Essential Considerations Before Installing a Fixed Satellite Dish on an RV
Spending time away from the bustling metropolis allows you to recharge your body and mind, especially if your destination is a remote location. However, choosing a distant location makes it harder to keep up with local programs, such as current affairs and other popular shows. The good news is that you can install a satellite dish to pick up free-to-air television channels. Notably, satellite dishes are either permanent or portable, and your choice comes down to personal preference. Here are a few issues to consider if you settle for a fixed satellite dish.
Height Clearance
Before installing a permanent satellite dish on a recreational vehicle, you need to keep in mind that it raises a vehicle's height. However, most RV owners are unconcerned about the issue since they consider the increase insignificant. That is until they pass through routes where low-hanging trees scratch or destroy a satellite dish. Besides, some highway underpasses have height limits, while others have extremely low clearances, which might rip a satellite dish from an RV's roof. Most importantly, knowing that a satellite dish increases an RV's height is critical to planning a safe journey.
Installation
A fixed residential satellite is cheaper to install since you don't have to pay a licensed service provider to install the unit on your behalf. Notably, installation is simple as long as you follow the instructions and have the right tools. However, just because someone understands installation guidelines and has the necessary tools does not mean they can configure a permanent satellite dish on a recreational vehicle. For instance, the risk of falling from a car roof is relatively high. It is the reason RV owners should only install permanent satellite dishes in calm, clear weather. If it is raining or windy, postpone an installation exercise until the weather improves. Alternatively, you can hire a licensed technician to install the device for you.
Space Availability on the Car Roof
Modern fixed satellite dishes are distinguished by their motorised unit. The self-seeking satellite dishes are mounted on a rail and can spin while searching for signals. It implies that an installation site must have sufficient clearances for the unit to rotate on its track unobstructed. For example, if you install a satellite dish too close to a roof hatch, it might not spin completely since part of it will be trapped by nearby obstruction. Therefore, before mounting a satellite dish, pick the best possible site on a roof where obstructions do not affect the unit's rotation.
If you want to add a satellite dish to your vehicle, check out various satellite brands, such as SatKing.