Why are All Those Antennae on the Roof?
A few questions that appear periodically on the forum are:
1. What are the antennas on the roof for?
2. Does my RV have a cell phone antenna?
3. What is a good cell phone antenna?
Question 1 Response:
If your RV only has one antenna, then it is for the am/fm radio.
If your RV has (2) two almost similar looking 2 foot antennas on the roof then one is for the am/fm radio and the other for a CB. If your rig is not equipped with a CB then there is a loose end coiled up. Mine is behind the dash panel but I suppose it also could be coiled up behind the drivers’ side upper cabinet (in the rear).
If your RV has (3) antennas, (2) two of which are almost similar looking 2 foot antennas on the roof and one smaller antenna. Then the (2) are for the AM/FM radio and CB, and the third is for a cellular phone.
Question 2 Response:
The short answer is Maybe Yes, Maybe Not!
It depends on whether or not on the following:
1. If the dealer ordered it as an option when spec-ing the RV.
2. The previous owner may have had one installed.
3. None of the above and your rig isn’t equipped with one.
If you don’t know and want to find out what a cell phone antenna looks like then visit the following websites:
There are a host of others as well.
Question 3 Response:
Most RV’rs that I have asked this question agree that if one was to install the best it would probably be one that is made by Wilson. Their home page may be found at www.wilsonelectronics.com.
The one recommended for RV installation may be found at: wilsonelectronics.com//ViewProduct.php?ID=131.
The installation instructions are found at wilsonelectronics.com//Files/InstallInstructions/801231.pdf
Otherwise if you prefer you can have an Allegro Dealer install one supplied from Tiffin Parts at Red Bay.
As a footnote: If one shops a little on the internet, any cellular antenna can be purchased for less than retail price. Anyone that is somewhat mechanically inclined can install these on an RV. Just be sure that the hole you make is where you want it to be. Usually a good caulking seal will suffice when the installation is made. A caulking product that I really like and have used is called Big Stretch. Picked it up at our local Ace Hardware.
Your mileage may vary.
Submitted by Mike Sundberg - 2/14/06
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