What’s the best antenna for my RV?

Fall is tailgating season, and that means tricking out the RV with all the latest gear. Unlike spring and summer, autumn is great for sports watchers because there’s a lot available on local television for free. Local football games are almost always available on live TV, and many of the postseason baseball games are as well. You might have been thinking about an antenna for your RV, but you don’t want to overpay. I’m here to help.

First, something you need to know

I hate to start this article out with bad news, but so be it. The digital television system used in the US does not allow you to watch while your RV is moving. You can usually get reception up to about 15 miles per hour, but then it just plain drops out. Now, obviously it’s possible for reception to happen at speeds faster than that. You get cell phone service while driving all the time. But in the late 1990s when high definition digital TV was being created, it was still a little hard to do. There is a new standard for broadcasts that will let you get TV in motion, but it’s hard to know when or if it will ever be adopted.

This is going to have an effect on your choice of antenna, and how you mount it.

Best choice for a permanently mounted antenna: ANTOP UFO

Here’s an antenna that mounts to any vertical surface in your RV and delivers the goods. It’s fully amplified and never needs aiming. With this antenna you’ll get 55 mile range as long as you’ve got a good view of the sky. If you’re being blocked by other RVers that range might be a little lower. It fits in very well with a typical white RV as well.

Best choice for a temporary antenna: Televes Dinova Boss Mix

You don’t get better than this Televes antenna. It’s compact, powerful, and mounts easily. It features the best possible amplification and it’s rated for 60 miles. It particularly excels at VHF stations with its extendable VHF element.

This antenna can be mounted on a tripod or any flat surface. With a long enough mast, you can get it up above other RVs for superior reception. It’s durable and solidly built enough to be the last antenna you’ll ever need.

Need more advice?

If you’re looking for a specialized antenna or any other accessory for your RV, don’t go it alone! Call the experts at Solid Signal. We’re here to help you with qualified technicians who actually answer the phone. Call our Michigan offices during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563. If it’s after business hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.