If you want to get satellite TV for your RV, you’ve probably asked this question. We have the answer!
There’s a reason why we answer so many questions about satellite TV for RV. Our Signal Connect division is a DIRECTV dealer. What’s more, the reps over there specialize in bringing this service to all types of recreational vehicles. New clients ask about this all the time, and our reps help them arrive at the best answer. You see, they can’t just pick one satellite dish and say, “This is the best.” Every RV owner’s needs are different, and there is more than one type of satellite dish you can get.
Satellite Dishes for RVs, Campers, and Motorhomes
Life is about choices, and it’s the same for getting satellite TV in your RV. There are three different types of satellite dishes you can use with your recreational vehicle. These are:
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Self-aiming domes that work while you’re in motion.
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Dishes that are permanently mounted, but might or might not continuously self-aim.
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Dishes on a tripod that one aims itself.
Before you ask, we’re not going to tell you which one is “the best.” To be completely transparent, there is no such thing as “the best.” What we do have is a recommendation for the dish that will work best for YOUR individual needs. This mindset of matching your needs to the right product is what the Signal Connect reps use to help RV owners. The mentality is company-wide, even affecting us here at The Solid Signal Blog.
1. Self-Aiming Satellite Domes
We’d tell you these are “exactly what they sound like,” but that’s too easy. We’re happy to explain what a self-aiming satellite dome is, and how it benefits you. These devices don’t look like a satellite dish but that’s exactly what they are. It’s just that the components are covered in a plastic domed shell. It includes unique technology inside that does two specific things:
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It automatically finds the satellite signal in the sky and aligns with it.
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It features gyroscopic technology that maintains a steady signal while your RV is in motion.
The great thing about self-aiming domes is that you don’t have to try to align the dish every time you move your RV. The dish finds the signal for you. This ability also means that your passengers can watch TV while you drive your motorhome. (We’ll tell you right now that you should NEVER watch TV while driving!) This dish is ideal for RV owners who don’t want to aim dishes, and have passengers who want to watch TV while driving.
2. Permanently Mounted Dishes
These devices look like what you might think of when someone says “satellite dish.” As the name implies, these antennas – yes, a satellite dish is a kind of antenna – are mounted onto your RV, camper, or motorhome. Some of these dishes have the gyroscopic technology that self-aiming domes do, but others do not. If the dish doesn’t have this technology, here what you can expect:
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You won’t get programming while your RV is in motion.
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You’ll have to aim the dish each time you park.
So, what type of RV owner could benefit from a permanently mounted satellite dish? Well, that depends on the type you get. If you choose one without the self-aiming technology, you’ll have to find the satellite signal each time you park. (It will be in a different location each time.) With just a little bit of practice, most people are able to do this. (We also offer a tutorial to help.)
3. Satellite Dishes and Tripod Kit
Think of this as an on-the-go satellite dish. (Technically, all satellite dishes on RVs are on-the-go, of course.) Before you take your RV out, you load up your dish and tripod inside. Once you arrive at your destination, you pull it out, set it up, then aim the dish to receive signal. It does take a little work, and you have to disassemble and reassemble the satellite set up everywhere you go. This can be a good solution for RV owners who don’t mind a little work.
So, could you benefit from a satellite dish and tripod kit? You sure could. It gets as many channels as any other satellite dish gets. This setup also doesn’t take up a lot of space inside your RV. It will take a little time to set up when you arrive at your destination, though. And finding satellite signal isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s far from impossible. Thousands of RV owners use this setup every time they go out, and you can too!
“So, What’s the Best Satellite Dish for an RV?”
The real question to as is what’s the best satellite dish for me? By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what the answer to that question is. If you’re still not sure, you should call the reps at Signal Connect. They’ll ask you a few questions about your RV and traveling habits, then give you a product recommendation. Our reps also answer any questions you have about satellite TV for RVs. For a no-pressure customer service experience, give them a call at 888-233-7563. You can also fill out the form below and send it to us. Someone from Signal Connect will be in touch.
