Antenna Cable

Shane826 · 11-09-2017, 05:59 AM

Has anyone had to replace the antenna coaxial cable? Is it one solid line from the antenna, through the roof, down the lift arm, into the bottom box, and into the cabinet? Any tips, and what kind of cable should I use? Is it worthwhile to upgrade the antenna st this time as well? We’ve never used a TV in the camper but I’m trying to make camping more enjoyable for the wife next summer, so a TV is in the works.

**commodor47** · 11-09-2017, 10:20 AM

Our TM has the coax cable from the antenna mast to the power plate (located on the side wall of the refrigerator) as 3 separate cables connected by 2 pass-throughs. The section of cable originating at the antenna mast head is connected with a pass-through at the antenna hand crank. From there it travels behind the street side corner molding (where the ceiling meets the street side wall) then down inside the street side seal of the upper shell, down the street side support arm and up into the compartment behind the refrigerator. That is where you will find the second pass-through connector. The 3rd section of cable goes from that pass-through to the amplified wall plate.

These photos should help: http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...php?albumid=49

Dick

Shane826 · 11-09-2017, 11:50 AM

Dick-
That is very helpful and very encouraging! If mine set up the same way that will make this a whole lot easier. I guess I should take a look at where the cable runs down the lift arm before I get too excited, though...

**Bill** · 11-09-2017, 01:45 PM

You will want to use RG-6 cable, not RG-56 or RG-58. Be aware that the space in the ceiling, above the antenna crank, is very tight. Be ready for a fussy project.

You will also find that although you can replace the 1st piece of coax that Dick described, from the antenna head to the ana baseplate, you probably can't replace the 2nd piece, from the antenna base plate to the refrigerator compartment. It is fit very tightly into a channel chopped through the roof foam. Unless you remove some roof trim, you won't be able to persuade it to slide out.

Are you sure it needs to be replaced?

Bill

Shane826 · 11-09-2017, 03:28 PM

I’m 99% sure the top piece is no good. You can see in the picture how deteriorated it is. I get no signal to a TV inside the TM through the antenna, but the same TV sitting outside with a paper lip in the coax jack gets a signal... Figured that’s a good place to start.

**commodor47** · 11-09-2017, 05:22 PM

Shane826,

You might find more helpful information here: http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ght=tv+antenna scroll to post #3.

Dick