While many try to disconnect from technology when using their RV, you may have other instances where an RV TV antenna can save the day. Whether you want to watch the big game or stay aware of weather conditions during a storm, you’ll want a high-quality antenna. Today we’ll look at seven of the best RV TV antennas to help you get better reception. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is an RV TV Antenna?
An RV TV antenna allows you to watch TV that is broadcast wirelessly. This can be OTA (Over the air) that you can get for free or satellite subscription services. Each of these can work anywhere. You can get an indoor antenna, but typically RVs come with TV antennas mounted on the roof. Having a roof-mounted one increases the height and provides optimal reception.
Do RV Antennas Work for Digital TV?
Yes, RV TV antennas work for digital TV and can pick up many free channels. Now that HDTV is relatively standard, many RV antennas can pick up high-definition channels as well. You’ll love the crystal clear reception that high-quality RV TV antennas provide. TV antenna channels are broadcast free of charge, much like radio stations. As long as you’re within range, you can enjoy the programming.
What’s the Typical Range for TV Antennas?
The range on an OTA TV antenna will vary from one to another. They typically have a range of 25-55 miles. However, mountains, trees, or even weather conditions can affect your reception. Satallliet TV however is broadcast from geosynchronous sattalites at 23,000 miles above the earth!
You can visit AntennaWeb.org to determine what channels you’ll have access to. This site can also help you know what antenna to consider for maximizing your reception.
➡ Want to watch TV while boondocking? A 12V TV can operate using your RV’s house batteries – no shore power needed! Learn more here: What Is a 12V TV and Why You Need One for Your RV
What Are the Best RV TV Antennas?
The best RV TV antennas are easy to use, require minimal installation or setup, and pick up a wide variety of channels. You can watch your favorite TV show or sporting event in crystal clear HD. Let’s take a look at several options for you to consider to help get better reception at your next campsite!
1. KING OA8500 Jack Over-the-Air Antenna
The King OA8500 is a long-range over-the-air RV TV antenna. It picks up both UHF and VHF channels and rotates 360-degrees. The compact size makes it 70% smaller than a typical RV antenna. Users with relatively flat landscapes and fewer trees can pick up stations 35-45 miles away on an average day.
- Long-range signal acquisition gets more channels
- Built-in King SureLock signal finder for simple signal...
- Upgraded technology enhances UHF signal reception while still...
Whether you want to replace the stock antenna or install a new one, this one has an effortless setup. You’ll find all the equipment you need to watch your favorite program in your RV before you know it.
2. Winegard RZ-6035 Rayzor RV TV Antenna
You may also like the RZ-6035 by Winegard. This RV TV antenna can pick up HD and digital channels and is 4K ready. You’ll pick up bright and clear UHF and VHF programming in optimal conditions.
- Optimal UHF reception with strong High-Band VHF allows you to...
- Streamlined design with minimal footprint is not only smaller and...
- Effortless rotation and no cranking required, easily replaces...
With a height of only 8.4 inches, you won’t have to worry about low clearances. The effortless rotation of this model makes it easy to tune into your favorite stations. It includes everything you need to mount and install it on your RV.
3. 1byone Outdoor TV Antenna 360° Omni-Directional
The 1byone claims to be a 100+ mile range VHF and UHF enhancing antenna. This digitally amplified outdoor antenna can turn on and off to pick up long and short-range TV stations. It can receive signals without needing adjusting with the 360 omnidirectional rotation. The manufacturer recommends using one antenna per TV, which means that you may need multiple if you have more than one TV in your RV.
- 🏘️【Long Range Digital Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna】-...
- 📡【360° Omni-Driectional Reception】- Receive UHF/VHF...
- 📺【One TV Output】- The outdoor HD TV antenna is uniquely...
While 1byone claims 100+ miles, several users can attest that this isn’t typical. You may experience some frustration not picking up channels that you thought your antenna could get. Can you camp 100 miles from a broadcasting tower and expect to pick up the channels? Most likely not. However, if you plan to use this antenna relatively close to a city, the 1byone will do a great job.
More RV Tech Articles You’ll Enjoy:
- Is 2023 The Year of The Electric RV?
- Does Your RV or Truck Need Vortex Generator Airtabs?
- The Best RV Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
4. Winegard Pathway X2 and DISH Wally Receiver
The Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R can help you dial in those channels while RVing. This unit is a TV antenna and a satellite dish. With a Dish Network subscription, you can access many channels without being near a tower.
- 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...
This bundle works with Dish Network and the pay-as-you-go programming. With this plan, you only pay for the months you’ll need service. Why pay for TV for your camper if you only use it five or six months of the year?
5. Winegard RVW-395 Sensar IV White DTV/HD
The Winegard RVW-395 Sensar IV enhances the digital TV signal in your RV. This RV TV antenna receives both VHF and UHF channels and has a 55-mile radius for both SD and HD channels. It also has a powder coating for durable and long-lasting components.
- Enhanced antenna exceeds at receiving digital TV signals.Fit...
- Receives all VHF and UHF programming available within 55 mile...
- Receives SD and HD local over the air television broadcast...
When stowed, the antenna adds 4 inches in height to your RV, but it raises to 30 inches when in use. When you pick the RVW-395, you’ll get everything you need to upgrade, replace, or install it. If you want a basic TV antenna that does a tremendous job, consider Winegard’s RVW-395 Sensar IV.
6. KING VQ4100 Quest
The King VQ4100 Quest portable satellite antenna gives you access to DIRECTV. Whether you go camping with the family or want to tailgate, you can watch the big game or your favorite TV show. You’ll need a relatively clear view of the sky, so make sure to avoid campsites with thick tree coverage.
- Portable satellite TV antenna for DIRECTV service, not compatible...
- Use as either portable antenna or roof mounted (mounting feet...
- Supports multiple TV viewing with the built-in dual coaxial...
You can choose to permanently mount this unit onto your RV roof or keep it portable if changing campsites often. This unit only broadcasts standard definition (SD) content, not high definition (HD). However, you can watch television on up to two different screens at the same time. Users love the portability and performance of this satellite TV antenna.
7. Winegard PL-7000 Dish Playmaker Portable Antenna
The Winegard PL-7000 Dish Playmaker is a portable antenna made from military-grade aluminum alloy. This material helps improve the signal strength, and the optional roof mount makes it easy to attach to your RV.
- DISH Playmaker portable satellite antenna featuring a larger...
- Works exclusively with DISH HD solo satellite receiver...
- Easy setup portable antenna; powered by single coax connection...
This antenna only works with Dish Network and their pay-as-you-go or standard home service. To access programming, you’ll need a receiver, which is not included. This antenna can only receive the western arc of satellites, which means you’ll have no service if trying to use it in the northeast, which relies on the eastern arc of satellites in space.
How Can I Boost Signal Strength for My RV TV Antenna?
You can boost your signal by moving closer to the tower transmitting the signal. This method often means camping near more populated cities. The further you get from these cities, the harder you will have to work to get the signal. However, sometimes you can’t move, and you’ll need a different solution.
Adding a booster like the Winegard XT to your RV TV antenna setup can help improve the signal quality for those hard-to-reach stations. It can add some muscle to your TV antenna (If its not amplified already), giving it a “boost.” This helps create a clearer, crisper image, but it won’t help if you have no signal. While a booster can do some wonderful things, it won’t boost a signal that doesn’t exist.
➡ Need to boost your WiFi signal too? Take a look at the 6 Best WiFi Boosters for Your Home or RV
Even if you go camping to disconnect from the rest of the world, having an RV TV antenna can come in handy. Having access to television can help keep you and your family safe during a storm or other emergency.
Do you use an RV TV antenna? Let us know in the comments.
Become A Mortons On The Move Insider
Join 10,000+ other adventurers to receive educating, entertaining, and inspiring articles about RV Travel Destinations, RV Gear, and Off-Grid Living to jump-start your adventures today!
Read More From The Mortons:
John
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
I have a 2000 Lance Cabover camper 810 with an amplified Winegard batwing, I bought a new smart TV did the channel selection and the TV signal is usually 3 to 4 bars yet there are times across several channels that it looks like in the center of the screen from right to left almost as if it’s like transmission break up even though the signal strong so I’ve been considering the king and seeing if that doesn’t solve the problem all my connections are tight yet I have four bars or three bars and the show is playing fine but then all of a sudden it goes into that break up of about a quarter of an inch it looks like you know when the transmission is messed up I’m not sure what to make of it I’ll rotate my antenna slightly and take it out of tune to zero bars and then slowly move it back until I get full bars but I still get that little bit of break up it’s not the entire screen it’s just like a like a break up of the signal within the picture and yet the strength never changes so I’m not sure if it’s that particular age of antenna is the issue that it might not be new or digitized if that makes any sense and that’s why I’m considering on going with the king and see if it makes a difference but I really don’t know what to make of it so maybe somebody can tell me thank you so much
Samantha Nichols
Monday 25th of October 2021
Thanks so much for sharing! Your article really helpful and interesting.
Samantha Nichols
Thursday 21st of October 2021
I purchased a King antenna to replace my broken batwing. The installation is dead simple. I did not need the amplifier that came with the unit as I already had one installed. The signal did not even get any weaker when I lowered the antenna from 36" to 12".