How to Install an RV TV Antenna

Owning an RV and taking trips in your motor home means spending a lot of time on the road. While this might become boring after awhile, adding a television to your RV helps break up the boredom. Not only do passengers have the chance to watch TV while you're driving down the road, but you'll also appreciate relaxing in front of it at night. Installing an antenna turns that into reality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Drill
Drill bits
Antenna kit
Caulk (optional)

Step 1

Determine the right spot to place the antenna on top of your RV. The best way to do this is to actually get on the roof and find the right spot. Most manufacturers recommend hanging the TV antenna beside the vent for the refrigerator. Drill a ½-inch hole through the roof, making sure the hole is straight. Clear out insulation inside the hole. Drill another ½-inch hole, which the coaxial cable needs.

Step 2

Slide the antenna into the hole, starting with the drive shaft. The TV antenna consists of a drive shaft and travel support. Once the drive shaft is in place, lay the mounting plate that came with your antenna on the roof and place the travel support on top. Mark the places where you'll need to drill holes to hold the travel support in place.

Step 3

Create the holes for your travel support. Drill three to four holes into the roof, depending on the number needed for your travel mount, which varies depending on the company. Attach the travel mount to the roof, using the screws provided.

Step 4

Pull the drive shaft through the ceiling and attach the ceiling plate. Then attach the crank handle, which lets you raise and lower the TV antenna. Connect the coaxial cable connector to the blue box that came with your antenna kit. Adjust the cable until it comes through the middle of the ceiling plate.

Step 5

Inspect the mounting plate and ensure that it's connected to the roof. You may need to add a layer of caulk between the roof and mounting plate. Adjust the hand crank for the antenna, which should cause the antenna to raise and lower.

Tips & Warnings

Always follow the directions that come with your TV antenna kit, to ensure that you're attaching it correctly to your roof.

Contact the company that sold the TV antenna kit. Occasionally the companies have installation professionals and will install the TV antenna for an additional fee.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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