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Old 02-23-2019, 06:22 PM   #1
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tv-radio antenna
We are part time boondockers and have tried to pick up tv reception without any results. Has anyone changed out the factory antenna for a better one?
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Old 02-23-2019, 06:36 PM   #2
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It would help if you posted what make and model of antenna, since there are a number of different types.
Or post a pic.
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Old 02-23-2019, 06:47 PM   #3
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1. Make sure the booster amp is turned on.
2. Are you within line of sight range of an OTA channels?

https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps
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Old 02-23-2019, 07:07 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MinerDoug View Post
.... Has anyone changed out the factory antenna for a better one?

Our original tv antenna never has been reliable, I went with another completely different setup, ... link below is to thread with more pics and more info about what I have, see post #12, ...


http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-171236-2.html
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Old 02-23-2019, 07:47 PM   #5
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antenna
our trailer is a 2018 wildcat maxx 285rkx, the trailer is in storage so i dont have the model or make of antenna, we have tried it with the booster on and it didn't make any difference, we live in Wyoming and camp in the boonies 180 miles from Salt Lake City
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Old 02-23-2019, 07:52 PM   #6
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What antenna do you have now (photos would be good)?
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Old 02-26-2019, 06:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MinerDoug View Post
We are part time boondockers and have tried to pick up tv reception without any results. Has anyone changed out the factory antenna for a better one?

We have the exact same trailer, 2019 got it in June and I have yet to get any reception either. The antenna is a Jack (https://www.campingworld.com/king-ja...al-meter-black)


I've tried it several times and cannot get a signal at all.
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Old 02-26-2019, 06:46 PM   #8
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Download the Antenna Point app, it will show you tower location and distance.
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Old 02-26-2019, 06:50 PM   #9
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Another thought, be sure your TV is set to Air, Not Cable. Also be sure the coaxial cable is not connected to the Satellite male plug
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Old 02-26-2019, 08:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MinerDoug View Post
our trailer is a 2018 wildcat maxx 285rkx, the trailer is in storage so i dont have the model or make of antenna, we have tried it with the booster on and it didn't make any difference, we live in Wyoming and camp in the boonies 180 miles from Salt Lake City

At 180 miles from any large city you'll be hard pressed to get anything in this digital world. The best you can hope for (and the best I ever got) is around 40 - 45 miles from the Tv stations transmission tower. It'll be worse in mountainous areas.

I use antennaweb.org to find my antenna aiming. Just put in your location and it will give you compass direction to turn the antenna towards.

Edit: https://antennaweb.org/Stations?Addr...tude=-109.2525

Even from the center of town (Walmart), pickins' are slim.
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Old 02-26-2019, 08:27 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nayther View Post
We have the exact same trailer, 2019 got it in June and I have yet to get any reception either. The antenna is a Jack (https://www.campingworld.com/king-ja...al-meter-black)


I've tried it several times and cannot get a signal at all.
Unfortunately, the RV manufacturers have gone to that antenna for most new RV's, and even though it is a King/Jack antenna...it has proven to be junk, unless you are within 30 miles and line of sight from the broadcast antenna.

The King/Jack batwing antenna replacement head (the one I have) is a tried and true model that almost anyone that has it...loves it!

As for them not working at all, chances are the wiring in your RV was screwed up upon installation at the factory as well and that omni-direction model being junk.

Now, I'm not slamming FR as my Heartland 5'ver was also wired up completely screwed and I spend days figuring it out after I gave up on my dealership THREE TIMES after they proved they didn't have a clue how to wire up a TV antenna, either.

I live in Yuma, Arizona, where the local TV stations are broadcast from 65 miles away in El Centro, California, and my King/Jack picks them up as well as my home antenna, that has a listed range of 150 miles.
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Old 03-01-2019, 07:54 PM   #12
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antenna
where did you buy your replacement antenna? Thanks everyone for all of the good information
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Old 03-01-2019, 09:42 PM   #13
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where did you buy your replacement antenna? Thanks everyone for all of the good information
Got mine at Camping World... but just about every RV parts store carries them.
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