TV Antenna

[Qwazert]

So our Rockwood has one of those ridiculous and useless TV antenna's that we never use and never will use. While I was up there replacing some weather-stripping the other day, I noticed the antenna lies DIRECTLY on the roof...so it's bouncing up and down on the membrane as I'm driving down the road!
I cranked it up partially (about an inch or so) to get the sharper edges off the roof, but now it can see-saw back and forth...
Long story short...I want to remove this darn thing so I'm looking for advice from anyone who's done this.
From what I can see, there are 2 pivot-pins held in place by circlips. If I remove the clips and push out the pivot-pins, I should be able to remove the bulk of the hardware, leaving the base in place. I'm not interested in making or leaving open holes in my roof.
Will removing the uprights and the antenna "head" cause any leaks into the living area?
It doesn't appear that it should, but I'm just making sure.

 

[JWood422]

I just looked at the picture of your RV. We seem to have the same “ridiculous” antenna. I can’t answer your question right now but have to tell you that my antenna works so well that I even ran an antenna wire underground from my travel trailer to my home tv just in case we can’t use any other source for whatever reason.
I’ll look at the mounting bracket the next time I’m on the roof and give you my opinion.

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

If that ridiculous and useless TV antenna is a batwing type, IMHO, getting rid of it is a mistake. They are still the best antenna out there. We've had our RV for about ten years now, and never had a problem with it lying flat on the roof.

 

[bikendan]

If that ridiculous and useless TV antenna is a batwing type, IMHO, getting rid of it is a mistake. They are still the best antenna out there. We've had our RV for about ten years now, and never had a problem with it lying flat on the roof.

x2!

Both of my trailers had a Winegard batwing antenna and neither bounced on the roof membrane nor was there damage to the membrane.
Over the years, they have worked better than nearly any other type/style of RV tv antenna. Especially after adding the Wingman accessory.

 

[Qwazert]

Maybe I should elaborate a bit...
We DO NOT watch TV in our trailer. Even if we did there are no TV signals anywhere we go....
Might watch a DVD from time to time, but rarely.
I don't want to remove the antenna completely...I intend on leaving the base on the roof, so that I can replace the antenna if we ever sell. But I want to get the rest of that hardware off there!

 

[JWood422]

How do you know the antenna bounces up and down while you’re driving?

 

[KethCamps]

As long as the base is sealed up tight, leaks shouldn’t be a problem. Keep looking at the seal from time to time.

 

[Qwazert]

How do you know the antenna bounces up and down while you’re driving?

Everything else in the trailer bounces while driving....

 

[CobraMisfit]

Our 2019 Wildwood FSX has a batwing antenna and I am still shocked how many channels it picks up with just a basic scan while pointed through trees towards the local towers. That said, we never use it as we tend to watch a DVD or play games if the weather keeps us, and our kiddo, inside for a day or two.

As for removal, my theory leans towards leaving well enough alone (for our needs). Our antenna has been up there for 6 years and has traveled through many different climates/spaces. We keep the roof clean and sealed and have never once had an issue with the antenna area. But if it bothers you and you're able to seal whatever areas get exposed when you remove parts of it, I see no reason why that would be an issue.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Yes, the batwing is one of the better antennas. As to it bouncing up and down, only examination of the roof area will disclose that.

As to the antenna being worthless, "one of those ridiculous and useless TV antenna's", with the advent of Digital TV, the effective broadcast range reduced from near 100 miles for analog TV to some 35 miles or less for digital TV. Also, the digital TV signal is greatly affected (attenuated) by vegetation and elevation as comparted to the TV transmitting site. The digital TV signal travels largely be line of sight whereas the analog TV signal would be less affected by vegetation and could follow the terrain. Thanks to technology we lose TV coverage. In other words, it isn't the TV antenna's fault.

Bob

 

[sailorsam20500]

As for removal, my theory leans towards leaving well enough alone.

I agree, I'd leave it as is. If you are worried about the roof membrane, put some eternabond down where it contacts the roof. If you ever sell the trailer, the next owner may appreciate having an antenna.

 

[Cojo]

x2!

Both of my trailers had a Winegard batwing antenna and neither bounced on the roof membrane nor was there damage to the membrane.
Over the years, they have worked better than nearly any other type/style of RV tv antenna. Especially after adding the Wingman accessory.

Hi there! Thank you for your post. Can you tell me what the wingman accessory is? Thanks so much

 

[bikendan]

Hi there! Thank you for your post. Can you tell me what the wingman accessory is? Thanks so much

Google is your friend:

Wingman RV Antenna Booster

Enhance your RV entertainment experience with the Winegard Wingman RV Antenna Booster. Boost your signal reception and enjoy crystal-clear TV channels while on the road. Easy to install and compatible with most Winegard antennas, the Wingman is your ticket to superior entertainment wherever you...

winegard.com

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Hi there! Thank you for your post. Can you tell me what the wingman accessory is? Thanks so much

It adds 3 passive elements to the existing Wingman antenna. That makes it a bit more directional and thus a wee bit of signal gain. That might be just might be enough to get a picture. With digital TV one either has a good picture or no picture.

Please see post #10 regarding TV antennas and digital TV.

Bob

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

Hi there! Thank you for your post. Can you tell me what the wingman accessory is? Thanks so much

Got mine from Amazon yeaterday. Getting ready to install it today. I remember installing it on another RV we had, and it was super simple.

 

[Jim34RL]

On all three of my 5er's that we have owned over the years the Winegard antennas have a rubber bumper under the batwing. This prevents the metal and plastic components of the antenna from touching the membrane of the roof. the rubber bushing will not damage the roof regardless of if the antenna is bouncing off of the roof or not.

You can remover the arms and batwing from the antenna if you want these are attached via a pin and clip. But you need to leave the major component attached to the trailer. Unless you plan on resealing the entire roof.