Community Forums

jonthebap · 02-28-2016, 05:25 PM

I have just purchased a Winegard sat system for my 2007 Fleetwood Excursion 40E and plan on removing the old dome sat on the roof and replacing it with the newer dish. After looking at the present set up it appears that the cables run from the roof and come out behind the TV. I thought I would be able to attach the new cables to the old and pull them through whilst removing the old ones. Looks like the cables are clamped behind the TV so I cant get them to move without removing the TV.
before I do this can anyone advise if this is the correct way to do this and if so, how do you remove the TV from the front of the coach. I can see three screws on each side of the TV mount, do these have to be removed to take the TV out and once removed will this give me access to all the wiring.

Thanks in advance for any help.

pagosajoe · 02-28-2016, 06:12 PM

I installed a new Winegard Travler on our 2012 Fleetwood Discovery 36J and here's how I did it:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/wine...iy-218558.html

I tied very strong fishing line to the cables and then pulled them out on top. Tied the new cables to the fishing line, and pulled them through and inside the A/V bay.

The cables were coiled up in the outside wall near the driver's side, making it tough to get them out. After I cut the restraining tape, it was relatively easy.

Didn't have to remove the TV, since the cables were behind the A/V bay and on the driver's side. Your Excursion may be different.

Hope this helps! LOVE the Travler!

c92vette · 02-28-2016, 06:19 PM

I removed and replaced my front TV in the coach with a flat screen. My Bounder's OEM TV was installed in the cabinet with some small clamp type devices to hold it down. I removed the front trim panel around the TV and then loosened the clamps and out she came. It was very heavy though. Yours may not be the same as far as installation.

But the reason for my response is when we got the coach, used, the Satellite receiver was removed and the dish was, shall I say, not good. Since we don't do satellite anyway I removed the dish from atop the coach and installed a WiFi antenna. I wanted to pull the antenna wiring (CAT5e cable) through the same run as the Satellite coax. This is where I hit a wall. The way the coax is routed in the Bounder made it impossible to pull it through as the connector got hung up somewhere. I gave up and ran the CAT5e another direction utilizing the A/C ducting.

Hope you don't have the trouble I did but I wanted you to be aware.

jonthebap · 02-29-2016, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the help and advice so far. Unfortunately I cant gain access to the cables through the drivers side unit that holds the Sat boxes. it has a hole in the side directly behind the TV with the cables coming out of it. The frame around the TV also appears to be built in and not removable so I'm guessing that the only way to gain access is by removing the TV. When I look at the back of the TV the only thing you can see are three screws on each side of the mounting frame and my guess is that these need to be removed to take the TV out. I have contacted Fleetwood and am waiting for a reply before I attempt any thing. I will do the roof install of the dish and await a response. I will take photos of things as I go and let you know the results of the feedback from Fleetwood.

D Lindy · 02-29-2016, 01:17 PM

IMO sometimes it's just better to bite the bullet and have a GOOD repair shop install these antennas. We're upgrading to the Travell'er from a dome in a month, and it's worth it to me to pay the $'s to have it done. I'm fully capable of doing this but it would take about 4-5 times longer for me to do it then them with the addition 110V poweer supply wiring etc. Also is there's any issues with water leaks, electric etc. it's back on the dealer to make it right.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 02-29-2016, 01:44 PM

I agree with having someone do the installation. Five years ago I replace an AS-2003 with a SK-1000 on the trailer. On the new motorhome, I am having a SK-1000 installed.

I am getting to old to wrestle with a 55lb dish up to the roof. The install isn't bad but getting the dish on the roof is.

The Bounder is pre-wired for a simple dome dish so the coax cables are in place. But the Trav'ler control cable does need to be run and I figure there are those who are more practiced at that that I am.

jonthebap · 03-02-2016, 07:24 PM

Well I received the schematics from Fleetwood and found that I could remove a small ceiling panel from inside the entertainment cupboard above the driver. Once I had removed this I was able to reach up and find the cables coming in to the RV from the roof. Used a coax connector to join the new run of cable to the old and pulled it through from the roof. I then pulled the electric cable through by taping it to the old one.

Replaced everything and now have the new dish installed and running so thanks to all of you who gave help and advice. Like those who have undertaken this project before me, I agree that the hardest part is lugging that dish up on to the roof. After that about three hours work.

mchero · 03-03-2016, 09:56 AM

What dome did you replace? I have a KVH R5 in motion on our rig. I updated the software on the electronic side of the dome and I get AWESOME HD now! Love that dome!