One of the great things about having an RV is that you can take your home with you wherever you go. This also means that you can take your satellite TV with you and never have to worry about losing your favorite shows or movies while you’re on the road. However, with so many different types and brands of portable satellite dishes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your motorhome. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of tips and information that can help you in choosing the best satellite dish for your motorhome on the market today.
How do I get satellite TV for my RV?
Satellite TV is a reliable and cheaper entertainment means than other types of TV like cable TV or Streaming services subscriptions for instance. Lucky for you, you don’t need to give that up if you decide to move about in your motorhome. You can still get good satellite reception by using a portable dish on the roof of your RV or caravan.
You can either purchase a portable satellite dish that you can set up and take down as needed, or you can install a permanent satellite dish. You will also need to purchase a satellite TV receiver and the necessary equipment needed in order to watch satellite TV on the road. Keep reading for some expert advice and recommendations.
What to Look for in a Motorhome Satellite Dish:
If you are in the market for a motorhome satellite dish, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. The type of dish, the size, and the price are all important factors to consider. With a little research, you can find the perfect dish for your needs. Here are a few things to look for in a motorhome satellite dish.
Portability and Ease of Use
A dish needs to be able to be taken down and set up easily. You can determine if your chosen satellite dish is easy to use or not by reading reviews and watching video demos online. Talking to salespeople in-store is helpful as well because they are more likely to be knowledgeable about the products.
Size
The dish needs to be the right size for your RV and your needs as well. The dish size affects the amount of signal that can be received and the quality of the signal. A larger dish will be able to receive a stronger signal, but it will also be more susceptible to interference (in addition to being bulky and needing more roof space). A smaller dish will be less likely to pick up interference, but the signal will be weaker.
Numbers of TVs
Different models of satellite dishes for RVs and motorhomes provide different features, depending on the price you are willing to pay, and the numbers of TVs you want to watch. If you only have one TV, then any type will do the job. However, if you have multiple TVs, you will need to look for a dish that supports multiple cable entries and provides services to more than one TV at once.
The type of satellite service that you have
If you have a standard-definition service, then you will need a different dish than if you have a high-definition service.
Price
There are a wide variety of portable satellite dishes on the market, ranging in price from around $100 to over $1,000. You don’t want to spend too much on a dish, but you also don’t want to get one that’s cheaply made that will break easily.
The most expensive options tend to be the most feature-rich, offering automatic dish setup, advanced tracking capabilities, and more. Cheaper options may require manual setup and may not offer as many features, but can still provide a good satellite TV experience.
Installation
When it comes to installing a portable satellite dish, there are a few things that you need to take into account. One is the type of dish that you have. There are two main types: automatic and manual. The automatic dish is by far the easiest to install, as it will automatically align itself with the satellite. The manual dish, on the other hand, requires you to manually align it, which can be tricky. If you’re not experienced in installing satellite dishes, you might want to get one that’s easy to install.
Does the size of the satellite dish matter?
The two main types of portable satellite dishes if we categorize them by size are domes and dishes. Domes are typically smaller and more compact, making them easier to store and transport. Dishes are usually larger and require a bit more setup, but they can provide a stronger signal.
When choosing a portable satellite dish, you’ll need to consider your needs and the type of RV you have. If you have a small RV, a dome might be the best option. Add to that whether you are going to be traveling to far and foreign countries or if you’ll be staying close to your local region/area. Domes are not that strong in catching signals so you might not be able to have all of your favorite channels.
If you have a larger RV or plan on doing a lot of off-roading, a dish might be a better choice.
You’ll also need to make sure that the satellite dish you choose is compatible with your satellite TV provider.
What are the Different Satellite Systems Available on the Market?
There are four main types of satellite dishes for RVs: Standard, Permanent, Portable, and Dome.
- Standard satellite dishes are the most common and are typically 18-24 inches in diameter. They require manual setup and can be positioned on the ground or on the roof of the RV.
- Permanent satellite dishes are larger and more expensive, but they are also much easier to use. They are typically 36 inches in diameter and are mounted on a tripod or pole. They can be left in one spot, making them ideal for long-term camping.
- Portable satellite dishes are smaller and can be easily moved from one location to another. They are typically 12-18 inches in diameter and can be positioned on the ground or on the roof of the RV.
- Dome antennas are the most expensive option, but they are also the easiest to use. They are fully automated and can be controlled from inside the RV. They are typically 24-36 inches in diameter and are mounted on the roof of the RV.
Which type of system you go with depends wholly on your motorhome lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. Get informed well before choosing one to make sure it’s the perfect fit!
What are the Best 3 Satellite Dishes for a Motorhome?
Moving now to the important part (which you initially are here for)! We’ve compiled the top 3 best-rated satellite dishes for a motorhome, all used and reviewed by amateur and professional campers who share similar interests and modes of living.
1- Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker
Most RV owners agree that the Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker and it’s not for nothing. It is among the most popular RV satellite dish system available in the market.
The Winegard PL7000R is a fully automatic satellite TV dish that makes it easy to get satellite TV reception on your RV or trailer no matter where you are. It can be set up quickly and easily, which makes it perfect for RVers who don’t want to spend hours setting up their satellite TV service (or the ones who simply lack advanced technical skills).
The dish is also very sturdy thanks to its military-grade aluminum reflector. So you wouldn’t have to worry about it wearing out quickly or from harsh weather conditions. All while being lightweight, discrete, and convenient.
The Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker comes with an auto dish programming feature that makes it easy to find and download satellite TV channels from all over the world. The antenna also comes with a built-in amplifier that strengthens the signal of your satellite TV so that you can watch different HD channels in full quality.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and install satellite TV antenna for your RV or trailer, then the Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker is the whole pack.
2- KING VQ4500 Tailgater
When it comes to satellite TV for RVs, the KING VQ4500 Tailgater makes a popular choice as well. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store and set up (perfect for tailgaters, hence the name), both as a portable satellite or mounted on the roof of your RV. This model can also support two TV entries. Perfect if you have more than one TV or are traveling with company.
The KING VQ has an automatic system feature too, so you can just connect the antenna to your RV’s TV input and it will automatically search for available air channels. Plus, it comes with a built-in amplifier that makes the signal stronger for better-quality TV viewing.
3- Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER
The Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER is a satellite dish that is specifically designed for use with motorhomes. It is one of the most popular models of satellite dishes on the market, and for good reason – it is an extremely versatile and user-friendly product that is perfect for anyone who wants to be able to watch TV while on the road.
One of the best features of the Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER is that it is very easy to set up and use. It comes with a simple, step-by-step guide that makes it quick and easy to get started. Additionally, the dish itself is very compact and easy to store, making it perfect for those who are short on space.
Another great feature of the Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER is that it is specifically designed to work with a variety of different satellites. This means that you will be able to get reception from almost anywhere in the world, as long as there is a satellite in range.
Finally, the Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER is an extremely affordable satellite dish, making it a great option for those on a budget. It is also one of the most popular models on the market, so you can be sure that you will be able to find it easily if you ever need to replace it.
If you’re in the market for a new satellite dish for your motorhome, be sure to check out our list of tips and information. We’ve done the research for you so you can make the best decision for your needs.
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