Reverse RV-Wingman Installation

[dcogs15]

We have a new Forester 3051S MH and the TV reception while camping has been marginal at best. The RV-Wing add-on does not fit since there is less than 3" of clearance to the fridge vent on the roof (need at least 10" clearance). You would think that FR would locate the antenna so that common add-ons could be used, but they didn't!
There isn't much info on the internet about reversing the antenna, and Winegard says it can't be done. For anyone who's interested, I was able to reverse the antenna head so the the RV-wing has suitable clearance. Photos are attached. I used two 3" 1/4-20 ss cap screws with nylon washers, 1' nylon spacers, and ss 1/4-20 lock nuts. I had to drill two 1/4" holes in the plastic mounting bracket (be sure to replicate the original holes and drill perpendicular.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by dcogs15

We have a new Forester 3051S MH and the TV reception while camping has been marginal at best. The RV-Wing add-on does not fit since there is less than 3" of clearance to the fridge vent on the roof (need at least 10" clearance). You would think that FR would locate the antenna so that common add-ons could be used, but they didn't!
There isn't much info on the internet about reversing the antenna, and Winegard says it can't be done. For anyone who's interested, I was able to reverse the antenna head so the the RV-wing has suitable clearance. Photos are attached. I used two 3" 1/4-20 ss cap screws with nylon washers, 1' nylon spacers, and ss 1/4-20 lock nuts. I had to drill two 1/4" holes in the plastic mounting bracket (be sure to replicate the original holes and drill perpendicular.

Nice work!

[08flagvlite]

Replaced mine with a JACK antenna- works MUCH better. AND yes, I also had the wingman add on, it helped some, but the JACK antenna still works better, in my opinion. Randy

[B and B]

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

Replaced mine with a JACK antenna- works MUCH better. AND yes, I also had the wingman add on, it helped some, but the JACK antenna still works better, in my opinion. Randy

I also have installed a Jack as well, can not speak for a Wingman. One thing to look at is antenna splitter loss. Many splitters are designed for cable and have lots of loss, 7 db in some cases. Replace with a 3.5 db loss and you get double the signal.

B

[dwaynerz]

where would this splitter be located? we have a 31 rets6 with lousy tv reception. by lousy, i mean the ability to pick up many tv stations.

[B and B]

Dwaynerz,

The splitter in my unit 8289ws is behind the Genesis radio, that is same spot were the antenna amp switch is located. In my travel trailer the pop up tv had a wall with all items mounted on it.

Brian

[dwaynerz]

thanks b and b. will look next time trailer is at home. have wondered about the jackman(?) antenna, but it looks to be a fixed mast type. just one more thing sticking up on the roof i have to worry about getting removed by a limb, sign, bridge (insert other low object here).