About Best RV Satellite, Entertainment should be on the list if you find yourself camping in a remote vehicle. You need some sports, news, or even your favorite show after a day of hiking.
Today, we have RV satellite dish solutions for people who want to walk with their entertainment everywhere.
Let’s look at how an RV satellite dish works and how you can incorporate it on your next camping trip.
What Is an RV Satellite Dish?
Camper on the seashore with dish
An RV satellite dish uses mobile connections to get signals from satellites and transmit them to your TV.
Folks can use the satellite dish with a subscription service, where you’ll get the same broadcasting services as cable TV.
If you want to watch TV from anywhere in the world, an RV satellite dish can help you stay ahead of the game.
How We Choose the Best RV Satellite？
Selecting the best RV satellite dish depends on what you’re looking for. Do you like to watch sports channels?
Are you a movie type of person? Or maybe you’re into documentaries and news channels. Such questions should lead you to find the ideal dish for your RV.
Before unveiling our list, we had to check through several factors and tests.
Provider of Services
As mentioned, a TV service company should get you the necessary channels.
And we discovered only three main companies in the US with Satellite TV services- DISH, Bell, and DirectTV.
Although both offer the same service, you will find one with fewer channels or sports selections than the other.
You should ensure each company caters to all your entertainment needs at a plausible value.
Types
We also checked the different kinds of satellite dishes available.
- Portable Satellite Dishes. They can be mounted on a moving vehicle and move in different locations easily.
- Permanent Satellite Dishes. These dishes are installed on your vehicle until you replace or remove them. Most have a satellite-dish design, although you can find dome-shaped alternatives.
- Standard dishes. These dishes come to mind first when someone mentions satellite dishes. Their conspicuously curved dish shape uses concave technology to get waves from satellite signals.
- Dome Antenna. These have started gaining ground recently among RV owners. They have a dome shape and a fiberglass cover to protect the dome from external materials and bad weather. They are also the most remote-friendly satellites with a steady TV signal even when moving.
Ease of Installation
Technician installing TV
Every RVer knows the work it takes to pack and unpack during camping. So, finding a satellite dish that doesn’t add extra installation hours is right.
Also, you want a dish that’s easy to install with a simple manual.
Otherwise, you may spend more on a technician to help set up the dish. Checking customer reviews is a great way to know how seamless it is to get the dish up and running.
Compatibility
Motorhome with dish outside
As an RV owner needing entertainment, you must check if the satellite dish accepts multiple channels.
Older satellite dish models can only transmit signals from one satellite, so you can only use one TV.
However, dual-receiver satellites can transmit from different satellites allowing you to connect to more than one device and view separate Tv shows.
In-motion Viewing
If you like to stay abreast of what’s happening worldwide, even when on a safari, you’ll need this feature.
In-motion viewing is a technology in satellite dishes that allows you to watch anything on the move without losing the signal.
It’s a feature only available in dome satellites, so you must think hard before purchasing.
Camping Location
RV campers at night
Since satellite dishes communicate through the sky, you need a place free from trees, buildings, or plenty of cloud cover.
But if your camping location has obstructions, you should get a portable satellite dish to move around to get the best signal.
Price
Pricing is a big consideration when looking for a satellite dish. These devices have a wide price range and can cost anywhere from $100 to $1500, depending on the model.
As you can see, you need to plan well before to ensure you understand why you need a $400 dish rather than a $1000 alternative.
Generally, the price is influenced by longevity, type, signal strength, multiple TV support, and more.
Best RV Satellite Dish
Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker Portable Satellite Antenna
Top on our list is this fully automated Winegard PL7000R Dish. It is a nice entry point for RVers with a metal reflector, portable construction, and compact design.
The design is excellent for tailgating, and you won’t have problems installing the dish.
Satellite Oasis DIRECTV HD Satellite Dish Kit
The Oasis DIRECTV satellite dish is a nice budget dish worth considering. Its standard design and size make it great for permanent RV installations.
Plus, the 50-ft coax cable ensures you’re connected from all corners of the vehicle, even if you want to put your TV outside the RV.
The satellite may be heavy and, therefore, not fit for folks who want to carry it as they move.
Winegard SK-1000 TRAV’LER RV Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard SK-100 Satellite antenna is one of the most multifunctional dishes we’ve encountered.
First, it received both HD and SD channels and can work with two carriers- DISH and Bell. The dish has a low height that can withstand strong winds, especially when traveling.
You can connect the dish to three TVs, each receiving separate signals. As a result of its functionality, the Wingard SK-1000 comes at a hefty price.
Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER DIRECTV Slimline Antenna
If the previous Winegard model was too expensive, consider the SK-SWM3 antenna with up to four TV connections and strong signal strengths.
This model has a low stow height and can withstand bad weather conditions. It also has SD and HD channels to provide the best entertainment experience.
However, some customer reviews point out that the dish is tricky to connect, so that you might need an extra hand.
KING VQ4100 Quest Portable/Roof Mount RV Satellite Dish
KING is a brand that brings the best tailgating experience in the US. The VQ4100 Quest RV dish is an ultralight device with a portable design.
The massive 50-foot coax cable means you can use it to find signals even in a thick woodland location. It’s also cheap and makes for a decent entry-level RV satellite dish.
Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard Pathway X2 is a compact satellite dish with a capacity of up to two TVs. It is light, and you can move it around easily.
Winegard equipped this model with Dual Arc technology, allowing the device to face Eastern or Western Arc satellites.
So, the device can shift to either side depending on which satellite has the most available channels.
KING VQ4550 Tailgater Bundle Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The KING VQ4550 is one of the most versatile satellite dishes on this list. The antenna is dome-shaped and lightweight.
The dish doubles down as a home or tailgating antenna due to automation, which lets you select channels without touching the dish.
The VQ4550, however, does not support in-motion watching, and it may be a huge drawback for RV use.
Winegard PAE100R Playmaker Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard PAE Playmaker does everything you’d expect for an RV satellite dish. It is compact and slim enough to fit on the dashboard or a small compartment.
The antenna is compatible with DISH, especially the pay-as-you-go plans that let you cancel anytime.
There is also a remote control with a fining feature to ensure it never gets lost in the wild.
Winegard GM-6035 Carryout G2+ Portable Satellite Antenna
The Winegard GM-6035 is another incredible entertainment option for RV users. It is compatible with Bell, DirecTV, and DISH.
That said, you don’t have to switch providers whenever you want to use different channels.
This automated model has a simple installation procedure for anyone in the RV life.
KING VQ4900 DISH Tailgater Pro Portable/Roof Mountable Satellite TV Antenna
Our last satellite dish is the KING VQ4900 Tailgater Pro Antenna. It has a transparent cover, so you can see what’s happening inside at any time.
It also comes with a mounting foot to ensure it is installed properly. The mounting dish is a reliable feature since you can install it anywhere without extra tools.
Tips on How to Install A Satellite Dish On Your RV
Here are a few tips to help you get the best satellite antenna for your RV.
- Find the right satellite dish to avoid extra mounting costs and processes.
- Find automated dish devices to remove the burden of adjusting the dish whenever there is no signal.
- Always follow the installation instructions in the manual. Hire a professional if you’re confused or unable to install it.
- When installing, find a clear line of sight to ensure the best signal and coverage.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about satellite antennas for RVs, you can confidently select the one you like and enjoy your next camping or tailgating experience.
We recommend the automated versions to avoid cranking up the device anytime you get a bad signal or need to shift locations.
Otherwise, we hope this guide makes the whole procedure much easier.
