Community Forums

JDT · 01-22-2014, 11:34 AM

Anyone replaced their Winegard crank up antenna with some kind of fixed mount? The last few trips it took a lot of coaxing to get it back to the store position. Something is wrong with the cranking mechanism and I think I'd like something that is fixed. I know there are several of those and the reviews are mixed. We don't use it a lot as we have a Dish Tailgater but it does allow us to watch local channels when we are out of our viewing area without having to call Dish.

rockintom · 01-22-2014, 02:12 PM

Jim, not to trying to be acting stupid (for a change), but do you know that you have to have the dots matched up (wing aligned) on the inside before cranking the antenna down? Also I've talked with many folks that don't know that you have to do maintenance of the mechanism from the roof. That includes spraying silicone under a removable black plug on the box. The manufacturer claims it only needs to be done annually, but I did it twice a year when I had a manual antenna. That maintenance keeps the seals lubed and prevents water intrusion to the coach's interior.

I've been lucky and not ever had a problem with my manual antenna operation. We now have the automatic which requires no periodical maintenance (sealed unit). Just FYI rockin'

JDT · 01-22-2014, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom

Jim, not to trying to be acting stupid (for a change), but do you know that you have to have the dots matched up (wing aligned) on the inside before cranking the antenna down? Also I've talked with many folks that don't know that you have to do maintenance of the mechanism from the roof. That includes spraying silicone under a removable black plug on the box. The manufacturer claims it only needs to be done annually, but I did it twice a year when I had a manual antenna. That maintenance keeps the seals lubed and prevents water intrusion to the coach's interior.

I've been lucky and not ever had a problem with my manual antenna operation. We now have the automatic which requires no periodical maintenance (sealed unit). Just FYI rockin'

Tom, it binds when lowering, usually about half way down. I make sure the little arrows are lined up but several times I had to go on the roof and push it down while the wife cranked it. Didn't think about lubing it but will look at that.

wildtoad · 01-22-2014, 06:13 PM

You need to inspect the gears from time to time. Leaves and crud can fowl up the works. It's good advice to lube the gears and swivel housing. Helps reduce chance for binding and leaks.

wa8yxm · 01-23-2014, 09:04 AM

Those who have, are generally disappointed as no fixed antenna can outperform a directional one.

Your problem is likely one of lubrication. Download the manual and follow instructions.