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Old 08-12-2013, 06:55 AM   #1
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Missing antenna!

In early June, I took delivary of our Columbus 320rs and yesterday was the first time I was able to climb onto the roof to do an inspection. We couldn't understand why we had very poor radio reception and I think this explains it. There was no roof top antenna! (see pictures) Anyone else have this problem? Maybe Chris Columbus can send me an antenna so I can replace the missing one? The only part on the antenna mount was an adapter of some sort which screws onto the main mount. This was a hugh surprise to me and I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem. (Maybe it hit an overpass during transport to the dealer?)
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Old 08-12-2013, 07:16 AM   #2
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or never installed. There appears to be no indication of impact damage.

I would call your factory rep and see what they can do.

Hopefully, one is winging its way to you from FR, but radio shack might carry one that will mate up with that stud.
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Old 08-12-2013, 08:03 AM   #3
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I took delivery of our 320RS in march and have complained about radio reception since our first time out. There is no roof mount antenna on our camper. Basement radio has a digital antenna and very poor reception. Samsung home theater/radio had no reception at all. I checked unit and all it had was small wire for antenna. After complaining to dealer they installed another wire which of course didn't do any better. I had the best reception in our KZ Durango. I guess Forest River keeps cutting corners to save money. I had my Durango for almost two years and had to take back for one small item. I've had our Columbus for four months and will make our 4th trip to dealer this time for leak in slide along with several other quality issues we keep finding. Our radios still don't work unless we are setting outside the radio station. I'm ready to get my Durango back as FR & Columbus they are not the camper they told us it was. Looks good, shows good, but not the Quality I was expecting from Forest River. Very disappointed on our Columbus 320RS.
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Old 08-13-2013, 04:46 PM   #4
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We have the antenna but our dealer said they had received a unit without one installed. It may be a problem that happens often.
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Old 08-13-2013, 04:58 PM   #5
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As much as they cost, you would think they would put a quality FM antenna on them
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Old 08-13-2013, 05:15 PM   #6
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You would think they would a LOT of quality items in\on our coaches but we are at the mercy of the purchasing agent at the factory. Low purchase price(s) always win out.
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Old 08-13-2013, 08:43 PM   #7
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I found a replacement @ wallyworld. Its a rubber antenna and screws into the existing stud, all for a cost of around 8 bucks! It should work and if it hits an overpass, it should survive the impact and keep on going, if not, its only 8 bucks! I will climb up onto the roof this weekend and out it to the test.
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Old 08-13-2013, 08:57 PM   #8
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If you have front air it should not stick up past it
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Old 08-17-2013, 11:03 AM   #9
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If that little antenna hits a bridge you are cutting the height restriction TOO CLOSE. The antenna will unscrew itself quite often, sometimes coming to rest wedged under the aft A/C units fwd edge but usually just going overboard. I have used blue Loktite sparingly and have not lost mine in 2500 miles.
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Old 08-17-2013, 11:12 AM   #10
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At least you got an antenna. Must be a high dollar item when being. May that should put them out as a option item. No RV should not be built without a decent FM Antenna if it comes with a radio which all do.
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Old 08-17-2013, 12:25 PM   #11
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Lock Tite!!!
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