Slimline Winegard VS KingDome

[wheelestater]

Getting ready to move into another RV. We currently have the SlimLine Winegard Satellite System with Direct TV. The RV we're getting ready to move into has the In Motion KingDome. We've had no troubles with our current Slimline & are considering transferring to our next RV (again) but are wondering about the KingDome & whether we should switch over? Let us hear it WE'RE ALL EARS!

[ernieh]

Love my Slimline. KD equals no HD and rain fade, constant software updates, etc.

IMHO Ditch the dome. (Any dome)

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelestater Getting ready to move into another RV. We currently have the SlimLine Winegard Satellite System with Direct TV. The RV we're getting ready to move into has the In Motion KingDome. We've had no troubles with our current Slimline & are considering transferring to our next RV (again) but are wondering about the KingDome & whether we should switch over? Let us hear it WE'RE ALL EARS!

Since you never watched TV driving previously my guess is that you have no interest in the in-motion part of your King Dome now. That being said, you cannot ever receive the DTV HD programming with your King Dome (this may not be an issue either) but the biggest difference you are going to notice is what happens the first time it rains on your dome (or dew, ocean spray, fog, etc.). You would not have even noticed the event with your Trav'ler but it will likely wipe out the TV signal with your dome.
I had a dome from 2000 until this year when I installed a Trav'ler. I did sometimes watch TV in-motion (well listen anyway) but I don't miss that a bit and the performance increase by having an open dish is stunning.

[smlranger]

I'm in the process of weighing the same decision about a replacement sat antenna. We have a Kingdome stationary and when it works it is great, but it seems to lose its mind often. Also, tech support from King Controls is difficult, from my experience. We have Direct TV and have no interest/need for HD or in-motion viewing in the coach. Also, rain fade has not been a serious issue for us.

We don't full time so it seems the Winegard Minimax is an economical option but the Traveler is an outstanding choice for $600 more.

Is the Traveler difficult or tricky to install?

Any opinions, suggestions are welcome.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger I'm in the process of weighing the same decision about a replacement sat antenna. We have a Kingdome stationary and when it works it is great, but it seems to lose its mind often. Also, tech support from King Controls is difficult, from my experience. We have Direct TV and have no interest/need for HD or in-motion viewing in the coach. Also, rain fade has not been a serious issue for us. We don't full time so it seems the Winegard Minimax is an economical option but the Traveler is an outstanding choice for $600 more. Is the Traveler difficult or tricky to install? Any opinions, suggestions are welcome.

The Trav'ler is a very simple installation. There is no setup and the assembly involves attaching the reflector to the mount with 4 nuts and bolts. If you can use the existing hole from your current dish installation you just pull out the old, run the new cable(s) in and seal the roof back up. You just caulk the bottom of the Trav'ler and screw it to the roof following the clear markings that point which way is front and rear.
The Mini-Max is just as easy if you want to stick with a dome and works very well. No assembly required, pre-set for DirecTV and nothing more than an on-off switch inside the coach.

[smlranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams The Trav'ler is a very simple installation. There is no setup and the assembly involves attaching the reflector to the mount with 4 nuts and bolts. If you can use the existing hole from your current dish installation you just pull out the old, run the new cable(s) in and seal the roof back up. You just caulk the bottom of the Trav'ler and screw it to the roof following the clear markings that point which way is front and rear. The Mini-Max is just as easy if you want to stick with a dome and works very well. No assembly required, pre-set for DirecTV and nothing more than an on-off switch inside the coach.

Final question on Trav'ler. At least a few customer reviews on CW's site indicate problems with the units not stowing properly and customer having to get on roof and manually stow the dish. Was this an early problem that has now been resolved?

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger Final question on Trav'ler. At least a few customer reviews on CW's site indicate problems with the units not stowing properly and customer having to get on roof and manually stow the dish. Was this an early problem that has now been resolved?

I have only heard of this happening once and I have not seen this with my dish or any of the dishes that we have installed. That is one advantage of the MotoSAT in that is could be stowed using just the individual wires that connect to the dish without going on the roof, but this is a pretty rare need for either unit.