Antenna for pop-up camper. Need help!!

[IBCAR18]

We have everything we need for camping except for reception on the little color tv we carrier with us to get caught up on the news while camping.  I purchased an expensive pair of rabbit ears and still no reception.  All of my other camping friends have antenna's on top of their campers but they are not pop-ups.  Can we put something like that on our 2001 Coleman Bayside Elite camper to get reception for the local stations?  Is there anything at Radio Shack or somewhere like that where we can buy something to install for better reception?  Any help or suggestions are appreciated!!  I just found this site yesterday and it is GREAT!!!!  


Michelle-Buford GA

[Diplomat]

I've read about some folks using pvc conduit to attach their antenna to.  At the campsite they just put the pvc sections together to create the height they want and attach it to the roof supports of their PU.  Seems like a great, cheap way to get your antennna in the air.

[mike4947]

You can, but they are fairly expensive and their main feature for the big campers is they go up from inside the trailer/coach so the people don't have to climb on the roof.
My solution was a small house type antenna, several lengths of mast tubing, coax, some velcro, and a wood block.
The tubing seperates for storage and the antenna arms fold in as well.
The mast tubing goes up next to one of the lifting arms and sits on the wood block and gets velcroed to the arm and the coax goes in under the bunk end.
I can actually reach out under the canvas and turn the antenna for best reception when the stations are at different angles to the trailer.
We don't bother taking it camping, just when we're "vacationing" and using the camper as a hotel room more than a camp.

[copcarguy]

Hey all!
 
Not sure what type of camper you have, but if you have a metal roof, stop by your nearest truck stop and buy a magnet mount TV antenna made for an 18 wheeler.  Plop it on your roof before popping up and run the wire in somewhere between the velcro.

[IBCAR18]

Thanks for all the reply's!!!  What great idea's ya'll have.  This is a wonderful message board!!!  Appreciate the responses.

Michelle-Buford GA

[Flacamper]

This is what I use.  It works great for us.

http://www.camp-huddleston.irv2.com/photo4.html

[IBCAR18]

This is what I use.  It works great for us.

http://www.camp-huddleston.irv2.com/photo4.html

FLA Camper.....what a great idea.  I am going to show this to my hubby when he gets home from work.  Hopefully you will check out this thread again just in case we have any questions.  Your camper looks identical to ours!  Thanks for the info!!!!!

[CAPEd CODger]

This is what I use.  It works great for us.

http://www.camp-huddleston.irv2.com/photo4.html

That "flying saucer" style of antenna has been around for years, and is configurable to many methods of mounting.
I was going to suggest roof-top mounting it and having a coax connection at an inside corner of the roof.
Nice mod, Flacamper!

Bob

[IBCAR18]

That "flying saucer" style of antenna has been around for years, and is configurable to many methods of mounting.
I was going to suggest roof-top mounting it and having a coax connection at an inside corner of the roof.
Nice mod, Flacamper!

Bob

FLAcamper, where abouts would we go to purchase one of these "flying saucer antenna's"???

[hoppy]

Radio Shack sells a "Omni-Directional" amplified antenna as shown on the flying saucer set-ups. They have a range of close 110 radius, and work very well.

 I installed one on my old Palomino with the amplifier / gain control in the bench seat near my 12 v converter.  A couple of sections of PVC pipe for the mast, and it was good to go.

  RS was selling this style antenna for just under a hundred bucks for the antenna, amplifier, and about 50' feet of caple to connect it.

  The beauty of the omni-directional style is that you don't need to move the antenna to get good reception.

[Flacamper]

FLAcamper, where abouts would we go to purchase one of these "flying saucer antenna's"???

I bought mine at a yard sale. You could try Radio Shack or try a Google search for Omni-Directional antenna.  Give me minute and I'll go check the name on mine. (Wait this is Florida and it is raining with Dennis in the area, so it may be a day or so :yikes: )

[Flacamper]

Try these links.

http://www.starkelectronic.com/womni.htm
 
http://www.starkelectronic.com/ac.htm  (Mine is ike this one, with the internal rotor)
 
http://www.nextag.com/omnidirectional-antenna/search-html
 
There were 454,000 results on Google so you can search for more, but these will get you started.

[IBCAR18]

Try these links.

http://www.starkelectronic.com/womni.htm
 
http://www.starkelectronic.com/ac.htm  (Mine is ike this one, with the internal rotor)
 
http://www.nextag.com/omnidirectional-antenna/search-html
 
There were 454,000 results on Google so you can search for more, but these will get you started.

I sure do appreciate all the responses here!!!  Very helpful board and glad I found it.  Hoppy, I am located not far from you in Buford GA (near Lake Lanier).  FLAcamper, will check out your sites listed and see what I can come up with.  Anyone is Florida stay safe from the Hurricanes.  They are starting to cause a little rain and wind here in Buford GA.  Check back with ya'll later..........Michelle.

[surfin_sarah]

Check my webshots if you have a bike rack.......i dont know if i put the link here......popupexplorer has them on my sig line.

[Eaglecamper]

Take a look at this, it's worked out very well for us

http://community.webshots.com/photo/281204625/392647798YYlMss