How To Get Better TV Reception In Your RV

Contributor

Tucker Ballister

Favorite Trip

5 Months Solo on the Road

Home Base

Hendersonville, NC

Favorite RV

2008 Fleetwood Bounder

About Contributor

Tucker Ballister is our Technical Content Writer. He’s a lover of the open road and the proud owner of a 2021 Sunlite Classic travel trailer (his 3rd RV to date). Check out more of his RV adventures, gear reviews, and outdoor advice at thebackpackguide.com.

While you might like to unplug in states with the best boondocking spots, it pays to stay connected on the road and at your camping destinations. To do so effectively, you need to know how to get better TV reception in your new or used motorhome

Choosing the right satellite TV antenna plays a big role in getting better TV reception, but there are a number of choices you can make to improve reception with the equipment you have. In this guide, you’ll learn the various ways to watch TV in your RV and some basic tips to improve reception when you’re tuning into over-the-air TV channels. 

How to Watch TV in your RV

There are four basic options for tuning into digital entertainment in your RV: satellite antennasover-the-air digital television antennas, cable hookups, and streaming services. Depending on where you travel and how much you’re willing to pay for various services, you can use a combination of these options to expand your entertainment choices. 

Streaming Services for RVers

streaming-services-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by rafapress via Shutterstock

With streaming services like Netflix, Sling, and Hulu, reception quality largely depends on the strength of your internet connection. Weaker connections will prompt more buffering, for example. The trouble is that you’ll have minimal control over Wi-Fi signal strengths provided at luxury RV resorts and other campgrounds. 

But if you rely on a mobile hotspot, you can employ a signal booster to improve the strength of your connection. When you arrive at a new destination, you can always perform an internet speed test to examine signal strength. 

Pro Tip: When booking your campsite, ask the campground host how far from the Wi-Fi router your site is. Sites closer to the lobby or office will likely have the best signal.

Cable Hookups

cable-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by Steve Heap via Shutterstock

The reception quality of cable television is out of your hands as well. Whether the park offers standard definition or high definition distribution is completely up to them. Normally, cable TV offers fewer channels. That said, cable hookups are the best option if you frequent RV parks instead of remote locations. Just know that some RV parks and campgrounds charge customers to use cable.

Satellite versus Over-the-Air Antennas

If you’re getting TV from a satellite or over-the-air antenna, there are several ways to improve your TV reception. But before we go into detail on that front, you should understand the differences between these two types of antennas. 

Satellite Antennas

satellite-antennas-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by Voyagerix via Shutterstock

There are two types of satellite antennas: portable and roof-mounted units. Whichever you choose, satellites require receivers that are set up inside your RV. Satellite antennas allow you to get reception anywhere because they receive broadcast frequencies from satellites in geosynchronous orbit around the Earth, which makes them a great choice for remote camping.

Similar to GPS devices, the technology inside satellite antennas optimizes reception based on the signals received from satellites overhead. Any noise that could interfere with signal strength is minimized because satellite antennas only pick up the strongest signals broadcasted from the optimal satellites. 

All types of satellite antennas usually require some sort of subscription service, such as those offered by DirecTV or Dish Network. One downside of these antennas is the inability to tune into local channels when traveling because subscription packages are based on your home address. 

While you can contact your service provider and change your “home base” if you’re RVing full-time, it requires calling and working with a customer service representative, which often comes with long wait times that can make it a hassle.

Over-the-Air Antennas

ota-antenna-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
PC Camping World

Unlike satellite antennas, over-the-air antennas allow you to receive local broadcast channels over the air for free and without a subscription service. Whether these channels offer high-definition or standard-definition video is mostly up to the broadcast output. For RV use, you’ll find directional and omnidirectional (also known as multidirectional) models. 

Omnidirectional antennas automatically adjust to give you the best reception when you perform the ‘Channel Scan’ function on your TV. Just keep in mind you will need to scan for new channels every time you park your RV in a new location. 

Directional antennas require manual adjustment to get the best TV reception possible. These antennas are raised using a crank handle and adjusted using a circular plate mounted to the roof inside your new or used travel trailer or RV. Some antennas must be raised before being adjusted, but many newer models have no height variability. 

Generally speaking, omnidirectional antennas are less sensitive than directional antennas. This means they have a shorter range and can be more susceptible to noise that reduces reception quality. 

Directional antennas are more sensitive and able to pick up broadcast signals from further away. This also means they are less susceptible to noise because they are pointed to acquire signals from a single direction instead of in a 360° radius.

The downside of over-the-air antennas is that they don’t work as well in remote settings. If there’s not a broadcasting tower close enough for your antenna to pick up a signal, you likely aren’t going to get good TV reception.

How To Get Better TV Reception in your RV

These tips will help you get better TV reception via your satellite or over-the-air antenna:

Choose Campgrounds Wisely

campground-choice-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by Photo_Time via Shutterstock

Trees, mountains, and even tall buildings can interfere with your antenna’s ability to acquire broadcast signals. To put it very generally, campgrounds with a more open sky above them will provide better opportunities for your antenna to acquire strong signals. 

This is especially true for satellite antennas, but campground choice is important for over-the-air antennas as well. As we mentioned, getting good TV reception will prove difficult with this kind of antenna if you’re intent on exploring how to boondock in an RV. With over-the-air antennas, choosing campgrounds closer to populated areas will make it easier to get better TV reception. 

Even within a campground, you may find that certain sites offer better positioning than others. Sites tucked right up against a ridge, for instance, may create a significant obstacle for signals to reach your antenna. So don’t hesitate to explore and ask the camp host if it’s possible to relocate to a site where you can get better reception.

Orient Your Antenna

orient-antenna-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by Anetlanda via Shutterstock

This step isn’t required for satellite antennas and it’s nearly automatic for omnidirectional over-the-air antennas. For the latter, just turn on your TV and run the ‘Channel Scan’ function to orient your antenna. 

Directional over-the-air antennas, however, require manual adjustment. Here are some simple steps to do to this: 

  • Raise your antenna and turn on your TV
  • Run a channel scan and note the position of the antenna base plate
  • Once the scan is complete, tune to the channel you want to watch
  • Note the reception quality and then turn the plate 90 degrees
  • See if the reception improves or worsens
  • Turn the plate another 90 degrees and assess reception quality
  • Repeat twice more to scan a full 360 degrees
  • Reposition your antenna in the direction that gives you the best reception

To make this process a little easier, you can use a tool like Channel Master’s Antenna Selection Guide to find the nearest broadcast towers to your location. Knowing whether that tower lies to the north, south, east, or west will help you orient your antenna for the best reception.

Here are a couple of other tower finders that might be useful as well: 

Keep in mind that broadcast signals for different channels can come from different nearby towers. So you may need to reposition a directional antenna every time you change channels in order to optimize reception. 

Use a Digital Signal Finder

signal-finder-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
PC Camping World

There are also digital tools you can use to evaluate TV signal strength. You plug the cable coming from your antenna into one inlet and the cable running to your TV into the other. Then you can reposition your antenna until you find the strongest signal possible. 

The problem with this solution is accessibility. It’s not always easy to get to these cables to unplug them and having to do it every time you set up your RV in a new campsite can quickly become a hassle if you move your RV, like a Happier Camper, frequently. 

Make Sure Your Amplifier Is On

amplifier-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
PC Tucker Ballister

If you have an omnidirectional over-the-air antenna, most of the newer designs include an amplifier. If your amplifier somehow gets turned off, your antenna will pick up far fewer channels than it would if it were on. 

If you’re camping in an urban area and your TV doesn’t find any channels when it scans, check to make sure your amplifier is turned on. If it’s not, turn it on and re-run the scan. If you’re camping in a remote area, you may still get a limited channel selection even with your amplifier on. 

Turn Off Appliances and Unplug Wall Accessories

turn-off-appliances-how-to-get-better-tv-reception-in-your-rv-01-2022
Photo by Virrage Images via Shutterstock

All of your RV appliances emit some level of radiation (electric and magnetic fields) when turned on. This radiation creates “noise” that can decrease the strength of the TV signal your antenna receives. Operating appliances while you’re trying to get better TV reception increases what is known as the signal-to-noise ratio (i.e. more noise to weaken broadcast signals). 

While a higher signal-to-noise ratio is only likely to impact channels that are broadcast at lower frequencies, turning off things like your air conditioner and unplugging small electronics can improve your TV reception in some cases. 


For the latest and greatest in TV reception technology for your home on the go, check out Camping World’s collection of RV antennas, including satellite and local broadcast options. If you’re looking to upgrade your RV, your local Camping World can walk you through the selling and trade-in process.

What other tips do you have for getting TV reception in your RV? Leave a comment below!

  • Comment (27)
  • Gary Deeb says:

    Gary
    We have a 2021 grand design Reflection we bought new last year. We have a Wineguard air 360 that came with the rv. We have tv’s outside, in the living area, and in the bedroom. The one outside and the bedroom work great. The one in the living area does not pick up any channels. It has never really worked. I’m wondering if we have a defective antenna cable. Any help would be appreciated.

  • Brian M says:

    I have a 2019 Zinger 18BH. It has an amplified antenna. I camp/hunt remotely. Even with the antenna on I get no over the air channels. Any suggestion if an additional antenna will help? And do I plug it in the coax port on the back exterior wall of the camper?

    • Hi Brian,

      I’d recommend heading into your local Camping World and speaking with one of our Retail Specialists. They can look at what you have and recommend an upgrade if any are available. Portable satellite antennas work well in remote areas but require a subscription package and not all offer local channels as an option. The 2019 Zinger 18BH was likely equipped with an omnidirectional fixed antenna that is intended for urban environments within 20 miles of the broadcast tower. It can be replaced with a Winegard Sensar IV crank up antenna with range extender which can pull in signals from much farther distances.

      Let us know if you have any follow up questions!

  • Kenneth Clark says:

    Extend the antenna fully and rotate it to find the strongest signal direction. Use a signal strength meter or your TV’s signal strength indicator to help with this

  • Brenda says:

    We have a 2022 Cruiser with preinstalled Winegard Air 360+.
    Not sure what the real purpose of this is for. We did how we go buy the Verizon Winegard Gateway. I feel we have just spent money for nothing.
    I’ve got a SIM card installed, but not a TV will connect to it. And YES it is turned on.
    Can someone tell me what the purpose of all this is and what I need to do to be able to watch TV with this Winegard?
    At this time I’m thinking it’s just a device put on top of my RV for show, because it definitely doesn’t do anything. Hopeless in Oklahoma.

    • Hi Brenda,

      I have the same Winegard omnidirectional antenna on my trailer, which I use for acquiring local channels when I reach a new destination. On my unit, I do need to ensure the antenna’s signal booster is on and run a channel scan on my TV each time I reach a new spot in order to see what channels I receive.

      That’s one way to use this antenna to watch TV, and the other is to attach to a basic cable hookup at an RV park (if the park offers it and your RV is equipped with a cable hookup on the off-camp side).

      The third way is to connect to internet to access your streaming services. I’d like to understand what steps you’re taking to try to connect your TV to the Gateway router once you’re at a campsite. Can you detail that process for me?

      Also, did you install the Gateway router under the roof cover of the pre-installed Winegard antenna? Or did you have this installation done for you?

      These answers will help us provide more detailed troubleshooting tips. But you can also schedule an inspection at one of our service centers to have a technician troubleshoot this issue for you in person: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance#js-anchor-locations

      Hope that helps!

  • Holly McDaniel says:

    We have a 2022 Heartland Pioneer with the Winegard 360+ pre-installed. I’ve tried everything I can think of and can’t get channels. I know I’m getting power.
    Camped with my sister this past week. They picked up 69 channels. I got zero in the site next to them. We were in a new camp ground with very few trees or other obstruction. I’m starting to think I have a defective antenna.

    • Hi Holly!

      Can you walk me through the steps you’re taking once you park your trailer and turn your TV on?

      Are you performing a channel scan? Have you checked that your antenna’s signal booster is turned on?

      Let me know your process and I can hopefully provide more clear troubleshooting ideas.

      Thanks!

  • Gerry Mercy says:

    Your advice is very precise and easy to follow. I found very instructive information reading this page. I shall monitor your website and even try to ask questions about reception and other systems in my 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39L. Hope all is well with you and love ones.

    Airborne Veteran
    Gerry M

  • Doc Holliday says:

    I’m new to this we got a used Travel trailer. It’s a 2020. So there’s a cable and satellite hook up. I’m and out side. But I don’t have a satellite. We went on our first camping trip last week end and only got 4 channels. What do I need to do to get more tv channels?

  • Cece says:

    Dish is hard to work and not always reliable

  • Helen Ann Sauers says:

    I have a Seismic 2018 Keystone: After we connect the cable wire to the camp cable post We are not getting or program any cable stations anywhere we go. We do get regular local TV. What do I need to do? I am confused! I thought we bought a cable ready camper! Do we need to purchase something else to bring it in.

  • DJoy says:

    I have a T.V. (the big old box kind) and I have a winegard rayzor antennea thingy! Inside I have a magnavox box that turns on (that’s all I see is the light turns on with the remote), then another black thing with options for satelite, DVD, Ant, VCR, and cable. All have electrical power to them but can not get a station on my T.V. Can someone explain the exact hook up and wires etc. I may need on my T.V. or elsewhere to get some free local channels? Much appreciated!
    DJoy

  • geoff says:

    how does one buy 50 ohm coax east of phoenix when no one carries it in stock ??

  • LORI SHILTS says:

    WE HAVE A 2008 SHAMROCK HYBRID CAMPER AND RECENTLY HAD AN INVERTER INSTALLED. I AM ASSUMING THAT YEAR OF CAMPER DOESN’T HAVE HD CONNECTION. WONDERING IF YOU RECOMMEND AN ANTENNA BOOSTER OR AN AMPLIFIED ANTENNA? ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. WE ALSO NEED A NEW CRANK HANDLE BECAUSE OURS IS CRACKED. DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT THAT WILL WORK FOR THAT.

  • Bethany Birchridge says:

    I really like the idea of getting a a portable satellite for your RV, as you’ll be able to watch the TV during long road trips. My cousin and his family love to go on RV trips, but because he has autism and ADHD, it can be hard for him to sit still. I’ll mention a portable satellite to my aunt, so she can see if it’s a good alternative for them.

  • Nancy Flatt says:

    Did you have to have a receiver. We have a dish on RV we just bought it’s a 97. Trying to figure how to get channels

  • Cccccc says:

    Well if you get a good tailgater I guess you’ll be all right. We went through two of them, neither of which worked, even sent second one back to company to get “fixed” still didn’t work….paid $80.00 months for many months trying to get it to work.

  • Marc Schwager says:

    I purchased a VU Cube from a friend who never had it out of the box and sold his trailer.We were camping in one of our Provincial Parks where picking up a signal is almost impossible.I set the Vu Cube on a tripod I picked up,hooked up the coax and bingo satellite first try.Wife was very happy.Got to watch her Y&R.I hear now that these Vu Cube are discontinued,so I will definetly be hanging on mine for awhilr

  • Robkelron2@yahoo.com says:

    How do I hook up the outdoor tv

  • Anonymous says:

    Turn on your booster where your cable comes into your camper

  • Hi Doc!

    If you could provide more info on the make and model of your travel trailer, I may be able to offer more detailed assistance. For cable hookups, you’re slightly limited to whatever is provided in your area. Did you try most of the tips in this article? And did you have any success expanding your channel selection?

    Other things that can limit your selection include proximity to broadcast towers and interference from trees or mountains (if using an antenna). Sadly, not all camping locations are built for the same kind of channel selection we enjoy at home, but we hope the tips above help you find better entertainment options on future RV travels!

  • CARL TURNER says:

    Yes you need a wally receiver, I have a portable dish antenna it works great but is expensive.

  • Sarah says:

    Did you try amazon?

  • Nancy Flatt says:

    Did you have to have a receiver. We have a dish on RV we just bought it’s a 97. Trying to figure how to get channels

Leave Your Comment

Shop By RV Type

Your Adventure Awaits

Join our email list and stay up-to-date on the latest news, product innovations, events, promotions, and lots of other fun updates.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Scroll to Top