The Best TV Antennas for RV: Tested and In-depth Reviews

An RV allows you to enjoy an affordable getaway. However, you don’t necessarily have to cut yourself from the rest of the world while you’re on an adventure. You can still keep yourself updated with the latest news and watch your favorite shows by installing a TV and TV antenna. With these, you can also update yourself with the weather report, so you can adjust your trip accordingly.

When choosing a TV antenna, you shouldn’t settle for less. Only the best TV antenna for RV will give you a signal that will allow you to reach the best channels. So how do you decide which product to buy?

There are a different variety of RV antennas– outdoor antenna, indoor antenna, and foldable antenna. If you’re not one to settle for less, it’s important that you review all of the best products in the market first. Here are RV antenna reviews of the top 10 TV antennas for an RV:

List of Top-Rated TV Antenna for RV Reviews

1. KING OA8300 Jack Replacement Head HDTV Directional Over-the-Air Antenna

King has a good line-up of antennas and RV media, so I’ve my hopes high for this product. And they have indeed added a lot of great features in this King RV TV antenna.

First of all, King Jack OA8300 is easy to install. The instructions are easy to follow, and the package comes with universal mounting brackets for the RV. In fact, it only took me about 25 minutes to set it up.

Once I hooked it up and ran a channel scan, I was able to get more than 30 channels. It’s use of the improved UHF signal reception is impressive. You can get better coverage when you maximize the reception. While it provides 80% better signal for DTV channels, it has maintained its reception of VHF channels, so you can enjoy TV watching more.

I also like the sleek design of this product. It can easily blend well with your RV. Also, it is 70% smaller compared to the traditional TV antenna. Still, what I love best about it is that it comes with retrofit upgrades that allows upgrade batwing to digital HD.

Should you buy this product? In any King Jack antenna review you read, you’ll find that King OA8300 is most recommended for getting a long-range signal.

2. Winegard RVW-395 Sensar IV White DTV/HD TV Antenna

If you’re looking for the most trusted RV antenna replacement for some time, then you might have heard of Winegard already. Along with King, they are considered to be on top of the market.

This Winegard RV TV antenna, in particular, performs exceptionally well that it would be a sin not to include it in the list. What I like most about it is that it has a range of over 55 miles, so you can enjoy watching several local programs wherever you may be in crisp HD. It can receive both UHF and VHF signals. After all, this is what everyone is looking for in their RV antenna.

How can it get such strong signal? It turns out that Winegard has combined their Sensar II antenna with UHF enhanced antenna, so you can get the best over-the-air TV viewing. The company has spend decades working on their antennas to continually improve them.

The installation is fairly easy as clear directions are included in the manual. It took me 30 minutes to install the Winegard RVW-395 alone, which is reasonable enough. You can raise, lower, and rotate this antenna with just the hand crank, which is found inside the RV.

3. KING OA8500 Jack HDTV Directional Over-the-Air Antenna

King jack antenna OA8500 has been highly recommended by critics. This product, like others in the King Jack line, uses the latest technology to bring you the best directional over-the-air antenna. This means better signal and more free channel.

The design of this antenna is sleek; it uses high-tech features with an easy-to-follow installation manual. I mounted this antenna on my old mast, and they work well together. I was also able to use my old power supply. When installing it, I think it’s better if you mount the antenna, so that the coax connection is facing the rear of the RV and the mast can retract in that same direction. Of course, King OA8500 is aerodynamic and compact, so it minimizes wind resistance. It is also about 70% smaller than the traditional RV antenna.

Though smaller, it is designed for getting long-range signal. When I used my signal meter, I saw it does pick up stronger signal, thus able to show a few more channels. It does not become weaker even when I lowered the antenna to 12”. Also, the package comes with a Signal Finder, which you can use to find local TV channels. The interior knob of King Jack OA8500 can rotate 360 degrees so that there are no dead spots in the coverage.

4. KING VQ4500 Tailgater Portable/Roof Mountable Satellite TV Antenna

If you want to enjoy live DISH HD TV wherever you drive with your RV, then you’ll find that the King VQ4500 is one of the most popular in the market. It is specifically designed for those who love the outdoors. You can use it anywhere– in the RV, at a camping site, or stadium parking lot. But what really makes it different from other antennas?

King VQ4500 allows you to receive all your favorite programs including your local channels. You only have to pay for the months that you’ll be using it. You can watch weather news, movies, games, TV series, and more. This satellite also supports multiple TV viewing, so it’s good for a family trip. It most ideal for those who are tired of setting up their tripod dish and putting it away while camping.

Because this is an automatic-aiming antenna, I found it easy to set up. In fact, it can work as soon as it’s out the box. This weighs about 8 pounds, so it’s portable enough to bring to camping trips in your RV. You can mount it on the roof of your RV without any additional bracket.

5. Winegard RVW 205 Sensar Wingman Replacement Antenna

Winegard is all about simplicity and effectiveness. When it comes to range, the Winegard RVW 205 Sensar Wingman definitely does its job. It is able to pick up signal of over 55 miles away, allowing you to get clear reception on your channels. To add to its already strong signal pick up, it also has a built in amplifier that can even pull in good signal for the weaker channels. This allows you to always get HD reception.

Aside from its functionality, one thing you’ll love about this product is that it isn’t sensitive and lasts really long. This is because it has a powder coating that protects the antenna from any external factors. It can last for many years even under the harsh weather. If you happen to travel to an area that rains a lot or has snow storms often, you can still be guaranteed that your RV antenna will be able to withstand these conditions.

6. Winegard RV WING Wingman Booster Antenna

This model is great for road travelers. It is one of the most popular models of Winegard as it has one of the longest range reaches with VHF capabilities. This allows you to get clear reception on even the weakest channels. It also has Free OTA programming to give you a variety of options for channels. The best part is that it can do this anywhere at any time.

Since it has a compact size, it’s also really easy to install. All it takes is  just three steps that you have to follow: (1) open up the Sensar antenna; (2) take out the bumpers from the bottom; and (3) put the holes with the holes of the bumper and attach. After which, just mount the antenna on the top of your home roof or trailer, and you can start scanning the channels.

7. Winegard RFL 342 SensarPro Signal Meter

The Winegard RFL 342 SensarPro Signal Strength Meter is usually bought alongside the Winegard RV WING Wingman Booster Antenna or other Winegard antenna models. This meter allows you to scan the channel modes so that you’ll know how to adjust your antenna. It does so by telling you which channels have the most and least reception.

Not only does it allow you to detect signal quality, but it also works as an RV TV antenna booster as well. With one press, you can increase the capacity of the antenna to pull in signal. You can also decrease the signal if you think it’s overloaded.

It’s not complicated to control this antenna. The most important thing you have to know is how to work the five modes. These are the Scan, Seek, Channel, Gain, and Volume modes. Each mode has its own specific purpose on how it can get you the highest quality reception from your antenna. The package comes with a manual allowing you to study how to use each mode.

8. LAVA OmniPro HD8008 HD TV Antenna

The LAVA OmniPro HD8008 is an excellent replacement for a factory-installed Forest River RV TV antenna. Not only does it have exceptional signal reception, but its range is also one of the most substantial on the market.

Installing this portable TV antenna for RV in one’s vehicle is never a problem. We can have it running in less than 30 minutes, and they will never have to adjust it again.

Its omnidirectional design allows this antenna to receive TV signals from all directions. There is no need to go up the RV roof to reposition it to get a better signal reception.

I also love its 125-mile maximum signal range. However, knowing signal clarity is less than ideal, its 40 to 80-mile effective radius is sufficient for most RV owners. They can park far from the city, and they will still enjoy crystal-clear images.

Another plus for this antenna is its digital bands, working seamlessly with its UHF and VHF capabilities. RV owners can enjoy watching TV shows offered via DVB-T, ATSC, DMB-T/H, and ISDB-T transmissions.

The other good news is that this product also works as an indoor antenna for RV. People can install it inside their motorhomes and never worry about other people stealing it.

Unfortunately, one cannot get any channel if the TV cable is longer than 50 feet. It becomes a concern when people install this antenna in their homes.

9. BEFORE HDTV Antenna

There is no stopping RV owners from buying a BEFORE RRV HDTV Antenna. Despite its uncanny brand name, this product has one of the most extensive ignal ranges among RV TV antennas on the market. It comes complete with a re-engineered signal gain technology and a price so admirable it is tempting to buy several units.

I love this product’s advanced Smart Chip, amplifying and boosting signals and giving people the highest possible quality content for their TV viewing pleasure. This RV digital antenna has a maximum range of 150 miles, besting other brands on the market and empowering RV owners and their families with exceptional coverage of their favorite TV shows.

My favorite thing about this antenna is the TV Fool feature, providing RV owners a list of dynamic signal analysis maps, available channels, and TV coverage maps anywhere they are. Never again will people miss an all-important TV episode or an idol’s rare TV guest appearance.

I also appreciate its all-weather design, allowing me to feel more confident about the antenna’s longevity. It can pick up digital TV signals, VHF, and UHF as any other RV television antenna.

Sadly, I find its connection design cumbersome. One cannot connect the coaxial cable straight to a TV. Instead, it goes to the power supply unit first before another wire connects to the television. It is also not an omnidirectional antenna because the signal reception platform sits on a 360-degree rotating mechanism with a wireless remote.

10. Luxtronic UFO Digital HDTV Antenna (Outdated)

The Luxtronic UFO Digital HDTV Antenna is a neat-looking TV signal reception device, offering clear and high-quality television images over a substantial area.

This camper TV antenna has a unique disc-shaped, UFO-style design, complementing the streamlined look of modern motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and other RV types. I love traditional TV antennas, but they do not complement contemporary RV styling. Its circular design also translates to a fixed position, eliminating any need for antenna repositioning.

I also appreciate this RV TV antenna’s 45-mile maximum effective range. It is lower than other brands, but it remains commendable. For starters, I usually do not park my RV far from the city center for security and convenience. Of course, people who intend to drive their RVs along mountain ranges might experience it differently.

The antenna casing also comes with UV and all-weather treatment, improving the antenna’s strength against the scorching sun and drenching rain. Installation is also a breeze, enabling RV owners to give their families the kind of TV entertainment they have always wanted on the go.

I also like this RV TV antenna’s low-noise signal amplifier, ensuring minimal to zero signal interferences. This camping TV antenna delivers crystal-clear pictures from broadcast and local TV stations.

As stylish as it is, I find this RV TV antenna’s plastic base a downer. I wish the RV TV antenna base was metal for a more robust build. Moreover, this RV TV antenna is somewhat overpriced, given its signal range and plastic construction.

11. Winegard SK-SWM3 RV Satellite System (Outdated)

Winegard boasts that SK-SWM3 is the only RV satellite antenna in the market that’s compatible with a DIRECTV HD programming. I am very impressed with this feature as it no longer requires you to test signals with a handheld signal strength meter and compass. You can simply sit back and wait for the antenna to tune itself.

This omnidirectional RV TV antenna can view all DIRECTV satellites to maximize HD programming from 103, 101, and 99 satellites. It has been approved by reflectors and certified to provide the strongest signal.

The installation took a little more than an hour without any assistance. If you want to install it more quickly, you need to hire a professional or ask someone to help you. This auto aiming dish is quite large and heavy, so you have to be careful. In fact, it’s not advisable to install this system if it’s your first time to do so. Once set, you’ll be able to power the system up and watch TV in just 5 minutes.

12. Winegard RS-3000 RV TV Antenna (Outdated)

Winegard RS-3000 antenna has an aerodynamic design; it is strong, weatherproof, and UV-protected. In other words, it can withstand the harshest weather, so no matter where you go in your RV, you don’t have to worry about it.

When installing this antenna, it took me about one hour. However, I will not recommend that you do it yourself especially if you don’t have previous installation experience. A professional can do the job in less than 30 minutes.

Once successfully installed, you can enjoy its 360-degree signal reception. You will be able to receive UHF and VHF frequencies. Winegard says that Winegard RS-3000 has a 35-mile long range. 

The antenna does not require aiming, so it’s simple to use. In fact, you don’t need to lower it before you travel. Winegard RS-3000 does not only allow you to get local channels but it also comes with free digital TV programming. You can watch live sports, local news, and TV shows for free with it.

13. 1byone Amplified RV Antenna (Outdated)

Uniquely designed and fully functional, 1byone Amplified Omni-directional Waterproof RV Antenna is one of the most popupar RV antennas that you’ll find in the market. Aside from its sleek design, you’ll also find that it is easy to install. You won’t need to hire an expert to install it for you as you can do it in three simple steps: unwrap, plug, and scan the channels. Since it’s compact, you won’t have a hard time lifting it and setting it up like you would if you were handling a traditional type of antenna.

Unlike most antennas that are pointed upward, this antenna has a circular shape which is what gives it its omni-directional properties. Once you already set it up, you’ll be able to receive signal out a 360 degree radius.

What to Look For When Buying a TV Antenna for RV

What makes the top-rated TV atenna for RV brands different from other products in the market? For you to fully understand the answer to this question, you have to know exactly what you should look for in an antenna.

Reception Coverage

Determine how far your antenna can reach and what kind of satellites it has access to. Usually, antennas that have higher coverage are a better choice. If the signal reception distance is low, you might have to buy an antenna booster.

Type

You have to consider which type of antenna you want to buy- indoor or outdoor. Remember that the outdoor type has better coverage but a bulky size. The indoor one, on the other hand, is more compact and can fit indoors but has a lower coverage.

Material

You can also base your choice on the kind of material that’s used for the antenna. Most of the antennas are made out of plastic while others are made out of aluminum. If ever you buy an outdoor antenna, it’s more recommended that you buy an aluminum type because they’re sturdier and more durable. They also won’t rust even if it rains. Plastic ones are good for indoor antennas.

UHF and VHF Signals

If you want to receive DTV signals from all of the stations around your area, then your RV antenna should be able to pick up both UHF channels (channels 14 to 51) and VHF channels (channels 2 to 13). There are antennas that can only pick up UHF channels or VHF channels, but not both of them. Be sure to check the description carefully.

Wifi Capacity

Most of the RV antennas these days have Wifi capabilities, so this is something you may want to look into. If you need to access the internet while you are in the woods, choose the antenna that has a strong Wifi capacity.

Weight

Weight is also important, especially if you’re going to buy an outdoor antenna. Flimsy, lightweight outdoor antennas are not good for places that tend to have strong winds and have a lot of tree branches. If you’re in a windy area or region with strong weather, then you may want to buy a bulkier one. If not, you can buy a lightweight one, so it’s easy to handle.

Price

Lastly, you have to take into consideration the price of the product you want to buy. Avoid getting the ones that are too cheap because they might not last long and give you what you need.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is an RV Antenna

If it’s your first time to buy an RV antenna, you probably don’t know the details about how it works. Even if the most suitable TV antenna for RV brands were mentioned above already, it’s important to know about them so that you’ll know why they’re the proper RV TV antennas for digital TV or any other TV for that matter.

To put it simply, an RV antenna is a TV antenna that is easily installed on a house or trailer. It is often used by travelers and campers when they decide to go camping. Even out in the woods, they’ll still be able to get reception and a good list of channels if they have an RV antenna attached to their television. The best thing about an RV antenna is that it has a wide range, which means it is able to give you a variety of channels for you to enjoy.

Types of RV Antennas

There are only two main types of RV antennas that you’ll be able to find in the market. These are the outdoor RV antenna (the more common and widely used ones) and the indoor RV antenna (not as used but also a little common). Here’s an explanation for both of them:

• Outdoor RV Antenna: This is the type of RV antenna that is placed outside your home or trailer. It happens to be the one that is more effective in picking up reception since it is more exposed to the signal outside. This is also the type that is usually used when road traveling in a trailer. The only issue with this type of RV antenna is that branches or leaves could fall on it blocking its capabilities. However, you can clean it from time to time or fold it if you’re not watching TV at night.
• Indoor RV Antenna: The other type of RV antenna is the indoor type which has a little bit less range than the outdoor type. While it lacks range, it makes up for it with convenience. As the name implies, the indoor RV antenna is placed indoors. With this, you won’t need to keep it away from branches or leaves. You can just leave it on top of your TV and turn it on whenever you need to. If you’re not that particular with high definition quality or variety of channels, then you’ll most probably be satisfied with an indoor RV antenna. However, the best indoor TV antenna for RV can still give you pretty good definition and range.

Benefits of RV Antenna

As already mentioned above, an RV antenna is a type of antenna that allows you to get reception to various channels whilst you’re on the road. It usually has a wide coverage. Here are a few benefits that you’ll be able to get if you buy an RV antenna:

• You’ll be able to watch TV while traveling: Even when you go camping in the woods, an RV antenna with a wide coverage will be able to get you the channels that you usually watch when you’re at home. You don’t have to miss an episode of your favorite show even if you’re miles away from your locality.
• You’ll be able to connect to the Internet: If you have some work to do while you’re going camping, you can still connect to the internet if you have an RV antenna. If the RV antenna can detect signal, it can connect your device to the internet via Wifi properties. With really strong internet connection, you’ll even be able to stream movies and download programs on your computer.
• You don’t need to subscribe to watch local shows: Usually, you would have to subscribe to the local TV and cable provider in order to watch local shows. With this device, you won’t have to pay to watch any of the local shows anymore. The RV antenna will be able to pick up the signals and give you the local channels without you having to subscribe.
• You can get shows in HD: Because an RV antenna can pull great reception into it, you’ll get the best signal so you can watch your shows in high quality definition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When using your RV antenna, it’s normal to experience some problems. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions among RV TV antenna users.

How do I get local channels on my RV?

There are several ways RV owners can get local channels on their vehicles.

First, a satellite TV is perfect for those who never wander beyond 100 miles from the center of a metropolitan area, such as Los Angeles and New York City. While these devices give clear and sharp images, their local TV signals tend to drop, moving away from a metropolis.

Second, a digital antenna for RV can provide better coverage of local channels. RV owners can park their vehicles in areas with good signal reception and enjoy watching local TV shows. Unfortunately, some RV parks might have poor signal coverage.

Third, and a better solution, is to use AirTV. One can consider it an RV TV antenna with wifi connectivity. RV owners can use internet-connected devices (tablets, smartphones, smart TVs) to watch home-based local channels and location-specific TV shows. People can get local shows on their RV anywhere, anytime.

How to use RV TV antenna?

Generally, all you have to do is install the antenna, and you can start using it. Most antennas in the list just have a plug and play installation, so you don’t need to pay for installation. Just follow the manual, and you can start scanning for channels. Also, check the reception every time after you install to see if you’re getting the right reception.

What RV TV antenna has the longest range?

Some RV TV antennas have a maximum range of 150 miles, like the BEFORE HDTV antenna.

However, this figure is unrealistic because obstacles can interfere with the signal. Television stations can cancel out each other’s signals, producing poor reception and unrecognizable TV images. Trees, hills, and tall buildings can also interfere with the signal reception capabilities of a motorhome TV antenna.

Most RV experts recommend the Winegard RVW-395 Sensar IV because of its 55-mile maximum effective range. Other RV owners cite the 1byone Omnidirectional Outdoor TV Antenna as having the longest range at 100-plus miles.

One might have an experience different from these figures. An HD antenna for RV can produce varying results, depending on the factors already mentioned. Device issues can also impact the signal reception range. It will be wise to tame expectations and accept that an RV antenna’s realistic maximum effective range is 20 to 55 miles.

How do you replace an RV antenna?

People who want an RV TV antenna upgrade can do it themselves because the process is not that complicated. Here are the steps.

• Climb up the RV roof and scrape off the sealant covering the antenna base to access, loosen, and remove the mounting screws.
• Go inside the RV to remove the TV antenna handle using the correct Allen wrench size.
• Return to the RV roof and disconnect the coaxial cable.
• Carefully remove the antenna, using a plastic scraper to release the base from the sealant.
• Remove any sealant remnants and clean the area with denatured alcohol.
• Get the RV TV antenna replacement and apply sealant on the antenna base.
• Connect the coaxial cable to the antenna and position it on the RV roof.
• Secure the new antenna with the accompanying hardware.
• Apply sealant over the screws and around the antenna base.
• Install the new antenna handle inside the RV.

How to point RV TV antenna?

There is really no right direction as to where to point your antenna. You have to slowly turn the antenna in one direction first and then scan for channels. If you’re not getting the reception that you want, then turn it a quarter and rescan again.

How to get better reception on camper antenna?

One way to get better reception on the camper antenna is to invest in a good booster. Boosters can help you get more signal so that you can have access to more channels in high definition. Do take note that you may run into some RV antenna booster problems in your first few times of use. However, take time to learn how to use it.

What is additional hardware required?

Some other additional hardware you can get to enhance your experience would be the signal strength meter and a signal booster. The meter will help you monitor the signal strength and the booster will help you enhance the signal.

How to troubleshoot King jack antenna?

If you’re having some trouble with your King Jack Antenna, such as getting pixelated screens or no reception at all, you can troubleshoot it by rotating the attenuator. To do this, you first have to turn on the power injector and the King SureLock Signal Meter. You can find the on switch near the rotational knob. After that, turn the attenuator to the right. Then, press the button located on the knob. Rotating the attenuator this way should allow you to get the reception that you want.

Conclusion

RV antennas are definitely useful if you like watching TV while you’re on the road. However, buying one is not as easy as most people think. There are a lot of things to consider before you buy one. If you’re looking for the right TV antenna for RV, then you must first know exactly what you’re looking for. The weight, material, reception coverage, etc. should all be considered.

Once you know the features that you should look for in an antenna, you must explore the best TV antenna for RV brands in the market. You must understand that there’s no perfect antenna for all people. Your choice should depend on where you usually travel and what kind of channels you want to watch.

We would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to choose the top-rated wifi boosters for RV, RV GPS and RV tire pressure monitoring systems 2020 with our reviews and ratings. Furthermore, please take a look at the most trusted cell phone boosters for RV,RV backup cameras and  TV for RV to choose the right one for your RV electronics.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.