How To Install A Satellite Dish On An RV Video

The first step is installing the satellite receiver. Many RVs these days have an "entertainment center" or cabinet where all of the TV stuff is located. If there is room there for your receiver that is the best place for it.

The receiver needs to be connected to the dish through a coaxial cable, and that is where a lot of people run into their first problem. Chances are your RV already has a cable installed by the manufacturer intended to be used to connect a park cable system. In some cases you can use that cable for the dish but a lot of manufacturers run it through a signal booster that is also connected to the regular TV antenna on the roof. The dish signal cannot get through that booster. If your RV is wired that way you will need to run a separate cable or modify the existing cabling to bypass the booster.

If you can use the existing cable unplug it from where it is connected to the TV or video switch inside the RV and connect it to the satellite receiver input. If you want the ability to use it for either satellite or cable you can do so by installing a coaxial A-B switch. In that case you would connect the existing cable to the common side of the switch (often marked "TV"). Connect the A side of the switch to the satellite receiver input and the B side to where the factory-installed coax was originally connected, or visa versa.

Connect the output of the satellite receiver to your TV, or to the video switch box if your RV has one. The most common way to do that is with coax cable from the VHF Out connector. For better picture quality you can make the connection using component video cables (RCA type) or S-Video if you have compatible inputs on the back of the TV.

If you have two TVs and a dual LNB dish you can put two receivers so the TVs can watch different programs. For that you will need to run two coax cables from the dish into the RV and from that point to the two receivers.

About telephone hookups: DirecTV might say you must have a telephone line hooked up to your receiver. That is mainly so that if you order movies or other Pay Per View features using the on-screen menus the receiver can call DTV and report the purchase for billing. If you never order PPV you don't need a phone line.

Note About Splitters: Ordinary coax cable splitters will not work when installed between the dish and the receiver because (a) they don't have sufficient bandwidth and (b) they will not pass the necessary control voltage from the receiver to the dish. If you want to try using a splitter get one that is made for satellite TV.

Getting Connected

The following describes how to set up portable dishes but except for the part about leveling most of it applies to roof-mounts as well. Roof mounts need to be level too but you do that by leveling the RV.

New users with manual dishes often get frustrated the first time they try to find the satellite. I think the main problem is not understanding that it requires a lot more than just pointing the dish in the general direction of the satellite the way you would with a regular antenna. The satellite is a very small target and very far away. An error of just a degree or two in pointing the dish can make the difference between success and failure. Don't be discouraged. After a little practice you will be able to do it quickly and easily.

1. Hook up the cables, turn power on to the satellite receiver and television, and tune the television to the input channel for the satellite receiver. If you have used coax cable to connect the satellite receiver to the TV that will usually be Channel 3.

2. Take a look at the television screen:

• If it is displaying a message saying "Unusable Signal" it means the satellite receiver is not connected. Check the cables.

• If it shows the satellite menu or a message saying "Searching For Satellite" the receiver is connected ok.

• If it is displaying an actual satellite program you have gotten very lucky and are already locked on.

3. Use the satellite remote control to show the Setup screen. See your satellite receiver user manual for how to do that.

4. Follow the user manual instructions for choosing the type of dish you have and the transponder that you will use for tuning and the ZIP code for your location. For DirecTV use transponder 2. After you enter the ZIP code the screen will display the azimuth and elevation pointing angles. Azimuth is displayed in degrees magnetic so will correspond to standard compass readings without any adjustment.

5. Go outside with a good hand-held compass and determine the direction to the satellite. The best compass is the type with a rotating ring that can be set to the azimuth you are looking for. Look around your camp site and find a spot to place the dish so it will have a clear view of the sky in the satellite direction. Trees or other tall objects in the line of sight might block the signal.

6. It is time to set up the dish. With any manual system an important first step, at least until you get the hang of it, is to make the mount square with the earth. That means using a bubble level to get the mast perfectly vertical if using a tripod, or the base perfectly level if using a mount with a flat base. If you skip this step the alignment will be harder because (a) you can't set the elevation angle accurately unless the mount is level and (b) every adjustment you make in azimuth will change the elevation, and visa versa. A handy but sort of pricey mast that makes leveling easy is the Accu-Dish mount. Make sure the dish is steady after you get it placed and leveled where you want it. Movement, caused by the wind for example, can cause you to lose the signal. You can use sand bags or water jugs to weight it down.

7. Set the elevation angle using the markings on the dish.

8. Use the compass to sight along the azimuth angle and pick out a distant object as an aim point. Rotate the dish so the arm is pointing at the aim point.

9. Adjusting the pointing is what gives people fits in the beginning. You need a signal strength indicator of some kind to let you know how you are doing. One option is the signal strength display on the television screen, but you have to be able to see the screen or have someone watch it for you. Some satellite receivers put out a tone that changes with the signal strength. I use that with wireless headphones that let me hear the tone when I am outside with the dish. Another option is a hand-held signal strength meter such as the Satellite Finder.

The key to success is patience. Rotate the dish back and forth around the given azimuth slowly and smoothly. Try going about 10 degrees in one direction. If that does not work turn it back to the original azimuth and try the other direction. If there is still no signal raise or lower the elevation by about 2 degrees and try again.

When you get a signal carefully fine tune the dish for the best possible signal. You should be able to get a strength of 80 or better, but anything above 60 will usually work. If you are using a Satellite Finder remove it after fine tuning. Taking it out of the line will give you a boost in signal strength.

source: http://home.roadrunner.com/~morodat/rv_satellite_tv.html

A 2006 Toyota Sienna minivan can be converted with minimal effort from soccer-mom special to RV Lite

What do you do when your itch to travel extends for thousands of miles, but your budget won’t support all those nights in hotels? For a trip across the United States and back earlier this summer, my husband and I found the solution in an RV Lite — a Toyota Sienna minivan that we converted with little cost or effort into our own smaller, stripped-down version of the old Volkswagen Vanagons we remembered from the 1970s.

For years we’d played with the idea of buying a real recreational vehicle. But price tags were discouraging: $70,000 to $125,000 for either a motorized version we liked or a combination of a small but well-made trailer and a truck to pull it. We didn’t want to buy used, fearing breakdowns. And there was the issue of fuel economy, which loomed large after the oil shock of 2008.

So we downsized the dream.

Our Sienna is a standard 2006 model with three rows of seats. We removed the middle and back rows, which are bolted into place and can be easily reinstalled anytime, and were left with a large open space, about 4 feet 6 inches wide and 8 feet long.

The first six feet back became the cargo area by day and — with luggage moved to the front seats — the bedroom at night. We looked at folding cots and inflatable mattresses but settled on using two flip-out foam beds that we’d bought years ago for visiting children to sleep on. The van has vent-style back windows — good for ventilation at night — and lots of storage cubbies and cup holders that we stuffed with handy items. For lighting, we found solar lanterns that use D batteries as storage cells. Leaving them near a window in the daytime kept them charged up for nighttime use.

The van also has privacy glass: reflective windows that work like one-way mirrors to the outside, so that it’s difficult for anyone to see in. Still, we did put up a couple of curtains at night, hung on pressure rods.

We bought a tiny camp stove but never used it. Moving fast over a lot of territory replete with cheap restaurants, we decided not to fuss with hot meals. For cold food, like sandwiches and breakfast cereal with milk, we carried a picnic-style Coleman cooler advertised as keeping ice for five days in hot weather. It almost did.

And that left just one issue, the elephant in the room: plumbing.

Camping does not have to be primitive. Many campgrounds all over the country, both public and private, have clean, well maintained flush toilets and hot showers. Using Internet sites and camping guides (especially AAA camp books, which worked well for our needs), we stuck to these places. But still, most people also like something of their own.

Behind the area where we made up our beds, our van has a shallow well of space where the rear seats normally fold down. We chose to view this as a separate room: the bathroom. Fortunately, the technology of portable toilets is now impressive in two vital respects: ease of cleaning and discretion, both visual and olfactory. We purchased something called an Envirolet, from Sancor Industries of Toronto, a tad pricey but on the cutting edge of these advances. We also found a portable plastic sink, folding to briefcase size, with separate compartments for clean and gray water and even a tiny mirror.

An RV Lite wouldn’t work for some people: the plus-size family we once saw at an RV show, for example, who squeezed into a small trailer and joked that once in, they’d never get out. But for us, the minivan was cozy and functional. And, running at 25 to 30 miles per gallon, economical enough so that we felt no guilt at all about staying every third or fourth night in a hotel.
By BARBARA IRELAND Published: August 30, 2009

Fifth-wheel travel trailers range from about 8,000 pounds to more than 18,000 pounds - not including the weight of fuel and other fluids and your personal items. There are small, compact fifth-wheels with sleeping accommodations that are different from conventional size fifth wheel models in that the small fifth-wheel models provide a full-time bed in the raised forward section. This can be a real advantage compared to the standard convertible bed available in a full-sized fifth wheel. Headroom also varies considerably. Most compact fifth-wheels require stooping in the front section. These models tend to provide adequate living accommodations with very little wasted space. Of course, all fifth-wheel trailers require a pickup truck for towing, but smaller fifth wheels, can be suitably towed with a wide range of trucks.

Larger fifth-wheel travel trailers are the more practical choice for RVers seeking maximum living space. Some believe that they are the best choice for full-time living. Full sized fifth wheels can include up to three large slideouts and more standing room in the front bedroom. Also, larger fifth wheel models are available with a wider range of appliances, including built-in washer/ dryer, dishwasher and entertainment center with surround sound. The larger fifth-wheel units do require the larger dual-rear-wheel pickup trucks for towing or some fifth wheel owners choose specialized medium duty trucks that have been converted specifically for the purpose of towing a fifth wheel while providing optimal travelling comfort in the cab. It is very important to match the size and weight of a new fifth-wheel to the tow vehicle. It may be best to select the fifth-wheel of your dreams first and then order a truck of adequate towing capacity.

The average price range for fifth wheel travel trailers is about $13,000 to $110,000. So there really is a fifth wheel out there for any budget. Now is a great time to purchase a 5th wheel. RV dealers are slashing their inventories to make way for new 2009 models. Our research has showed many RV dealers are discounting their prices by 30% or more to move remaining stock.

Fifth Wheel Rating Guide

To learn more about fifth wheel brands and models please visit http://www.jrconsumer.com
Randall Eaton is a best-selling author.

Say Goodbye to Your Used RV Dealer - Now There's a Better Source For Cheap RVs

Many RV dealers are feeling the crunch of the economy. Sales are down for new RV's and people are searching high and low for deals on used models. In all honesty, a used RV dealer is not your best source for an RV. Here are some reasons why:

Dealers Buy Low: Most dealers buy from auctions or other sources. The RV's are then resold at a high markup.
Dealers Sell High: Don't let the big signs proclaiming a sale fool you. Dealers are in business to make money. A 30-40% mark up is common.

You Can Buy Where Dealers Buy: You can buy a great RV at some of the same places as your local used RV dealer. Start looking at government auctions.

How You Can Find the Government RV Auctions

Some auctions are just open to dealers. At most, though, private individuals may bid and purchase items from these sales, as well. These auctions are located in every state. They're not just located in the big cities either. Even local agencies, such as police and sheriff's departments hold auctions. Most are not well advertised. That's where the internet comes into play.

There are websites that list these auctions. You can even receive updates via email when new auctions are listed or new items are added. There's not a lot of red tape, either, like many people think. It's about as easy as bidding on EBay.

The RV's sold at auction are in just about every condition you can imagine, from nearly new to salvage. You can view the items that are up for sale prior to placing a bid and you'll even find some bids that start at $100.

Isn't it time that you found the same great deal as your used RV dealer? By eliminating the middleman, you can save thousands. Take a few minutes and see what government auctions can offer you.

You can save yourself time and literally thousands of dollars by looking over a review of sites that auction used RVs for sale and by using our online buying guide (no need to sign up) to learn how to buy used RVs.

You'll find reviews of auction sites, FREE tips on great new features to look for, and how to get expert RV inspections, even across the country at http://BuyingUsedRVsforSale.com

How To Buy Repossessed RVs at RV Auctions

If you've ever been interested in buying a repossessed RV, now is the time. The sudden turn in the economy has led to foreclosure on thousands of high-quality RVs. There's an abundance of RV auctions taking place all across the country. Many people dream of owning an RV, and right now there isn't a single reason to hesitate because the opportunity to purchase the perfect RV has never been better.

Like any savvy consumer, you'll most likely have questions how to buy repossessed RVs. Repossessed RVs are similar to repossessed cars-they've been repo-ed by the lender after the owner has defaulted on payments. When this occurs, the RV goes to a live or silent auction.  But like you would with any great deal, you'll need to know where to find the auction RVs. Repossessed RV auctions can be found by asking a local RV dealer or looking online or in the newspaper.  Most of the time at these auctions, you will be given the opportunity to check out the repossessed RVs and inquire about their features.  Another added benefit of buying a repo is that you don't have to pay much extra for the added features. And one notable thing that sets repossessed RVs apart from repossessed cars is that they don't lose their value as dramatically.

The most important thing to do when you're bidding on repossessed RVs is make yourself as knowledgeable as possible so that you get exactly what you're looking for and nothing less. You'll want to research the market value of new RVs, so that when you're making your selection. We recommend using the Kelley blue book and the Nada value guides for determining the value.   And you'll also want to inspect both the interiors and exteriors, particularly for  signs of water damage and unusual amounts of wear and tear.

There are many ways to prepare for an auction, from reading guide books, to cruising through RV lots, and of course relying on friends and family members who have experience buying RVs as well. Repossessed RVs will bring you savings that can't be beat. Just decide what you want, how much you're willing to pay, and find an auction where you can bid on repossessed RVs. You'll be on the road in no time.

For more information on buying Repossessed RVs at RV Auctions come visit our site!

4.5 Secret Reasons to Buy a Fifth Wheel as Your RV

All of us have been through this before... you decided to get an RV but are overwhelmed by the sheer number of styles- let alone makes and models. There are too many "ifs, ands & buts" to make a clear decision this early in your learning curve. So, how do you choose the best one?

In my opinion, the 5th Wheel (or Fifth Wheel) offers a lot of advantages that the other styles do not. Actually, I believe there are 4.5 compelling reasons to consider a 5th Wheel over the main competitors; Class A B and C's, Travel Trailers, Campers, Camper Vans, Slide-Ins, SURV, or Buses.

Without further ado, here are the 4.5 Reasons to Buy a Fifth Wheel as your RV:

1. You don't have a cabin ruining your space.

You are only using the cabin while you are driving, which is a rare time in most RVers vacation. So, why have your whole RV built around your cabin? Why not make better use of that space and put a couch or desk up there instead? In a 5th-Wheel, you can!

2. More layout options:

Since you don't have all of the engine, transmissions, and more, you can design your space to work better for you. There are so many ways a fifth-wheel can be set up, you can find a style that suits you better than in a classic RV.

3. No Need to Tow Another Vehicle:

You have a separate vehicle already with you all the time. All you have to do is unhitch your 5th Wheel and you are off the grocery, a restaurant, or a night on the town. Never worry about your tow dolly, a car-in-tow, or pulling a second vehicle like you would have to with an RV.

4. Provides Better Value:

You already have a truck, so why buy a whole new engine, transmission, and all of that? Using your truck to pull means there is one less vehicle to worry about in your life. Less worry means more time to sit back and enjoy your new 5th Wheel.

4.5 Easier to Inspect and Buy:

You don't need quite as much information when looking to buy one of these used. Actually, as long as you use your noggin and a good Used RV Buying Guide , you should have no trouble getting a good deal on one of these. But, make sure to get a good buying guide or you might get a lemon!

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