Antenna cable routing

[AlaskaJeff]

Hi folks ... I have a 2012 Cougar X-lite 26SAB. After a horrible few days of rain in the Phoenix area, my over-the-air antenna reception went down the tubes (I can only pick up about half of the channels I had before the rain). I have done a lot of troubleshooting, including checking the booster, hooking up a different antenna, changing out cables, etc. I have determined that the problem most likely is the cable from the antenna to the inside of the trailer. The outside part of the cable is pretty well weather beaten and appears to be brittle in places. I would like to replace that cable and start fresh but I am not sure how it routes from the antenna to the amplifier/booster. I am thinking some moisture entered the cable somewhere and is causing problems. There is a rubber boot where the cable enters the roof and it looks like it is prone to allowing moisture to enter.

Any info, tips, etc. on how to thread a new cable through would be appreciated. I have not taken anything apart, including removing the caulking (assuming it is Dicor) from where the cable enters into the trailer. One question I have is ... is the cable from the antenna to the inside of the trailer one long piece, or does it connect to a double female at the roof and then enter the trailer?

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

[chuckster57]

Most antennas come with a short “pigtail” that connects to the trailer coax via a barrel connector.

If you have the type of antenna that you can “aim” from inside, then just take that part off the ceiling and you can access. If not then you have to remove the base from the roof.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by AlaskaJeff

After a horrible few days of rain in the Phoenix area, my over-the-air antenna reception went down the tubes (I can only pick up about half of the channels I had before the rain). I have done a lot of troubleshooting, including checking the booster, hooking up a different antenna, changing out cables, etc. I have determined that the problem most likely is the cable from the antenna to the inside of the trailer. The outside part of the cable is pretty well weather beaten and appears to be brittle in places.

Moisture in a coax renders it entirely useless. (I converted my entire outdoor business to be coax-free because of it, and I'm in the same desert you are.)

One nice thing about a trailer is that often you can use the old cable as a pull-string for the new cable... as opposed to in a residence, where the cable is likely stapled to a bunch of studs. If you can get to both ends and have two people, see if it slips.

[AlaskaJeff]

Thanks for help. The barrel connector was rusty as was one of the coax connectors. All new stuff with dielectric grease, Dicor, etc. Just scanned the television and I am getting more channels than I originally was getting.

Thanks again.