The Best Satellite Dishes for RVs of 2023

Choosing the best satellite dish for RV is more complex than it might seem. This process includes many moving parts that you’ll need a handle on to make a sound decision. It’s a process which causes many people to feel overwhelmed or become filled with stress.

Due to this, we thought a buying guide about these devices would be helpful. This article will attempt to fill that role by discussing all the relevant topics at length. We’ll even provide you with 12 reviews of the best satellite dishes on the market.

The knowledge gained from these discussions should make this process more manageable. It’ll give you an insight into what you want from the satellite dish that you end choosing. In other words, this article will make all the anxiety and stress disappear.

You’ll instead feel a sense of relief as this process becomes a breeze thanks to the information within this article. And with it in your repertoire, you should get the full benefits of a perfect satellite dish without any issues or complications.

So please, let us help you navigate this overly complex market by reading the rest of the article. Honestly, we just want to make sure you end up with a product that meets your needs as an RV owner.

List of Top-Rated Satellite Dish for RV Reviews

This section will hold the 13 reviews referred to above to ensure you have an idea of what a top tier RV satellite dish offers. It’ll also help you get familiar with some of the topics we will discuss in later parts.

1. Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker Portable Satellite Antenna

Our first product on this list is the Winegard PL7000R DISH Playmaker Portable Satellite Antenna, which should meet the needs of most RV owners. You see, this device has a set of features that’ll make it hard to pass up on buying.

For instance, this model features a reflector made from military-grade aluminum, which ensures top tier strength. As a result, you should expect this product to remain in peak shape for many years.

This reflector also provides 20% better signal strength than you’d get from a standard satellite dish. It’s a nice touch that goes to show how Winegard is always ahead of the pack when creating these devices.

Another aspect not to overlook is the easy install process. This feature means you won’t have to spend half your day setting up this product. Most customers even make it a point to praise the install process in their reviews. This is always a good sign for somebody who lacks technical skills like me.

I also love the lightweight design this model features as it’ll make moving it around from place to place much easier. And since it’s a portable model, you can bet this aspect will be helpful when I plan on using this dish during a tailgate or barbecue.

This design being compact isn’t a bad thing either as portable models require storing when you’re on the road. And you don’t want a model that’ll take up a lot of your limited storage space on your RV.

You should take note of this model being automatic as well. This feature means you won’t have to spend time adjusting it yourself, which can be a real hassle with some of these devices. It’s a feature that offers some convenience and is something I see as vital in any dish I’m considering.

2. KING VQ4550 Tailgater Bundle Portable Satellite TV Antenna

The KING VQ4550 Tailgater Bundle Portable Satellite TV Antenna is one of the more handy products on this list. You see, this model can be used either as a portable device or mounted on top of your roof.

In both situations, this device performs at a top tier rate thanks to its set of wonderful features. These features include a lightweight design, which makes the setup and install much easier than you might imagine.

For instance, this model can be easily moved wherever you might need it, such as during a tailgate or barbecue. This feature will come in handy when I go to my annual NFL game and need a useful satellite dish during my tailgating.

I also love that this product can support up to two receivers, which means multiple TV viewing. This aspect is crucial for me as I have two TVs onboard my RV, and I need a dish that can at least support both of them.

This model is automatic as well, which is another feature that makes it a great model. I mean, I want no business with adjusting these dishes myself. Honestly, it sounds like a recipe for disaster given my clumsiness.

You shouldn’t overlook the 50 foot coax cable either. This feature will come in handy when the best location for your portable satellite is far away from where your camper or RV is parked.

This device is also usable with six different DISH receiver models, which makes an ideal fit for anybody who plans on using DISH. Plus, this product comes at a good price when you compare it to other dishes.

3. Generic DirecTV SWM SL3S Portable RV Satellite Dish

Our next option, Generic’s SL3S DirecTV RV satellite, is one of the more well-equipped portable DirecTV dishes available for RVs. It comes with everything a person would need to get proper entertainment programs when traveling.

For instance, all buyers will need to set up correctly is their satellite receiver, TV, and access to 120V power. It was a bit shocking how straightforward this process was compared to a few of the Winegard satellite dish options on our list.

One of the main reasons for this smooth process was its 50-foot RG6 cable. It’s an essential aspect as it allowed me to quickly connect the end of my satellite to the RV’s power supply. I couldn’t have been more delighted with how little effort I needed to expend.

I was also impressed by the product’s performance quality. It allows users to access HD satellite service when traveling on the road. Sadly, a few other Direct TV dishes for campers don’t provide this option.

This portable satellite dish for RV DirecTV service is quite versatile, as well. It has no issues working with every SWM DirecTV receiver without problems. As a result, it’ll meet the expectations of most customers looking to have satellite TV for RV.

If these features weren’t enough, this model comes with a relatively inexpensive price tag. It’s easily one of the least costly options available for RVers. Buyers can’t do much better within this marketplace unless they buy a used RV satellite dish or rely on free satellite TV for RV.

4. Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna

If you’re looking for a device that can support two TVs, the Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna is worth your attention. In fact, this model comes with many features which make it a perfect fit for RV living.

Its lightweight design is one of these features as you can quickly move it around without issue. This aspect becomes even easier when you consider it comes with an easy to grip handle as well. As a result, setting up this model shouldn’t be much of an issue.

I also love this device’s use of Dual Arc technology, which gives it the ability to point toward the Eastern or Western Arc satellites. This feature allows this product to adjust based on which satellite is offering the most channels.

Plus, this adjustment happens automatically to ensure this product offers the most benefits it can. Given these traits, it’s quite clear Winegard did a great job creating a product that would suit the needs of whoever ends up buying this device.

It also helps that this model comes with a DISH Wally HD receiver. This add on means you won’t have to buy it separately, which is always a plus in my book. It’ll save you from having to do even more research on another topic.

This model’s larger reflector is another aspect any RV owner would benefit from as it’ll provide greater signal strength compared to other portable dishes. You shouldn’t worry about the price on this product either as it’s well in the range of what you should expect to pay.

5. KING VQ4100 Quest Portable/Roof Mount RV Satellite Dish

Our second KING product is a model that’s in the running for being the best tailgate satellite dish. This status comes from the KING VQ4100 Quest Portable/Roof Mount RV Satellite Dish ultra lightweight design.

But this area isn’t the only one where this product excels. This device also has dual coaxial outputs, which is smart jargon for saying it can support two TVs. As you know, this aspect is something I value greatly.

Another feature I love about this model is its ability to act as either a portable or roof mounted satellite dish. This aspect gives it a little more versatility than some other models and provides the user with a choice about how they want to use it.

And if you choose to use as a portable model, you can also benefit from the 50 foot coax cable. This feature will give you a bit of flexibility about where you can position it and how far it can be away from your RV or camper.

It’s an aspect that’ll come in handy for deep forest campers who have a tough time getting a stable TV signal using roof mounted dishes. It also helps that this model comes with a fair price tag, which makes this whole process much easier to swallow.

In the end, this product is a lightweight, low cost option that many DirecTV users should consider heavily. It covers almost every base you could ask for in one of these devices with its features.

6. Winegard PAE100R Playmaker Portable Satellite TV Antenna

The Winegard PAE100R Playmaker Portable Satellite TV Antenna is an easy to use model that’ll make many RVers happy with what it offers. For example, its compact and sleek design is perfect for anybody looking for a portable model.

This sleek design will ensure storing the device won’t end up being an issue. It might not seem like a big deal right now, but this aspect will come in handy when you start picking up things on your travels.

It also helps that this model is usable with DISH’s Pay-As-You-Go plans, which is terrific for RVers. You see, this plan allows you to pay for only the months needed rather than every month. And this option doesn’t include any fees.

You should love the fact this model comes with a DISH Wally HD receiver as well. This receiver offers built in apps like Netflix, which means issue free streaming of your favorite shows. It also includes a remote with remote finder abilities.

This feature acts like find your iPhone and will make the position of your remote known. If you’re anything like me and tend to lose the remote in the couch, this aspect becomes really useful.

Aside from these features, this model contains a lot of the same things the other dishes did such as an easy install. It also is 100% automatic, which means you don’t have to worry about adjusting the dish.

Overall, it’s another portable option that provides you with top tier TV signal in your RV or when you’re out tailgating. It’s not hard to see why this Winegard product made it on this list given all its features.

7. Winegard GM-6035 Carryout G2+ Portable Satellite Antenna

This next product is one of the most versatile on the entire list. You see, the Winegard GM-6035 Carryout G2+ Portable Satellite Antenna is usable with three different providers: DirecTV, Bell, and DISH. As a result, there won’t be a person who needs to change their provider when using this device.

This device can work as either a roof mounted or portable device as well, which further shows its usefulness. But being versatile isn’t the only benefit it brings to the table though as this model also offers a few mounting options.

These mounting options give you a choice about where you’d like the dish on your roof. It’s a nice feature to have because you can choose a location based on your likings rather than being forced into using a position.

It also gives you a choice about what color device you want. This feature might not seem like a big deal, but it never hurts to have an option in this area. After all, you don’t want your dish sticking out like a sore thumb above your RV. You instead want a device that meshes color wise.

We should note that this model is an automatic device, as well. As always, this feature is a benefit to any RV owner as it reduces your workload. Honestly, nobody likes adjusting these devices, and this aspect gets rid of that hassle.

This model also features an easy to use power inserter, which makes the setup process simpler. It’s a nice touch that ensures even somebody like me shouldn’t have any issues getting this device up and running.

8. KING VQ4900 DISH Tailgater Pro Portable/Roof Mountable Satellite TV Antenna

The KING VQ4900 DISH Tailgater Pro Portable/Roof Mountable Satellite TV Antenna has a few unique features that set it apart from its rivals. For instance, I love this model’s clear cover, which ensures the device is durable and gets great signal strength.

These two aspects alone should be enough to get your attention, but it doesn’t stop there with this device. It also features automatic signal acquisition of Western Arc satellites, which will give you access to a ton of channels regardless of your location.

I love that this model comes with mounting feet included as well, which makes installing this device on your RV’s roof much easier. And since I plan on going this route, you can bet I value any dish that includes mounting feet with purchase.

But this aspect doesn’t mean this model can’t work as a portable unit. In fact, this device has performed great in this regard as well. Multiple customers even praised how great this model worked at their barbecues and tailgates.

People found this model to be useful when attached to a tripod mount as well, which could be helpful during these tailgates. Given its many purposes, it’s quite apparent this model was made with convenience in mind.

We should also mention this device is capable of getting both HD and SD channels, unlike some of the other models on this list. This feature is something I enjoy because I don’t think I can survive long without my HD channels. It’s a little sad, but ultimately true.

And we can’t go this long into the review without citing the low price tag. This model is easily one of the least costly on our entire list. If you’re looking for a bargain, this KING might be a perfect choice.

9. Winegard PA2000R Pathway X1 Automatic Portable Truck Satellite TV Antenna

Our next product is the Winegard PA2000R Pathway X1 Automatic Portable Truck Satellite TV Antenna, which is one of the more practical models on the market. It has many features that any RVevr would love their dish to offer.

For instance, this model comes with an aluminum reflector that provides top tier results, even in bad weather conditions. As a result, a heavy downpour shouldn’t have any effect on your TV inside the RV with this model.

This reflector will also ensure you get a better signal than many other models on the market. Given these two traits, it’s fair to say this device will offer a stable, steady TV signal at all times whatever the conditions outside.

I found this model’s setup process to be another winning trait, as well. You should be able to set up this portable satellite dish in a few minutes without any issue. In fact, many of the reviews back this claim up with their praise about how little time it took.

You can also take comfort in this model’s strength as it was tested to survive for over 600,000 road miles. With this in mind, you can expect this dish to be providing you with fair TV signals for many years.

It helps that this model comes with a few mounting options and can support up to two TVs as well. And like many other devices on this list, the product is automatic for practical reasons.

10. Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER DIRECTV Slimline Antenna

If you’re looking for the best family option, the Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER DIRECTV Slimline Antenna should be near the top of your list. The model can provide satellite TV up to four different TVs. This amount of support should be enough for even the biggest families.

It also offers what might be the strongest signal strength on the market. In fact, many customers even favorably compare it to how their satellite at home performs. This signal is so powerful that it rarely even gets affected by the elements either.

Due to this, a heavy snowstorm or rainstorm won’t be the nightmare for this dish like it would for other models. This product would be able to withstand these lousy conditions and still perform admirably.

I should mention that this model has a low stow height as well, which means you don’t have to worry about it getting crushed by a bridge or tunnel. This model also auto toggles between satellites to ensure you end up with the best signal.

And since it can receive signals from three satellites at once, you’ll rarely have a signal that doesn’t meet your standards. Plus, it offers both HD and SD channels to ensure you get a TV viewing experience, which mirrors the one at home.

All in all, it seems Winegard did a great job covering every base with this product. I mean, it truly deserves the title of being one of the high-quality RV satellite dishes in the world. But even though this model is one of the best on the market, it does have some flaws.

11. Winegard SK-1000 TRAV’LER RV Satellite TV Antenna

Our last Winegard product is the Winegard SK-1000 TRAV’LER RV Satellite TV Antenna, which further shows the greatness of this brand. It’s another device that lends itself useful for families traveling together in RVs.

You see, this model can support up to three TVs at once. This amount might be less than the product we reviewed right before it, but it’s still more than most on the market today. And it receives signals from three satellites to ensure each TV gets the best signal it can.

It’s also worth noting this model is usable with DISH’s Pay-As-You-Go plan, which as stated in other reviews is a real money saver for RVers. I found the low stow height of this model to be appealing as well.

This feature will lessen wind resistance and ensure your satellite dish clears any low bridge or tunnel during travel. I also love that this model can work with two different providers in Bell and DISH, which shows it has a broader customer base than most models.

Besides these features, everything else about this product is rather standard. It receives HD and SD channels, auto toggles, includes a coax cable, built by a US company, etc. In other words, it has everything you could want in an RV satellite dish.

But since it covers all the bases, one of its flaws shouldn’t be too surprising. Its price tag is much higher than most other devices on this list. Honestly, there’s no way I could afford to spend this much on one of these products.

12. DISH Network High Definition Dish

The Dish Network High Definition Dish is the least costly option on this entire list. But this status doesn’t mean the device won’t offer you some quality features. It actually has a few that makes this model something you should consider heavily.

In fact, people have found this product to be useful as either a portable or roof mounted model, which shows its versatility. This aspect isn’t something you’d expect from a model with a price tag this low.

I also love that this model is capable of providing both HD and SD channels as it receives from three different satellites. This aspect should give you a wide range of channels and clear TV signal wherever you’re located.

Besides these aspects, this model has many features that you’re used to from the other best RV satellite system reviews. It has an easy install process, lightweight design, works with a tripod mount, can supply two tuners from one line, etc. Everything you could think of that makes a top tier satellite dish is included in this product.

As a result, it’s quite apparent DISH customers should put this model near the top of their list. But before you buy, it does have flaws that you should know about as a potential buyer. The first one being that some customers reported packaging issues.

13. Satellite Oasis DIRECTV HD Satellite Dish Kit

Our last product is the Satellite Oasis DIRECTV HD Satellite Dish Kit, which is a low-cost option that’s worth of your attention. I mean, it comes with everything you could need to ensure your RV gets high quality TV.

However, the real prized feature this kit offers is the detailed direction booklet. This booklet received almost universal praise in the customer reviews. It was shocking when we didn’t see a customer positively mention the install directions.

Another feature that received a ton of praise was the 50 foot coax cable. This feature was well-received thanks to the flexibility it offers users. In other words, this cable ensures you aren’t limited in your options about where to put your dish.

I also found the fact that this kit comes with a tripod to be incredibly useful. Most of the other models require you to buy it separately, which isn’t something I like doing. It just ends up being a huge hassle and more research than I want to do.

But thankfully, it comes included in this kit and saves me from any added stress. This kit also contains a carrying case, which is another nice touch as it gives you a place for all the accessories needed for the install.

We should also note that this model will provide HD channels. This feature is another attractive trait this model offers to the person buying it. And every feature I just mentioned comes at a bargain price that anyone could get behind.

Best RV Satellite Dish Buyer’s Guide

This section will discuss everything needed to make a sound decision about these products. It’ll cover all the ins and outs of RV satellite dishes to the point where you feel like an expert. And from there, this whole process will end up being a lot smoother.

Things to know before buying a satellite dish for RV

Finding the perfect RV satellite dish will come down to several different factors. This section will discuss each one at length to ensure you get one that meets all your needs. It’ll also help lessen the options you have to pick from by identifying what features are essential.

Service Provider

One of the first things to understand is what service provider you plan on using. In the United States, there are only two choices, either DISH or DirecTV. Both of them have their pros and cons, which might suit your situation better.

For example, DISH offers better DVR abilities than DirecTV to ensure you never miss a show or sporting event. But DirecTV provides a better sports package as it includes NFL Sunday Ticket, which DISH doesn’t.

You should also be aware that DISH is also capable of being used with either dome or open dish antennas. But the good news is both providers offer monthly pay-as-you-go plans, which is perfect for RVers.

In the end, this decision will come down to what your preferences are and how each one meshes with them. In my case, I’m always going with DirecTV as I’m a huge sports nerd and need the best access possible to my favorite teams.

In-motion Viewing

Do you want in-motion viewing? This question is something you’ll have to answer before finding your perfect satellite dish. On the positive side, this quality does make traveling long hauls with multiple people much easier.

It also makes the driver feel more comfortable as their passengers will not always bug them when given TV access. But this quality does often run the price up higher than what you’d expect a satellite dish to cost.

If you find this feature to be essential, your options will lessen by a large amount. As you know, the only type of satellite dish that offers this aspect is the dome antennas, which makes the overall selection process easier as well.

Overall, this feature is a quality I find essential as I need something to distract my friends and family when I’m driving. And given my love of TV, it becomes a crucial part of my RVing trip when someone else is driving as well.

Number of TVs

If you have multiple TVs, you’ll need a satellite dish that can handle supporting them. This quality means getting a dish, which is dual-receiver or more capable. It’s also essential to remember not all dishes that can deliver a signal to two receivers can provide full programming.

If the dish is only capable of focusing on one satellite at once, the secondary TV would have to be on the same channel as the main. As a result, it cancels out the whole purpose of having multiple TVs in the first place.

The good news is that most satellite dishes can split the signal between multiple TVs. In fact, some can even handle up to four different TVs at once. In my case, this feature is essential given the two TVs I have aboard my RV.

And trust me; if we all had to watch the same programming, all hell would break loose. It would create a stressful environment for everybody onboard my RV.

Price

Another huge factor in this process is each product’s price. These devices can range from $100 to $1500 depending on the features and quality the product offers. As a result, you have to build a budget around what you feel is necessary for your satellite dish.

If you want an in-motion capable dish, your budget needs to account for the higher price it provides. You can expect a satellite dish that features this quality to land near $1500 mark rather than $100.

Other factors will affect the product’s price as well. These qualities include things like multiple TV support, simultaneous satellite acquisition, durability, signal strength, etc. All of these aspects will cause a higher price, and your budget needs to account for them.

This budget will also help lessen your options by a large margin. It’ll make sure this process doesn’t become overwhelming to the point where it’s causing you stress and frustration. In other words, it’ll make this whole thing much easier and more relaxing.

Ease of Install

You’re going to want a satellite dish that has an easy install process. This feature will make your life as an RV owner much easier. And if you get the correct model, it’ll also save you money by making sure that you don’t need to hire someone for the task.

The good news here is that most of these satellite dishes are easy enough to install even for people who lack technical skills like me. But some brands do make this process much more complex than needed.

An excellent way to avoid buying one of these complex models is by reading customer reviews. These vital resources will give you a better idea of whether installing a certain satellite dish will end up being an easy or difficult task.

I mean, if there’s an issue in this regard, these reviews will make it widely known. After all, there’s nothing that angers a customer more than a product that ends up being harder to use than necessary.

Camping Location

Your most frequent camping location should also have a large impact on the RV satellite that you end up choosing. For instance, if you like camping in deep forest areas, it’d be a good idea to go with a portable option.

You can move these devices into areas where it’d be more likely to pick up a usable signal and avoid the many obstructions. On the other hand, a permanently fixed dish would end up being a nightmare and utterly useless in these situations.

But if you plan on RVing within an open campground, a permanently fixed option might make more sense than a portable model. These devices would require less set up and wouldn’t use storage when you move from place to place.

It’s thinking about these types of potential issues that will determine which satellite dish would be the perfect option.

What are the different types of satellite dishes for RV?

As you might expect, there are different types of RV satellite dishes. These types are permanently fixed, portable, standard dish, and dome antennas. And all four of them have certain situations where they’ll be the best fit.

This decision is one of the first that you’ll have to make during this process. It’s an essential piece to finding the perfect satellite dish for your situation. And we intend on guiding you through this choice by diving into each one below.

Permanently Fixed

These RV satellite dishes are installed on your RV’s roof and stay there until you remove and replace it. It’s also essential to know these devices can either be domed or open-dishes, depending on the buyer’s preferences.

Their design most mirror those satellite dishes that you often see on people’s homes as well. These products can end up being a useful purchase for people who don’t want to deal with their satellite dish taking up storage space as a portable option would.

Portable

If you’re looking for a satellite dish with mobility, a portable RV satellite dish would be a great option. These devices are perfect for people who want to extend their TV viewing outside their, such as at barbecues or tailgates.

People have also found portable satellite dishes to be effective in areas with various obstructions such as trees, hills, and mountains. These devices give you the option of moving your satellite dish to more opening area.

You see, these products can be moved into the best location possible for satellite signal acquisition, which allows you to avoid troublesome areas. This location can even be several feet away from your rig’s parking area.

All this process takes is running a connecting cable to your rig or the location where your TV and receiver are set up. Once it’s ready, you should have no issues getting the TV viewing experience that you wanted.

But you must understand that these devices need a lot more upkeep than your permanently fixed options. These devices require setup time at every new site, and you need, or harsh weather conditions could cause severe damage.

It’s also worth noting these products will take up a lot of storage space when you’re not using them.

Standard Dish

These devices are what you probably imagine when thinking about satellite dishes. Standard dishes are the concave, open, and large dishes that use signals from multiple satellites to give you an acceptable TV experience.

Their large size also helps them perform in burdensome areas that often lend weaker signals or suffer from harsh weather. But it does create some problems as well. You see, their expanded size means that standard dishes need retracting or folding down before you get on the road.

If you don’t retract or fold them down, it could cause some serious issues during travel when you encounter low bridges or hanging trees. In other words, it’s not a good idea and something you’ll have to deal with when buying these devices.

As a result, you can’t use them during your traveling experience like you could with other types. It’s a bummer for people who have multiple people onboard and need something to do during long hauls.

Dome Antennas

Our last type is the dome antennas, which have recently become a popular choice among RV owners for various reasons. For instance, these products are made with a protective case that consists of fiberglass to ensure it doesn’t suffer damage from weather concerns.

These devices are also the only type that allows TV viewing when you’re in motion. This benefit is a godsend for people with younger kids who tend to get restless during long trips. But it isn’t all great news when it comes to these products.

Dome antennas are usually not agreeable with DirecTV HD satellites, which could be a huge issue for some RVers. It’s also worth noting that these products are often the most costly type among the four in this section.

How to install a satellite dish for RV?

Most RV satellite dishes can be set up without the need of an expert thanks to their user-friendly designs. But it’s hard to talk about the process in general terms as the directions will differ based on the model you buy.

As a result, it’s essential you read the manual that comes with your satellite dish. This resource should have everything you need to finish this task without issue. If your product doesn’t come with a set of directions or a manual, you should look on YouTube for a visual presentation.

In most cases, these videos will be helpful and provide step-by-step directions on how to do the process correctly. Some companies will even put these videos right on the ad’s page for easy access.

And if you can’t find a useful video, you can always look at the company’s website as well. There’s no way a helpful set of directions won’t be available on these sites. It wouldn’t make sense as these companies want you to have a good time with their products.

Given these options, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a suitable set of directions or a video guide to do this task yourself. But if you do find yourself having problems, there’s no shame in calling an expert to do the job for you.

After all, sometimes these install directions tend to overly complex for no reason. Calling a professional solves this issue by having an expert do the job and not needing to rely on those awful directions.

How to adjust RV satellite dishes?

Most RV satellite dishes will be automatic, which means you won’t have to worry about adjusting them. But some of the cheaper models do require a manual adjustment that is done by a crank mechanism.

For instance, portable models will often need manually adjusting to get the best signal. It can represent quite a hassle when you move from place to place in your RV. But it’s something people deal with because of the portable abilities.

If you’re anyway confused by how the adjusting works, please look to the manual that comes with the satellite dish. These brands want you to have a good time with their product, which means their manuals should give you great details on the process.

RV Satellite Dish FAQs

What is the best RV satellite dish?

If you’re unhappy with a regular antenna’s coverage, getting an RV satellite dish will solve your problems. You see, these devices are capable of getting the best out of your large LED flat screen TV by offering all HD channels.

As a result, more and more RV owners have been making the switch to satellite dishes. It’s another way to ensure your RV feels like your second home rather than a hotel on wheels. And HD channels isn’t the only benefit these products bring to the table.

RV satellite dishes can also function during stormy weather. This quality is something that alludes both antennas and cables signals. It’s an issue, which can become quite annoying rather quickly.

These products are capable of providing this benefit due to satellite dishes getting a digital signal. This feature makes sure your TV doesn’t drop out when an awful thunderstorm or heavy winds surround your RV.

We should mention satellite dishes offer more channels than a monthly cable subscription as well. In fact, many channels aren’t available to cable signal and require satellite dishes to view them regardless of your cable channel package.

These devices even pick up foreign channels, which wouldn’t reach your area with an RV antenna. You also wouldn’t get them with a cable subscription unless you pay extra. But there’s one issue that comes with a satellite dish, which we can’t overlook.

A satellite dish will be costly thanks to its parts and the technology it uses. These features cause a satellite dish’s price to range from $100 to $1500, which will depend on its overall quality and features.

However, most people end up happy with their purchase due to the benefits it offers. It just provides a better experience than you’d receive with either a regular antenna or a cable subscription when you’re on the road.

Given all this knowledge, it’s quite clear that a satellite dish is a perfect solution for getting TV during your RV trips. I mean, I don’t see how someone could pass up getting one as long as they can afford it.

How does it work?

If you’re anything like me, you probably think this entire process can only be understood by brilliant people that study science. But honestly, the way satellite dishes work isn’t all that complex to understand.

It all starts with your TV provider blasting the signal from a station on the ground to a satellite that orbits a single spot over our planet. When this signal reaches the satellite, it changes into an electromagnetic wave.

This wave then has the task of traveling to your RV’s satellite dish. The only issue is that this wave will lessen in strength, the farther it has to go. This issue represents a problem for people living far away from the satellite’s location.

The problem gets solved by your beautiful satellite dish. You see, the wide dish-like part of your satellite dish collects the largest amount of dispersed waves as it can. From there, it refocuses them to increase their strength.

The new boosted wave then gets zapped over to a smaller receiver that lies opposite the dish’s middle. This signal then travels to your TV through a connected coaxial cable. And that’s the entire process. I told you it wasn’t too complicated.

How to set up a portable satellite TV system?

Setting up a portable satellite dish for camping is often less complicated than RVers assume. Most satellite dish manufacturers make the process straightforward and hassle-free. It becomes a simple matter of following the included directions.

But I think readers will benefit from going through a generalized step-by-step guide. So here’s a quick 5-step run-through of what most RVers can expect when setting up a portable satellite dish for motorhome:

1. Find a location to place the tripod where it has a clear sightline. It should be clear and free of any obstructions, facing the sky’s southwest direction.
2. Using the included hardware, attach the RV satellite and tripod. RVers should expect the hardware to be different based on the model. Some options will use clamps and others will utilize screws.
3. You’ll need to secure the tripod to the ground. Many products come with an anchor to protect against strong winds.
4. Plug the coaxial cord into your rig’s exterior port.
5. Hook up the receiver to your chosen RV TV. From there, it becomes a simple matter of turning it on and following the directions on the screen.

What are the most trusted satellite dish brands?

As you might imagine, there are plenty of companies which make satellite dishes. But the best brands are the ones in our product review section. Each of them has shown an ability to create top tier products and offer outstanding customer service.

But even among these great brands, two of them stick out a bit more than the rest: Winegard and KING. These two companies have gained a great reputation with RV owners due to the buying experience they provide.

And I thought diving into their backgrounds would be a good idea to see what makes them different from their rivals. It’ll give you a better knowledge of what a top RV satellite dish brands look like and offers.

Winegard

This company has been at the top of the antenna game since 1954. Winegard’s held this status with their innovative designs and readiness to go the extra mile for their customers’ needs. It’s this mixture that has made them a force to be reckoned with in this market.

This combination is also why I have such faith in their products. I mean, there’s a reason why Winegard products are such a common sight in our product review section. It’s because this company has proven time and time again that they’re everything you could want in a satellite dish company.

KING

KING has gained its top tier status in this market thanks to their products having outstanding quality and simple install processes. It’s hard not to see why RV owners have appreciated these two qualities when you consider all the lousy satellite dishes on today’s market.

It also doesn’t hurt that KING’s always looking into ways to improve their product’s quality. This feature means you can expect their satellite dishes to feature the best technology. It’s this dedication to being the best that makes them such a great brand.

What RV satellite dish do I need for directv hd?

If you plan on getting an RV satellite dish for DirecTV HD, you’ll need an open antenna designed one. You see, domed antennas can’t receive DirecTV HD signal, which is a bummer as they’re the only type that can work on the move.

It also means any KING product is out of the question as they only create domed antenna satellites. Your best choice would be a model from Winegard, which has an open antenna concept and offers top tier signal.

Can I use my home dish receiver in my RV?

RVers can use their home Dish receiver within their campers or other locations. But they’ll need to call their service provider to give them the new service address. However, it’s much easier to add a second receiver to your account for an additional fee.

If you add a second receiver, there’s no need to contact the service provider. You’ll have service within your home and RV without any issue. It’s a much more convenient approach to getting satellite dish TV in both locations.

How much is a good satellite for an RV?

A good satellite for RV or dish antenna for RV can cost anywhere between $200 to $1000. It comes down to the included features and what customers want in their satellite disk. But honestly, I can’t imagine a person not finding a workable deal for their needs within this marketplace.

What is the warranty?

The warranty will differ from product to product depending on the brand and model of the product you’re buying. But the best options will feature some warranty and should offer some insurance against accidents or a faulty product.

Of course, the years will vary, but you can expect between one and five years at least with these products. Honestly, there’s no reason why a company shouldn’t offer a warranty given the number of things that can go wrong with one of these dishes.

Where to buy?

When buying an RV satellite dish, there are many places to choose from as a customer. These products have become highly valued commodities among RV owners. I mean, who wouldn’t want access to satellite TV during your downtime on your RV trips?

But the best place to buy an RV satellite dish would be Amazon. This site has the lowest prices and largest selection among the distributors of these RV electronic devices. It also helps that their customer reviews are the most extensive that you’ll see anyway.

You put all three of these qualities together, and it becomes apparent that Amazon is the best place to buy these products. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at the other sites and places as well.

For instance, Camping World will have a wide selection of options and reasonable prices for customers to peruse. It’s also worth noting that this site will have sales on products from time to time, which makes their prices go below even Amazon’s.

Due to this, you must check both sites before making a final decision. This action will ensure you don’t end up paying a higher price for a product than necessary. And since these devices are expensive, every cent counts.

If you find online shopping burdensome, plenty of retail stores sell these devices as well. Places like Walmart and Home Depot will have some options to choose from, but the costs will be much higher than you’d see online.

These stores do offer customer service that online sites can’t provide. This feature can make all the difference in the world when you get help from someone who knows what they’re doing. We should also mention that your local RV supply store should have options to choose from as well.

In the end, many places will offer top tier satellite dishes. All you have to do now is choose the one that fits your preferences the best. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect RV satellite dish.

Conclusion

This process should be much easier with your new found knowledge on this topic. It’s just a simple matter of applying it when you start your search. From there, it should become rather clear which product is the best satellite dish for RV.

The knowledge from this article will also make the entire process much more manageable. After all, it contains everything needed to make a sound decision about these devices. And it’ll ensure the sense of feeling overwhelmed disappears.

Once you do find this product, your life on the road will be more comfortable and relaxing. Your RV will also start resembling the second home you’d always hoped. In other words, it will no longer feel like a means of transportation, but rather a place you can call home.

But if you do have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask them in the comment section below. We’ll try our best to answer them as quickly as possible. Honestly, we want to make sure you end up with the best RV satellite antenna for your situation.

Dane Heldt

Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!