How to Mount an AM/FM Antenna in an RV

rv,rving image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

One way to enjoy music in your RV is to install a car stereo. There are advantages to doing this: Car stereos operate on 12-volt direct current (DC), as do most RV electrical appliances, and the rugged construction of mobile 12-volt electronics ensures dependable operation. If you're installing your car stereo into an RV that doesn't already have an antenna, like a fifth wheel or a travel trailer, you'll need to install an AM/FM antenna to ensure you can listen to the radio.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Universal car AM/FM antenna
Drill
1/4-inch bit
1/16-inch bit
Screwdriver

Step 1

Decide where to mount the antenna. While this depends on the architecture of your particular RV, consider factors like the location of the radio you'll be connecting it to. Pick a spot that lets you extend the antenna high enough to be free of any obstructions. Choose a "universal" style antenna that can accommodate different mounting positions.

Step 2

Drill a hole in your RV that is large enough to accommodate the antenna's cable. A 1/4-inch opening will usually suffice.

Step 3

Push a stiff wire into the opening so you can locate the opening from inside the vehicle. Push the end of the antenna cable into the RV, and route the cable to the location of the radio.

Step 4

Place the base of your antenna's mount onto the side of the RV to serve as a template for the mounting screws. Drill small pilot holes into the RV where the antenna's mounting plate screw holes are. Use a 1/16-inch bit for the pilot holes.

Step 5

Screw the antenna's mounting plate onto the side of the RV, then mount the antenna to the mounting plate using the hardware supplied with the antenna.

Tips & Warnings

If you're installing an antenna at the same time as you're installing a radio, do the antenna first. It will be easier to access the area behind the radio if the radio isn't there already.

Consider mounting the antenna on a portion of the vehicle that has cabinets on the corresponding inner wall. This way you can easily route the wire without it being visible.

Article Written By Nichole Liandi

Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.

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