RV parks cable tv?

[tommyzw]

Just a question about RV parks TV and satellite systems. We have bought our used coach and will take off in the near future. Had the present satellite system checked out and it should be replace because it won't find or lock onto satellite. It is a 2002 coach and I assume the "trackstar sv260" is original equipment.
Before we put out the 2k to 3k for a new system (need receivers too) just how frequently do full-timers use a satellite while parked in a RV Park that has cable TV...also, do most RV Parks have cable TV? Will the analog antennas picked anything up?
Thanks, Donna

[wildtoad]

You didn't say what type of TV(s) you have in your 2002 coach. If they have been upgraded to digital/HD the antenna should pull in any local broacast stations. If they are older TV's then you would need a digital to analog converter box.

[GENECOP]

If you want dependable TV get the dish. Cable in parks is rarely good, often limited stations etc...G

[wa8yxm]

I agree, Cable in parks is a sometimes thing. Satellite, is very nearly an "Always" thing, and the cable usually gets its programs from satellites so when they go down.....

NOTE; No matter if you have an automatic roof mount satellite antenna

YOU NEED A GROUND MOUNT. for when you park under the evil signal eating tree.

[GaryKD]

Hi tommyzw,
I have the Sat dome. I use it all the time. I never connect to CG cable TV.

[paz]

We always use our satellite and never connect to campground cable because the cable will not record on the DVR. Except for news, we rarely watch live TV. You can watch a one-hour program in only 45 minutes if you fast forward through the commercials.

[W4RLR]

Usually the cable tv offered at RV parks is a subset of the cable company's offerings. The cheapest tier offered is what you will find, mostly local stations and home shopping networks. That is why I installed a satellite dome and have a tripod with a DirecTV dish handy in case of evil signal eating trees.

[RickO]

Ditto to most of the replies above. In the past three years we've covered 34000 miles and 34 states and I'll bet I can count on two hands the number of times we've hooked up to CG cable.

At least for us, we've found that the item we carry with us that gets the LEAST amount of use is our ground mounted dish that we carry in case of trees. But, we specifically ask about satellite reception when checking in before we choose a site. If you camp in a lot of heavily wooded areas you'll probably want one but when we hit the road again in a couple of weeks we're leaving ours behind.

As pointed out above, much will also depend on what your current equipment is and how you want to watch tv. There is no such thing as an analog OTA antenna and the batwing you probably have mounted on top of your coach will bring in great HD reception if you're anywhere near the broadcast towers and already have digital sets.... and DVRs are the only way to go IMHO. The DVR thing isn't driven so much by being a TV NUT but by not wanting to give my time to all those pesky commercials.

Best of luck and welcome to the forum!

Rick

[tommyzw]

Great answers everyone, guess that sure helps me make our decision...now if you'll allow me to quiz some more. I see in camping world they offer a number of units and manufactures, one better the the other? We will be using it for my favorite evening shows and as of now have old tube TV's and thinking about upgrading. i know I won't be dragging a portable dish if we spend the money for roof job.
Thanks, Donna

[Dadeaux]

There is a new in-motion Winegard dish for sale at this location. Might save you a few bucks. TiffinRVNetwork Classified Ads - Display Ad

[RickO]

Now you're into the HD or no HD question. The answer to that question can be very expensive. I don't think you've mentioned if you currently have service in your stick house from one of the satellite providers. If you do, and don't want HD... you can probably pick a low end, automatic roof top dish for a pretty reasonable amount... sorry I'm not familiar with the specifics. You can bring a receiver from your house and you'll be all set.

If you don't currently have sat service at home, I think both companies offer RV packages and will advertise a "free dish"... but I believe those are the ground mounted units so you're on your own for the rooftop dish however you go.

If you decide to go HD the best dish going IMHO is the Winegard Slimline Travlr 3005 but it is around $1800 installed.

Good luck...

Rick

[Jim A]

The last time I checked, none of the dome type of satellite dishes will get HD channels. If you want HD, the Winegard Trav'ler is the way to go. Same dish and LNB's as home systems. I also carry a portable dish, but rarely use it. And it isn't HD. HD dishes are harder to aim manually. Like a posters above, I never use the cable in a campground. They are typically limited and not the best signal quality.

The open dishes like the Trav'ler are not for in motion use.

Domes also suffer significant signal loss even in light rain, but some are in-motion capable. Spray coating helps.

A batwing roof over the air antenna and a digital tuner will get good reception if you are near a big city. There are almost no analog over the air stations nowadays. And none worth watching.

[tommyzw]

My bad...no satellite service at home, never have had it as we are cable people until the house sells then it's diesel pusher only. HD? Now that's a big question. As I have said I'm not sure if we will upgrade both TV's as they seem to be running fine. I, nor my husband are sports nuts so is HD really that much of difference, doesn't seem that much at home unit. $1800 not too bad...is that a good around upgrade in case we do switch out TV's...thanks so much...you guys are great, Donna