Omni-directional antenna

IHnutz · 06-11-2018, 07:33 AM

We have a 2016 Sprinter 5th-wheel with the fixed "omni-directional" TV antenna. The TV itself is "Contin-US" brand. Not to be rude BUT! the reception with this combination totally "sucks swamp water"!!!! Our previous travel trailers - Springdales and Nomads - have all had the fold-up, rotatable, Wingard antennas. While not perfect they provided at least acceptable viewing with the ability to fine tune the signal by rotating the antenna. We typically receive 1/3 to 1/2 the available channels other campers receive with the Wingard antenna and the TV frequently "pixilates" and/or drops out completely whenever a car, truck, or bird goes by!!

I have complained and complained and complained to the dealer about it and have always been given the same answer -"Everybody that has those complains about that. There is nothing we can do, the "factory" won't fix it."

Has anyone had the same complaint and did you find an acceptable solution? I hate to think that we paid that kind of money for a travel trailer and had to pay again to "fix" the entertainment system.

Canonman · 06-11-2018, 07:42 AM

Same issue with our Cougar. Hopefully someone on the forum has some ideas for an easy upgrade. We're not always in an area that has reception, but when we are it would be nice to watch the evening news before bed time

DOWva · 06-11-2018, 07:55 AM

I guess you did turn on the antenna power boost switch.

IHnutz · 06-11-2018, 08:16 AM

Yes. Not our 1st RV.

davduck53 · 06-11-2018, 08:24 AM

Where is the booster switch on a 2018 Cougar 366RDS ?

bubbubouy · 06-14-2018, 02:39 PM

Looks like this post has been quiet for a few days. I am guessing that implies there may not be a solution for this issue.

We just purchased a new Impact 351 with the Omni directional antenna. As the original poster states, the performance is terrible.

CamperDave · 06-14-2018, 04:25 PM

I had a very similar issue that raised my curiosity to find a solution, at least an attempt at a solution. Wound up replacing the stock antenna with a King Omnidirectional, same results as the stock original (yes, I turned the boost switch on). I wound up purchasing a winegard auto satellite antenna and Wally receiver to add to my existing home account. That still has its own challenges with trees blocking signal but at least works most of the time.

Bottom line, there was no real fix for me as of yet. I really don't want to make holes where they didn't come factory just to install a rotatable antenna. The Jayco I had did have a Winegard antenna which worked very well due to the ability to fine tune by rotating. Oh well, during football season when Oklahoma State is televised, I can get ESPN with satellite.

Canonman · 06-14-2018, 04:47 PM

Thanks for the follow up Dave. We don't watch much OTA TV when camping but on the occasion that we do stay close to a town it's nice to catch the evening news and weather.
Fortunately I finally upgraded to a "smart" phone so I can get the weather on demand

Pretty sure Wingard or some other manufacturer will figure out a direct replacement upgrade. Too many folks with the omnidirectionalPOS to ignore the obvious customer base upgrade potential.

Until then whisky, a nice fire and quiet relaxation...

ken56 · 06-14-2018, 04:47 PM

Well, you can't purchase a new truck and then complain about the tires after the fact and expect the dealer to change them. This is the antenna a lot of newer RV's have on them from the factory. I have one too and yes, mine sucks too. So, its on you to upgrade it. I have been looking into the King Jack 8500 directional antenna. Dealer says it will cost me about 300 to 350 for them to install it.

Duramike · 06-14-2018, 05:15 PM

I suppose I’m in the minority here but... I have a 2018 Sprinter 334FWFLS with the Omni directional antenna. I have been impressed with the reception from the day we brought it home. Sitting beside my house some 40 miles north of St. Louis MO the Sprinter got more viewable stations than my OTA antenna on the house. My previous TT had a rotating antenna which was a PIA and rarely found many channels. The antenna on my 5er impressed me so much I bought one for the house. Now have 52 OTA stations on my home TV. Obviously my Sprinter is the exception but I’m not looking for anything better. BTW I have a Sansui 55” TV in the front living room and a 32” Sony in the bedroom. Both work well but the Sony does occasionally get a few extra stations. After reading the other comments here I feel very fortunate. Take care all and happy camping!

**chuckster57** · 06-14-2018, 06:37 PM

There are factors that affect Omni directional antennas. Placement on the roof is a big one. Put it next to the AC and the AC will act as a “shield” against any signals from the opposite side.

There are better made antennas. Triple Vision is a fixed Omni directional antenna used on Tiffen motorhomes and they are excellent, I suspect they aren’t cheap either but “ you gets what’s you pays for”.

Depending on location of the antenna, I suppose you could drill a hole through the ceiling to change to a directional antenna.

ctbruce · 06-15-2018, 02:55 AM

May be worth pulling the cable ends out and making sure they are installed properly. Cant hurt and may help. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

gregrc75 · 06-15-2018, 03:18 AM

My 2018 Premier came with this disc antenna. Just this week I removed it and replaced it with a crank up Winegard. I went from 13 channels to 42 channels after replacing it.

billsr · 06-15-2018, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davduck53

Where is the booster switch on a 2018 Cougar 366RDS ?

On our Bullet the booster "button" is inside a cabinet above the TV. When it's on, a green light is lit. Our Omni-directional antenna is also not worth a hill of beans.

CamperDave · 06-15-2018, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregrc75

My 2018 Premier came with this disc antenna. Just this week I removed it and replaced it with a crank up Winegard. I went from 13 channels to 42 channels after replacing it.

My replacement is one of those disc antennas. unfortunately, it's located directly center of the entertainment center. No way to access the crank without some cutting.

gregrc75 · 06-15-2018, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamperDave

My replacement is one of those disc antennas. unfortunately, it's located directly center of the entertainment center. No way to access the crank without some cutting.

My disc antenna was located directly above a wall so I moved it over a foot or so. I covered the holes with a rubber roof patch - actually I did 3 layers to be sure.

jsmith948 · 06-15-2018, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctbruce

May be worth pulling the cable ends out and making sure they are installed properly. Cant hurt and may help. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

While installing invertor powered receptacles in the entertainment center and the outside galley, I had to open up an access panel in the wall between the outside galley and the back of the t.v. I found a "snakes nest" of wires and cables that were just pushed into the cavity. While I was in there straightening the wires out, I found two splitters. The cable connections were really loose. Tightened everything and realized a big improvement in OTA t.v. reception. I guess everything is put together "finger tight" and then vibration loosens everything or they weren't tightened at all when installed.

Duramike · 06-15-2018, 06:32 AM

Pic of my OEM Omni directional that works. Good coax connections are crtical. I remember when I went OTA at home. If I had a weak signal to a 📺 it was always the coax, not the antenna. While some of these OEM antennas are indeed junk, sometimes and perhaps most times it can be traced back to shoddy installation at the factory.

bubbubouy · 06-15-2018, 06:55 AM

Gregrc75,
This looks like the direction that will have to be taken to improve reception. Any other info about the install would be appreciated. Complexity, tools required, steps to removing the disk antenna without damaging the camper. Pictures!!!

All info is helpful.

Btw, looks like a clean job...

gregrc75 · 06-15-2018, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbubouy

Gregrc75,
This looks like the direction that will have to be taken to improve reception. Any other info about the install would be appreciated. Complexity, tools required, steps to removing the disk antenna without damaging the camper. Pictures!!!

All info is helpful.

Btw, looks like a clean job...

Thanks! The job wasn’t too difficult. I just followed the directions to the tee.
Basic tools, drill and bits, a 1.75” hole saw, butyl tape and caulking.

To remove the existing antenna I used a hair dryer and plastic scraper to remove the caulking. Then I was able to expose the screws and unscrew it. I had to snip the cable wire that the old antenna was attached to because it wouldn’t pull out from the roof. The new antenna came with a new cable.

I printed the template that was stated in the instructions and measured a lot of times to make sure the location was right for the new antenna. I couldn’t put it in the same place as the old one because it as centered right above a wall. I patched the old location with an Eternabond roof patch. I used three layers to be safe. I did place the new antenna base so a couple of the screws would bite into a roof truss for extra strength.

Once I was confident I used a long drill bit to go through the roof and into the ceiling to mark the location. Again, I measured a few times to make sure the location was good. I then went back with the hole saw and made the inside and outside cut for the antenna shaft to go through.

Using butyl tape on the base I then put the antenna in place, screwed the bolts in, and used self leveling sealant. Last step was attaching the new antenna wire where the old one attached to the amp, and assembled the crank handle. Over all, fairly easy.

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