Check Your Crank-Up Antenna

[Gadget Man]

I have had a small roof leak that has been driving me crazy for months. Last fall following a storm (yes, it DOES rain in Southern California), I noticed a small brown stain on the wall near the entry door of my Providence. After everything dried, I cleaned the stain and scrambled up to the roof, where I re-applied Dicor at the roof seams. The stain re-appeared the next heavy rainfall. I then applied some Dicor to the top of some molding directly over the entry door. Next rainfall....another stain.

Shortly thereafter I ordered a new KVH satellite dome and had my favorite RV shop do the install. While the installer was going over the operation of the new dish with me inside the coach, I directed his attention to the stain. He said, “I think I took care of that for you.” He then went on to say that one of his pet peeves is the manner in which most RV manufacturers install crank-up TV antennas. There is a small rubber boot that Winnegard installs over the coax cable where it exits the roof, which according to my installer, is not sufficient to keep out moderate to heavy rain. He said he sealed up the boot for me with some Dicor while he was installing my new dome.

We have just had more rain than I can remember in a long time, and guess what.....no more water stains! The installer was right on the money. I encourage everyone with a crank-up TV antenna to do the same. The little rubber boot will eventually deteriorate away.

Craig

[jperry29]

Excellent tip Craig.

Thanks.

[Bald Eagle]

This is the type of information that is needed and appreciated. Thanks Craig.

[Nonno]

[Roam America]

Thanks Craig. I'll check this when I go rooftop to check all of the the seals this spring.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Yeah, I sealed mine up on the 30' the last time I did new lap sealant.

[Rich & Zara]

I have had an off and on leak where water is coming down to the antenna crank too. I have tried and tried to find its entry point for at least the past four years ...could be that my problem spot is also that little rubber boot. The next time I'm on the roof, I'll surely apply some of that 'no more leak' stuff.

Thanks much for the hot tip!

Rich

Our RV Trip to Alaska

[Chickadee]

Hi: Can ya tell me about "Dicor"? Is it a silicone type squeeze tube sealant? Where's best place to pick it up. Also....did ya seal the antenna boot to the roof or lift boot and apply under and around mount only?? Thanks. Steve

[Route 66]

Dicor is not silicone and it is the preferred roof sealant. Most manufacturers use it. There is both a self leveling and non-sag version.

DICOR LAP SEALANT

[dieselclacker]

Chickadee, I repaired the leak on my brothers motorhome that was leaking due to cracking of the little cable boot. I just used a small amount of Dicor and sealed the boot to both the cable, and the antenna input orfice where it enters.

Dieselclacker

[Brian 'n Steff]

One other thing about the crank-up antenna: Be sure the arrows and notches align exactly when lowering it. If it doesn't, you may twist that mounting plate up on the roof so that it doesn't set flush.
Don't ask how I know this.

[Tom N]

Two of my buddies with 5th wheels had a leak at the TV antenna rubber grommet. They placed a small hose clamp around the grommet and have had no leaks for over a year.

-Tom

[Gadget Man]

Originally posted by Brian 'n Steff:
Be sure the arrows and notches align exactly when lowering it. If it doesn't, you may twist that mounting plate up on the roof so that it doesn't set flush. Don't ask how I know this.

How do you know this?

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

[bsavage]

Well, thanks for the information, all. We just resurrected our old motorhome and we have several small roof leaks which need sealing, and one of them is where the antenna is.

Brenda, of...