional, over-the-air antennas have an amplifier. If it accidentally gets switched off, your antenna won’t pick up as many channels. Make sure your amplifier is on, then run a channel scan to find all your channels.
- Turn off other appliances: All appliances have some level of radiation, and appliances and plugged-in devices can interfere with your TV reception. This is typically just a problem with lower-frequency broadcast stations, but it’s something to try if you’re having trouble getting a signal.
Will my old RV antenna work with digital TV?
Yes, an old RV antenna will work with digital TV. This video has a little more advice on RV antenna replacement if you’d like to use your old RV antenna.
You might hop in your RV and go camping to get away from everything, but in this day and age, many RVers don’t want to be 100% disconnected from the outside world. Having access to TV, WiFi, and even radio is helpful and sometimes essential, but getting those signals into your RV often requires an RV antenna.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about RV TV antennas before you make your purchase! Whether you’re an RV beginner or a comfortable old pro, this list should give you enough information on RV antennas to get you started.
Own an RV? List with RVshare and earn additional income. If you’re a renter, rest assured most RVs on RVshare offer television and WiFi. Stay connected on the road!
