Tailgater Question

[bend302]

We decided to spring for the Tailgater and a receiver to add to our home system.

Where we will be in FL, there is a tree to the rear (South). If I set the Tailgater on the roof of the Motor home I may be able to see above the tree.

The question is: These things are really light. Is it subject to a gust of wind blowing it off of the roof? If so, any thoughts as to how to secure it?

I have looked at the ladder mounts but they seem pretty expensive. Hope to find a less expensive (spelled cheaper) solution.

Bill

[jtstromsburg]

maybe strap it using roof vent covers, the fridge vent cover, or something similar. Or, run a ratchet strap across the roof and down to the down the side to something solid? The latter wouldn't look as nice as you may want, but could work with no roof penetrations.

[Iggy]

Bill,
I have a tailgater and always put it on the roof when in Florida and never had an issue of the wind blowing it off.
I do have a large plastic covered cable that I secure it from theft and usually rap it around the top of the ladder or just around my AC unit just in case some wind comes up.
If you are worried you can attach it by cable to something heavy you can bring up with you.

You can see my Tailgater on roof in picture.

[Ford Idaho]

Telescoping Antenna Mast | eBay



You could use a ground anchor and steel cable to keep it upright.

No need to get on the roof.

[bend302]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I will try Iggy's suggestion as I already have a cable lock from an old bicycle that might work.

DW suggested a bungy cord. I may have to try that as well.

Thanks

Bill

[bubbles]

If you would still have a good shot at the southern sky use a bungie cord and secure it through the louvers in the AC cover. That's what we do and no issues. Remember, even if you can't pick up all three sats for HD but are able to capture 2 sats you should still have SD reception. One other thing. If you want local networks just call dish and give them your curren zip code or address and they will activate the sat reception for you. Or, you could just use your tv antenna for those stations. Just a thought.

[NO3putt]

Use a bungie cord myself, not too concerned about someone stealing it from the roof, however when setting it on the ground we use a cable and locks just to be safe.

[bend302]

Originally Posted by bubbles

If you would still have a good shot at the southern sky use a bungie cord and secure it through the louvers in the AC cover. That's what we do and no issues. Remember, even if you can't pick up all three sats for HD but are able to capture 2 sats you should still have SD reception. One other thing. If you want local networks just call dish and give them your curren zip code or address and they will activate the sat reception for you. Or, you could just use your tv antenna for those stations. Just a thought.

Thanks, Bubbles. I have the old analog TV's so HD is out for me on the road. Someday, I will get brave and replace this old monster with a flat screen LCD/HD TV.

The reason I bought this Tailgater is that antenna reception is spotty where we will be so I will want local channels. Of course, the ability to watch Kentucky Basketball wasn't a factor (haha).

Bill

[copsuno]

For what its worth, I have the Winegard carry out and I just set mine on ground, heck it comes with 50ft cable, I can usually find sat.

[petey]

Originally Posted by copsuno

For what its worth, I have the Winegard carry out and I just set mine on ground, heck it comes with 50ft cable, I can usually find sat.

howdy: lots of good ideas, what I have seen is ladder brackets that go on your rear ladder and stay there, just take your satellite up there and put it on the brackets, some people leave the satellite there it works good. Pete

[PapaSmurf]

I sit mine on the roof from time to time, I sit it in the side to side center of the roof, so if the wind were to blow it over, it would not fall off the roof. So far, it has never been blown over, or off the roof.

[raoulwv]

I bungee mine to the rail at the rear of my 378 ( see photo). The wind may not blow the tailgater off the roof, but even if it's moved, you'll need to reaquire the satellite signal.