Outside AM/FM antenna

Terry W. · 05-05-2013, 05:22 AM

We have a 2012 Avalanche 330RE which did not have and outside am/fm ant. There is a somwhat local radio station in Highlands, NC we could not get. I added and outside ant and OH what a difference. Mounted it to the side wall on unit with antenna extending above roof and I now can get all local station and some from GA. & NC sitting here in the yard. WHY did Keystore stop outside antennas is above me.

camper 2010 · 05-05-2013, 05:30 AM

The reason they stopped was cost. $2.00 per trailer X trailers sold=larger bonus for boss.

**JRTJH** · 05-05-2013, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper 2010

The reason they stopped was cost. $2.00 per trailer X trailers sold=larger bonus for boss.

Do you happen to have any documentation regarding this statement?

Barry · 05-05-2013, 07:53 AM

I was just thinking about this mod. We just got our camper set up on our lots at the lake, turned on our built in Jenson stereo, and could almost get good reception. I mean, it comes in, just got a fair amout of back ground static with it. It wouldnt take much more reception to make a big difference. Anybody know where the antenna is on my camper? Or how to get to it?

Javi · 05-05-2013, 08:13 AM

Even my cheaply built Passport came with a radio antenna mounted on the roof... can't believe they didn't put one on an Avalanche....

TandE · 05-05-2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry

I was just thinking about this mod. We just got our camper set up on our lots at the lake, turned on our built in Jenson stereo, and could almost get good reception. I mean, it comes in, just got a fair amout of back ground static with it. It wouldnt take much more reception to make a big difference. Anybody know where the antenna is on my camper? Or how to get to it?

On mine the antenna cable was just wound up and stowed behind the radio just sitting there. I unwound it and put some of it in the roof opening where the wiring went so I will see if it makes any difference. Yours is probably the same if the even connected the antenna. And I noticed the connection wasn't tight at all, just kinda screwed on a turn or two.

SteveC7010 · 05-05-2013, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry

I was just thinking about this mod. We just got our camper set up on our lots at the lake, turned on our built in Jenson stereo, and could almost get good reception. I mean, it comes in, just got a fair amout of back ground static with it. It wouldnt take much more reception to make a big difference. Anybody know where the antenna is on my camper? Or how to get to it?

You'll have to pull the Jensen out of the cabinet to get at the antenna which should just be a length of single conductor wire wound up or wadded up laying in the space behind the radio.

Popping the Jensen out is easy. There's a rectangular plastic frame around the face of the unit. It is held in place with just a few tiny tabs. If you gently pry on it with a finger nail, it will pop right off. Then there are four #2 square head screws to pull out and the radio will slide right out. Be very careful about what's connected to the radio. Sometimes things are a bit loose back there and if you pull it out too aggressively, you'll disconnect this or that.

If you want lots of details on improving radio reception, do a search on radio antenna - we've chewed on this several times in great detail.

As TandE says, if you can run a straight piece of that antenna vertically up towards the ceiling in the cabinetry, you should greatly improve reception.

Stublejumper · 05-05-2013, 11:34 AM

This certainly explains why the radio in out avalanche 341 is fuzzy ,thanks ,I will have to add a externally mounted one.

Sherwood · 05-05-2013, 05:39 PM

I just tapped off my tv antenna behind my Jensen. I just pulled my Jensen out, pulled the wire antenna off the coax and tapped that coax into my tv antenna. I do it at home on my receivers too. Works great.

GaryWT · 05-06-2013, 03:56 AM

2013 Premier has one, strange that they do for some but not others.

Sparky · 05-06-2013, 07:11 PM

I have a 2012 Montana High Country 5th wheel. Same lousy reception. Pulled out the radio and yup, antenna was wound up behind the radio in the cabinet. The antenna lead is a coax than turns into a 2 wire (3ft ea) split. I ran everything up through the cabinet then across the rear window. I want to do it correctly with an outside antenna also. Looking for some tips on what kind and where purchased.

Festus2 · 05-06-2013, 07:28 PM

I believe most of the newer RV's have side-mounted antennas as opposed to those mounted on the roof. Check online - there are numerous electronic dealers who sell all kinds of AM/FM antennas - indoor, roof and side mounted as well as eBay and Amazon.

The location of your radio might determine the best type of antenna to get.

B&T · 05-06-2013, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky

I have a 2012 Montana High Country 5th wheel. Same lousy reception. Pulled out the radio and yup, antenna was wound up behind the radio in the cabinet. The antenna lead is a coax than turns into a 2 wire (3ft ea) split. I ran everything up through the cabinet then across the rear window. I want to do it correctly with an outside antenna also. Looking for some tips on what kind and where purchased.

Had really good reception with an amplified antenna on my previous TT

Just an option for you to look at -- google "amplified rv radio antenna"

Have not really tried out the antenna on our Passport yet -- its the old style roof mounted antenna.

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