Community Forums

rampage · 08-15-2010, 12:26 PM

I forgot to lower my winegard sensor antenna prior to traveling. It will not crank up nor can it be raised manually via the roof. It is just lying flat on the roof. Surely, some members must have experienced this dilemma. If so, would appreciate some help on how to restore its function.

DGShaffer · 08-15-2010, 01:35 PM

A lot of sites sell replacement parts since this is pretty common.

A hint I got from someone here: Hang your ignition key from the winder when you put it up. I do that all the time.

rampage · 08-15-2010, 01:47 PM

Thanks. I'm now aware that I must do something like you suggest. However, I wonder if someone out there may know if this can be fixed without any new parts. For example, removing the two pins holding the antenna in place and putting it in the up position.

DGShaffer · 08-15-2010, 01:53 PM

Sounds like you need it up now. Chances are you can pull it up from the outside and if so, tie wrap the two tubes together and it'll stay up. I'd bet you can still rotate it from inside

Wayne M · 08-15-2010, 08:15 PM

Yep! I have a key ring that is just big enough to slide over that handle. It goes up there whether I put the antenna up or down.

Sounds like something got bent. I have seen parts in some campgrounds, but most likely you will need a trip to an RV dealer or store.

Good luck.

DBOL · 08-15-2010, 08:48 PM

Well ours want go up now cause the wife decided to help getting ready to pull out and didn't line up arrows it came down but want go up?

wa8yxm · 08-16-2010, 11:58 AM

You likely stripped the gears.. As others have said. Easy fix. any RV store has the parts.

Texun1 · 08-16-2010, 12:23 PM

A couple of new parts($20) and about 20 minutes. Don't ask how I know this. If you are already camping I think you can just go up on the coach and pull the stripped gear and shaft then use a bunge cord to hold it up.

hamguy · 08-17-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

You likely stripped the gears.. As others have said. Easy fix. any RV store has the parts.

Fix the problem forever. Rip that phony-baloney batwing off the roof and get an inexpensive, proven, time tested replacement.

Buy (or go to the dump) and install a wire coat hanger!

76dc · 08-17-2010, 05:40 PM

On my old rig that happened and I took it apart and put it back together and it worked. No sure what I did but it worked. Next time I did it ( must of been someone else driving) I had to get parts from a RV Store.

phranc · 08-24-2010, 06:41 PM

Many times I get decent off the air reception with the bat wing laying flat

Essex-Spensive · 08-24-2010, 09:11 PM

Just to add to the list of people who have driven with the antenna up. I drove from Banff to Jasper in Alberta CA. it is about 180 miles and 70 mph. When I got to the campground the owner asked if I always drove with it up? Heres your sign. It still worked perfectly as new.

bldrbob · 08-26-2010, 07:32 AM

I have a clothspin that goes on the steering wheel when the antenna goes up and back on the crank when it comes down. I also have one for the coffee pot and printer.When all the pins are off the wheel it is good to go.
BOB

two2go · 08-26-2010, 09:01 AM

I drove out of the campground with the antenna up on the 5'er I was towing. Wondered why I noticed the overhead electric line swaying in the side mirror. Campground lady chased me down carrying my batwing head and none too pleased. What was she upset about? Her wire was fine. My antenna was not. The arm still cranked up and down fine minus the head. Since I broke the mount points off the head, I had to buy a new one.