Spending time outdoors camping or being behind the wheel in your RV often means being away from modern technology for days. After a long day of bonding with family, immersing yourself in nature and creating new experiences, unwinding while enjoying your favorite TV shows adds comfort to your trip. However, this may be difficult when your RV television has poor reception.
The best portable satellite TV dish antenna is handy when conquering the great outdoors. Having a high-quality RV satellite dish will make you feel at home and not missing out on your regular programming. However, choosing the right portable satellite dish can be daunting and overwhelming. There are many hardware parts involved that will take you hours of research to familiarize yourself with.
Fortunately, we have created a buying guide to relieve you of the worry. Below, you will find a list of the best portable satellite tv antenna for RV and what to consider before buying. In addition, you will find answers to questions you may have in mind as you encounter different satellite dishes reviews.
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Best Portable Satellite TV Dish for RV
1. KING VQ4500 Portable TV Antenna
- Portable satellite TV antenna for DISH service. Sign up for...
- Use as either portable antenna or roof mounted (mounting feet...
- Supports multiple TV viewing with the built-in dual coaxial outputs...
- Fully automatic satellite acquisition of Western Arc satellites...
- Powered through receiver with no separate remote or power sourc
The King VQ4500 Tailgater is one of the best RV satellites on our list. If you are traveling with your family or with a group of friends, you are guaranteed that they will be entertained, especially during the long stops. This feature gets even better by supporting multiple TVs. This means that you can enjoy HD programming in the bedroom while the kids watch entertaining shows in the other room.
The King vq4500 satellite is duo-functional and can be mounted on the roof or used as a portable antenna. In addition, it has automatic satellite acquisition ability, meaning that you don't have to keep adjusting the satellite to get quality reception. This can be frustrating and tiresome.
This model features a 50-foot coax cable. This feature allows you to enjoy your movie night outside and far away from the camper or RV. In addition, it is compatible with up to six different DISH models.
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2. Winegard Pathway X2 Satellite TV Antenna
- Designed To Work Exclusively With Dish Programming
- Equipped With A Large, 18In Reflector
- X2 Has The Unique Ability To Access Both Western Or Eastern Arcs For...
- Receives Programming From Satellite 72.7 When Connected To 2 Receivers
It is no surprise that the Winegard X2 satellite made it to the list. This antenna has a unique dual arc technology. This special feature allows the antenna to face the eastern or western arc satellites. In addition, the antenna automatically to the direction with most channels.
The Pathway X2 antenna supports two TVs. In addition, it comes with a DISH Wally HD Receiver as an add-on. This means that you don't have to buy it separately and, in turn, saves you some money.
This satellite also has a large reflector to render greater reception than other antennas. The design of this satellite antenna is an easy-grip handle that makes it easy to move it around.
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3. Winegard SK-SWM3 Antenna
- Your purchase includes TRAV'LER Satellite Antenna | Power Inserter |...
- Antenna dimensions – 44” L x 34” W x 9.75” H | Stowed height...
- Features: Acquisition type – Automatic (no aim required when...
- Provides simultaneous reception from 99 degrees, 101 degrees and 103...
- Supports all new DIRECTV (Only) HD receivers. Great to use with DVRs,...
If you enjoy DirecTV programs, then this antenna is for you. The Winegard SK-SWM3 antenna offers strong signals and supports up to four different televisions. This is perfect for family camping. In addition, this antenna allows you to watch and even record programs on different satellites, making it a great home theatre outdoor replacement.
The SK-swm3 signal strength is so strong that it is seldom affected by unfavorable weather elements. This is because the antenna has multi-satellite viewing capabilities. By offering both SD and HD programming channels, you can easily channel surf without jeopardizing the reception.
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4. Winegard SK-1000 Satellite TV Antenna
- TRAV'LER automatic multi-satellite antennas provide the same DISH and...
- View all satellites at the same time for maximum programming. Never...
- Watch separate satellite programming on multiple TVs simultaneously!...
- Enjoy DISH TV in HD; works exclusively with DISH satellite receiver...
- Includes Mount Base with 30' Power Cable, 24" AC Power Cord, 30' Black...
The SK-1000 satellite TV antenna supports up to three TVs at once. In addition, it receives signals from three satellites to support family viewing. Furthermore, this antenna model is compatible with DISH's pay-as-you-go subscription.
The Winegard SK-1000 satellite has a low height. This allows it to stay clear of tunnels or bridges when on the road. Additionally, the low height helps to minimize wind resistance. This satellite antenna is also compatible with Bell and DISH satellite providers.
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5. Winegard GM-6035 Portable Satellite Antenna
- Carryout G2+ provides the same award winning, reliable performance as...
- Satellite Providers (subscription required) DISH (Standard & HD),...
- 100% automatic, easy setup in just a few minutes; superior...
- Optional Mounts (sold separately); roof mount, tri-pod mount, side or...
- Includes Satellite Antenna, Easy-Grip Handle, 25′ Coax Cable, 3′...
The Winegard GM-6035 antenna is versatile and supports three service providers, Bell, DISH, or DirecTV. The good thing is that you don't have to change your service provider. In addition, this antenna can be used as a portable device or mounted on the roof.
The construction of the GM-6035 antenna includes a power inserter and a single entry. This feature minimizes stress when setting up the satellite. In addition, this RV portable satellite dish allows for automatic satellite acquisition.
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Why Should You Get a Portable Satellite TV Dish for Your RV?
Investing in a portable satellite tv antenna or dish for your recreational vehicle will drastically increase your outdoor experience. If you are still pondering about getting one, here are a few reasons why you should.
1. Get Access to Entertainment and Information, Anywhere
Your location does not limit portable satellite dishes. As such, this allows you to get your satellite tv reception while camping in the forest or driving through cities. You are guaranteed to enjoy movie marathons with your family back at home and even watch that game that you would have missed otherwise.
If you are worried about the quality of entertainment, rest assured that you can watch movies and TV shows in HD quality. There are high-definition portable satellite dishes available in the market. If you have an HD-ready TV, you might consider getting an RV satellite dish that is also HD. However, HD satellite dishes for RV may be a bit pricey, but definitely worth the investment.
2. Easy to Install
Portable satellite dishes are not permanently mounted on your RV. This allows you to conveniently set it up in the best direction according to your location. Also, contrary to what other TV reception technologies recommend, you don't have to park your RV in the open to get reception. First, however, you need to make sure that the satellite dish has a clear view of the southern sky.
3. Saves Up On Roof Space
Other types of satellite dishes, such as the roof-mounted dish, are big and take up so much roof space. This is inconvenient, especially if you have a small RV and not much roof space. Choosing a portable satellite dish for RV will offer you more roof space to put an air conditioner, exhaust fan, or solar panels to power your electricals.
4. Saves You Installation Money
The costs of installing a satellite tv antenna can be high depending on the type of antenna you choose. However, this is not the case when you have a portable satellite dish. You can install and set up the best portable satellite dish yourself, hence saving on trained technician costs.
5. Safe From Harsh Weather Conditions
Being mounted on the roof, a roof-mounted satellite tv dish as to endure all weather conditions. From strong winds, snowstorms to thunderstorms. However, a portable satellite dish can be removed and stored indoors when the weather is not favorable. In addition, this offers protection from thieves and keeps it safe when you're not on the road.
6. Stay Updated With Current News
Camping or being on the road in your RV does not mean that you should be cut off from the rest of the world. On the contrary, now more than ever, you need to be updated on the events taking place in your current location and the world. Investing in a portable satellite dish will allow you to stay in the loop on local and worldwide news. In addition, you can know what is happening around you from the comfort of your camper.
What Are The Other Types of Satellite Dishes?
1. Permanently Fixed
This type of satellite dish is fixed on the RV roof since installation unless replaced or removed. It is similar to the satellite dishes installed in homes. In addition, permanently fixed dish antennas are available in open and dome shapes. They are convenient for RV owners who don't want their little storage space taken up by the dish.
2. Standard Dish
Standard dish antennas are open, large, concave, or bowl-shaped. They are what people associate satellite antennas with on most occasions. The size of standard dishes allows them to receive signals from multiple satellites. In addition, they receive weak signals and are more suitable to withstand bad weather.
However, standard dishes need to be folded down or removed before hitting the road. This is because of their big size. This is a downside to RV owners as it means that they cannot watch tv while on the road.
3. Dome Antennas
These are a popular option for RVers, especially because of their small size. Dome antennas are placed in a protective fiberglass case. For this reason, they can withstand any weather conditions. In addition, dome antennas let you watch tv while the RV is moving. This is a great feature, especially when traveling with a large group of friends or family.
However, the downside of dome antennas is that they are not compatible with DirecTV HD satellites. This is an inconvenience for many campers. Additionally, dome antennas are the most expensive type of antennas.
4. Portable Satellite Dish
This satellite dish offers mobility making it effective for camping in mountains, hills, or places with many trees. A portable dish is a great option, especially as a satellite dish for RV. You can get your entertainment even when outside the trailer.
Keep in mind that the best portable satellite dishes take up a lot of storage space when not in use. In addition, you need to allocate time to set up the satellite at every new campsite. This maintenance work may feel like a lot of work.
What Should You Look for Before Buying the Best Portable Satellite Dish?
1. Service Provider
There are two major satellite service providers in the United States, DISH and DirecTV. Each service provider has benefits and limitations. For example, DirecTV offers a good sports package, including NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH has better DVR abilities to warrant you not missing a sporting event or a show.
Unlike DirecTV, DISH HD signals are received by both dome and open dish antennas. The good thing is that the two providers offer monthly pay-as-you-go payment options, convenient for RVers. Therefore, the option of which service provider to use solely depends on your preferences.
2. In-Motion Viewing
Is in-motion viewing important to you? Answering this question will lessen your options when it comes to choosing a portable satellite dish for RV. This is because this feature is only available in dome antennas.
In-motion viewing allows the driver to focus his concentration on the road while the other travelers indulge in entertainment. This is especially true when traveling with children, family members, or friends. However, be prepared to spend a little more money on the satellite antenna if this feature is important to you.
3. Number of TVs
If you have multiple TVs in your RV, you will need to get the best satellite dish for RV that supports multiple TV viewing. You will want to look at the dual-receiver capabilities of your antenna and its ability to split signals between the TVs.
4. Open or Doomed Antenna
Doomed RV satellite dishes have a cover around them. This cover offers protection against wind and other weather elements. On the other hand, as the name suggests, open tv satellite antennas do not have any protection on them. To go around this, you will have to keep your antenna indoors during unfavorable weather conditions.
5. Automatic Satellite Tracking
This refers to the ability of your portable satellite dish to locate and point itself to the satellite with the strongest signal. The best RV satellite antenna can do this automatically, while others need to be manually aimed.
6. Camping Location
Your frequent camping location is important in determining the type of satellite antenna suitable for your RV. For example, if you like camping in forested areas, a portable antenna is best. Alternatively, a permanently fixed antenna is suitable if you're frequently camping on open grounds.
