Community Forums

larrydp · 02-12-2012, 07:52 PM

on our new(used) RV we think we have isolated a rattle sound to the tv antenna. we raised it and lowered it again, tightly, but the rattle is still there when we drive. have any of you had this problem and if so, how did you solve it? thanks!

demoon · 02-12-2012, 09:42 PM

Probably not the best solution, but when we had the problem I would put the antenna all the way down and then raise it a turn or two so it would just clear the roof. Most likely not the best thing for the antenna, but better than the noise and having it rubbing on the roof.

golfpro · 02-12-2012, 10:27 PM

you might be able to put a padded rack on the roof that would support the antenna so it won't rattle.

RVRoadTrip · 02-13-2012, 05:36 AM

We replaced our batwing with a Jack Antenna. Nothing to raise or lower, nothing to rattle.

http://rvroadtrip.us/library/jack_antenna_install.php

.

rmmpe · 02-14-2012, 07:58 AM

Assuming you're talking about a 'Bat-wing' antenna, options include:
1. Bend the Bat-wings up slightly to keep them away from the roof (if the wigs are aluminum and not the newer plastic).
2. Split short pieces of hose, push them over the edges of the wings, drill a couple of holes in each wing and secure the hose pieces to the wing with tie-wraps.
3. Buy small round rubber sticky-back bumpers and stick them to the roof where the wings rest when the antenna is down.
4. Stick the same kind of bumpers to the bottom of the antenna housing so when the unit is cranked down it rests on the bumpers. This may keep the wings far enough form the roof to eliminate the rattle(s).
Generally, I'd start with options 1 and 4.

larrydp · 02-15-2012, 06:05 AM

THANKS for the great ideas!!

rmmpe · 02-15-2012, 06:24 AM

Please let us know if any of this works for you.

ksg5000 · 02-15-2012, 07:25 AM

Get up on the roof when the antenna is in the down position and try and see what is rattling. It's a pretty simple mechanism with only a couple of moving parts so it should be easy to figure out whats making the noise. As I recall the ant head has some support feet on the bottom - maybe they have worn down or fallen off - maybe the crank mechanism isn't functioning properly and you can't tighten the ant down properly? Nothing on this ant. is expensive or hard to replace.

larrydp · 02-16-2012, 02:33 PM

We bent the antenna "wing" a little and got some rubber "bumpers" to put on it. Have not taken it back on the road yet. thanks for all of the ideas!!

Old Blue · 02-16-2012, 06:39 PM

I glued rubber on the roof under the feet and stopped the rattle on ours. Simple fix for ours.
Good luck
Bill

Alleyman · 02-16-2012, 06:51 PM

several good ideas already mentioned. We had same problem. I put a piece of foam (1 inch thick) under the area and glued to roof with spray adhesive. stopped the rattle. good luck.

Murf2u · 02-17-2012, 11:49 AM

I just replaced mine with one of those new "Jack" antennas, solved the rattle and gained a bunch of new channels.

Oh, and I never have to remember to wind it down again.

larrydp · 02-18-2012, 06:23 AM

Murf2u....when i look at pics of the Jack it seems to be raised like the batwing....but you say you don't raise yours???? does it get good reception when "down"?