Camping is one of the greatest recreational activities any urbanist loves.
But dwelling in the wild may cause you to lose contact with the world outside.
And on a lazy day, you just want to lounge on bed and keep updated with news.
In case your phone doesn't catch the signal, the TV would probably be the only form of entertainment.
That is when you need the best HDTV antenna for RV.
Me and my wife have been avid campers for years.
We love kayaking, viewing the wild, and enjoy the interior of our class C motorhome. That means I know which is the right antenna you can buy.
Here are the best HDTV antennas for RV (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best For Harsh Environmental Conditions (Outdoor HDTV Antennas): Winegard 24130 White Rvw-205 Sensar Iv With Wingman-replacement Head
- Portable And Compact (Outdoor HDTV Antennas): King Oa1501 Omnigo Portable Omnidirectional HDTV Over-The-Air Antenna
- Best For Broader Coverage (Indoor HDTV Antennas): Winegard Fl5500a Flatwave Amped Digital Hd Indoor Amplified Tv Antenna 50 Mile Long Range
- Compact (Indoor HDTV Antennas ): Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna
| 4 Best HDTV Antennas For RV | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Harsh Environmental Conditions | Winegard 24130 White Rvw-205 Sensar Iv With Wingman-replacement Head
| |
Portable And Compact | King Oa1501 Omnigo Portable Omnidirectional HDTV Over-The-Air Antenna
| |
Best For Broader Coverage | Winegard Fl5500a Flatwave Amped Digital Hd Indoor Amplified Tv Antenna 50 Mile Long Range
| |
Compact | Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna
| |
Best For Harsh Environmental Conditions (Outdoor HDTV Antennas): Winegard 24130 White Rvw-205 Sensar Iv With Wingman-replacement Head
- Easy to install
- Pick up signals from a far distance
- Durable build
- Endure harsh condition
- Lots of channels found
- VHF signal is not clear
- A little tricky to mount as it's too lightweight
The antenna itself is crafted to be long-lasting with a powder coating tested to be UV and harsh environmental resistant. If you meet a storm on your camping trip, you still get this unit to work properly in such weather.
More than that, the Winegard antenna catches signals up to 55 miles. This long-range will get you to the channel you like without driving to a higher point. What's great is it features a built-in amplifier to enhance the image quality on your TV.
This antenna can receive both VHF and UHF. Images will come in HD quality. In case the signals become weak, you can rotate, raise, or lower the unit right from inside of your RV.
According to my use, I had caught a number of major local broadcast networks. They include ABC, FOX, NBS, MyNetworkTV, Qubo, Telemundo, and more. Even in the middle of a TYV wasteland, you'd be about to pick up popular channels while not many antennae are capable of that.
Also, if you seek a replacement, this batwing antenna is an ideal choice. It's super trivial to install following the instruction.
| Winegard 24130 White Rvw-205 Sensar Iv With Wingman-replacement Head Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 47.6 x 15.6 x 2.7 inches |
Frequency | N/A |
Ideal Mile Range | 55 miles |
Highlight Features | Durable to withstand tough environmental conditions. |
If you travel to a stormy area or where it seems to have rough weather, this antenna from Winegard is your ideal bet.
Portable And Compact (Outdoor HDTV Antennas): King Oa1501 Omnigo Portable Omnidirectional HDTV Over-The-Air Antenna
- Multi-directional
- No need to point
- No installation
- Super portable and compact to store
- Receive free VHF/UHF/FM signals
- Pick signal from a small distance
- Flimsy tripod
I had an antenna on my microvan placed right next to the air conditioner, and it didn't do a good job of catching many channels. Also, it was a permanent install that is not handy if I want to move it to a pickup truck. Then, I found this portable King Omnidirectional antenna.
The unit has the design for mobility optimized for your mobile lifestyle. And because it's portable, you don't need to attach the unit to the rig. Conversely, you can move the unit around to pick the strongest signals.
Right in the box, you will get the antenna, a magnetic base, a tripod, 25 feet of cord, a power injector, and either a 12V or 120V power to power injector.
The instruction is not a thick booklet but a single leaflet that doesn't say too much. In case you need any help, just call the hotline and get direct help from the company's responsive customer team.
You don't need to rig this unit onto your van. When you park, pull it out, the tripod's mount, and connect to your TV.
This is what happened. Channels that were unwatchable with my old antenna then got crystal clear. I even got more channels in HD quality. All of them were clear enough to watch.
| King Oa1501 Omnigo Portable Omnidirectional HDTV Over-The-Air Antenna Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 2 inches |
Frequency | VHF (54-216 MHz),UHF (470-698 MHz),FM (87.9-107.9 MHz) |
Ideal Mile Range | N/A |
Highlight Features | Come ready to use. |
The antenna does make your watching TV on the camper a lot simpler and easy than ever.
Best For Broader Coverage (Indoor HDTV Antennas): Winegard Fl5500a Flatwave Amped Digital Hd Indoor Amplified Tv Antenna 50 Mile Long Range
- Simple design
- Cover a large range
- 4K delivery
- Built-in amplifier
- Not clear VHF signals
- May not deliver any channel without the amplifier engaged
Winegard has developed its antenna to a new level with the built-in amplifier covering a range of up to 50 miles. And because this is a multi-directional antenna, it doubles the coverage range in more than one direction, catching clearer signals.
The unit catches most of the free over-the-air programs so that you can keep up with news, weather forecast, famous live shows, tv shows, and so on.
More than that, this antenna can connect to a streaming device for you to stay entertained. Particularly, you can pair with a Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku.
The most significant feature on this antenna is the 4K Ultra HD support which gives you crystal clear images
This antenna and most flat antennas are not capable of picking VHF frequency due to the lack of a long-enough element.
The flat design yet gives the unit a form of simplicity. It is as thin as a piece of paper that won't occupy space anywhere you place it. Simply put, you can stick the gadget to a flat surface. To receive the maximum number of channels in your area, pull it out and relocate to another surface.
| Winegard Fl5500a Flatwave Amped Digital Hd Indoor Amplified Tv Antenna 50 Mile Long Range Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 12" x 13" x .6" |
Frequency | N/A |
Ideal Mile Range | 50 miles |
Highlight Features | Flat design for easy moving and simple installation. |
Use this antenna when you want the maximum number of channels on your TV. In case you are new to using an RV antenna, this unit can't confuse you.
Compact (Indoor HDTV Antennas ): Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna
- Compact footprint
- Long coaxial cable included
- Easy to install
- Merge to your decor
- Can be painted on
- Short cover range
- Not HD signals
I was quite surprised by the size of this antenna. How can it be this small and high-performance?
Not only is it as small as a piece of paper, it's also able to receive in a range of 25 miles. You will get all the free channels in that location.
The leafy design is not the only flagship of this Mohu antenna. This unobtrusive design can merge into the decor of your RV. In case you want to relocate for the best signal, just remove the piece, there is no pointing needed. Coming with the unit is a 10-feet cable.
Well, with such a small footprint and capability, you should not expect the quality of the channels to be decent. However, mine was delivering acceptable signals that were not in HD but totally watchable.
You can definitely get on the official website of Mohu to check the available channels of a specific location before buying the product. That'll ensure you will get your favorite programs while traveling away.
The Mohu customer service has the best support I've known. If you meet any trouble, call them and get help for whatever you need. All products from Mohu come with a one-year warranty. That said, buying from the brand, you don't need to worry.
| Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 0.55 x 4 x 11.5 inches |
Frequency | N/A |
Ideal Mile Range | 25 miles |
Highlight Features | Leafy design compact and super portable. |
If your requirements for watching TV on the RV are not high, this Mohu is a reasonable choice
How To Choose The Best HDTV Antenna For RV?
It seemed to me that smart mobile devices had replaced the TV market. Any show can be found on the internet. Then, antenna TVs are old-fashion items you may throw off your mind.
But camping in the wild will lose its exciting part if a TV is missing. You will now be learning the way to choose the best HDTV antenna for RV.
Types Of Antenna
Most of us have relied on the old-style batwing for many years. Once the analog signal was done and the digital came out, everybody gradually forgets the presence of this type of antenna.
Batwing antennas nowadays can receive digital signals. Some enhancements came into a few compartments. In particular, it is a wingman that mounts right underneath to provide twice as far as receiving ability.
The upgraded version of batwing is the radar that comes in the form of a flat panel. What's nice about it is it doubles the reception area.
A lot of manufacturers are going to a single mount rounded pan that sits on top of the vehicle not far up on the top of the roof. It's got a directional that you don't have to move it around.
The most expensive and updated system is the satellite antenna engineered to receive digital signals. They are trickier to install due to the high-end nature. And because they only receive digital signals, you are most likely to subscribe to some channels.
Reception Quality
It is the material that matters the quality of the signal received. Aluminum is best in receiving signals, while other parts like a placeholder are constructed by plastic.
Also, you want to make sure the antenna is in the right size to yield an HD image. Larger antennas tend to pick up better signal while smaller ones are easier to install and keep.
Price
HDTV RV antenna can be super cheap or expensive, depending on the feature you choose.
For under 100 bucks, you are likely to get units with the minimal use of metal. The signals received won't be decent.
The middle range from $100 to $200 is most preferred because items in this range offer an acceptable quality of signal while staying budget.
But if you can go high, investing something more than $200 will give you the best bang for the buck. But when choosing antennas in this range, pick a reliable brand or else you might waste your money.
Which Brands Make The Best HDTV Antenna For RV?
Winegard
Winegard offers antenna solutions to keep you connected to the world. The brand features connectivity products, including HDTV RV antennas designed to be high in performance, functionality, and low in budget. With the culture of putting customers at the front, Winegard is a successful brand in providing solutions for connection worldwide.
Mohu
The brand features a flagship product that has been the top-selling item in the antenna industry. Though young, Mohu is trying to make differences and standing out to be a company of innovative technology. People at Mohu are dedicated ones who all yearn to change the game.
FAQs
How to use the RV TV antenna?
When you get to a campsite, the first thing you can do is to access the setting menu on the TV from your remote.
Go over the channels and perform an Auto scan. Some TVs have this part in the setup setting. As the process is running, make sure your TV antenna booster is off.
You can locate it by the coax cable that screwed to the side of the camper. Some campers have an aerial antenna that you will crank up to get a better signal. If your antenna receives digital signals, you will have high-definition on your TV. This process goes on the same way if you have a satellite wired up.
As far as the TV is set up, you are now going to check through the channels and enjoy them.
How to point the RV TV antenna?
In most TVs, there is a strong signal indicator on the menu. In the old-time, we used to tune the antenna until we got the strongest signal. When the signals went down, you could tell by looking at the quality of images on the TV. What to do then was adjusting the antenna to the right point.
With digital TVs, you can't do that due to the nature of digital. Either it gives a perfect signal or no signal at all.
Sometimes, it's hard to know where to turn the antenna for the best signal in a camping environment.
And since there is no proven best direction to point the antenna, the key is to look at the signal meter on your TV and keep rotating.
How to get better reception on a camper antenna?
To increase signals on an RV antenna, you can either rotate the antenna or use a signal booster. It helps your TV to detect more channels.
Simple solutions include rotating the antenna until you get the best signal. Otherwise, you may want to relocate to a higher position for a better catch. In case you still don't get strong enough signals, think about the equipment upgrade.
What additional hardware is required?
Installing an RV antenna is not a technique that you need to learn for days. But it does require some dexterity. Besides scraper and knife to pry and cut, you may need a driller to get the ceiling hole's right size. In case you need to bolt the base more firmly, invest in an optional mounting plate for the jack.
Also, you need a sealant to glue the whole set to the ceiling. That'll ensure the antenna won't get blown off by the wind.
How to replace an RV TV antenna?
The procedure of replacing an antenna is pretty much the same way you installed it. Basically, it's all about scraping off the lap ceiling, putting the new antenna down, and sealing it back up.
Here are the tools you need:
- Scraper blade
- Pocket knife
- Lap sealant
- New wires
Conclusion
The best HDTV antenna for RV should fit your budget in the first place. Then, you can go for other features.
Most of the cases, middle-class antennas satisfy almost all demands for decent signals. Just keep in mind the criteria I have mentioned above to get the right unit.
Thank you for reading this post. I hope you will like and share it with those who need it. Otherwise, please leave comments for me. Any question. I'm ready to do more research for you.
Bryan Listor
