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Has anyone replaced the factory sucky antenna?

Started by wvabeer, May 20, 2016, 08:07:57 AM

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wvabeer

I'm looking to replace the TV /radio antenna as it just plain sucks. Has anyone had good luck with another brand/style?

charliem

[font size="3"]There are two things that make an antenna work: Height and directivity (gain). There are two things that prevent an antenna from working: Lack of height and omnidirectivity. [/font][font size="3"]That's just physics. [/font][font size="3"]The OEM antenna has all of the latter and none of the former. For that reason the older crank up and turn (aim) trailer antenna were superior, but inconvenient. There may be slight differences in brands, but as long as you stay with low fixed omnidirectional antennas you (we) have what you have.
[/font]
Any 20 minute job can be stretched
to a week with proper planning

Charlie
NW Florida

wvabeer

I gotta replace this one. The factory made some poor choices. Don't get me wrong I really like my camper but they could have chose better quality accessories.

charliem

[quote timestamp="1463751289" author="@wvabeer" source="/post/21336/thread"]I gotta replace this one. The factory made some poor choices. Don't get me wrong I really like my camper but they could have chose better quality accessories.[/quote][font size="3"]What problems are you having?[/font]
Any 20 minute job can be stretched
to a week with proper planning

Charlie
NW Florida

daplumbr

There have been many reported problems with the wires and connections for the TV/radio coax on LL products. A better antenna would be wonderful, but if you have not done so. start by checking all the connections and wiring to/from the antenna first. Even the cable ends may appear to be tight but might not be making a connection inside. From what I have read, the coax work may be one of the sloppiest things done at the factory. I'm still dealing with TV/radio wiring problems 2 years into it and am expecting an Amazon order for some new wire to arrive today. 

whoofit

Tightening the coax connections at the antenna switch helped some for me. What made the most difference is replacing the tuner with a high quality one. Now reception is excellent.

wvabeer

On the radio I noticed better reception when I unplugged the antenna while it was playing. Just plain awful reception from the tv. Where are the connections in a 6.8C. I am replacing the cheap(Dual) radio with a low cost pioneer and install speaker jacks outside. I am seriously thinking about connecting the radio to it's own antenna.

charliem

Quote from: @wvabeer" timestamp="1463831267" source="/post/21366/threadOn the radio I noticed better reception when I unplugged the antenna while it was playing. Just plain awful reception from the tv. Where are the connections in a 6.8C. I am replacing the cheap(Dual) radio with a low cost pioneer and install speaker jacks outside. I am seriously thinking about connecting the radio to it's own antenna.
[font size="3"]Something seems seriously amiss. Does the little light on the booster illuminate when you turn it on? Does the radio and TV reception improve when you turn the booster on? If either of these conditions fail I'd suspect faulty or improper wiring. We've had reports of improper wiring at the booster and improper tightening of connectors at the antenna.  [/font]
Any 20 minute job can be stretched
to a week with proper planning

Charlie
NW Florida

wvabeer

Oh yea, reception gets better when the amp is turned on, but it really goes from no reception to a little.

gbpack

It's probably a connection issue. We had the same problem with ours. Took it into the dealer and they had to take off the antenna but you may be able to get at it from inside the trailer. The coax cable wasn't connected. Ours works very well now.

wvabeer

I will dig into it first, the install instructions says the head cannot be removed without damage to the head. Anything is possible.

montedtrotter1

Well, we have talked to numerous full time campers/verterans of camping and many of these folks have the round dome for dish TV, (must buy) and then they can get Dish by the month. We are not ready to go there yet as we only stay out for 3-5 nights at a time. You buy the dome (several to chose from) and then when needed make a deal with dish for a month or more at a time. Again we have not tried this but on our last camp excursion, there were many of these units in play or a good indication this is the way to go for the best TV reception.

wvabeer

I couldn't get the Dome off  I was afraid of breaking it. I'll try to dig into it later

jornvango

Not a helpful reply but I recently removed the antenna .. it kept getting stuck behind tree branches.  I'd be interested to find out if there are better options out there.