Why Rv Antenna Won’t Crank Up: Reasons & Solutions!
Going on an RV trip for a few days shouldn’t limit you from getting entertained. It is possible to watch movies, binge TV shows, or even live TV on your RV, no matter where you travel. But what if your RV antenna doesn’t crank up? What are the reasons behind this?
The RV antenna might not crank up due to something jamming the crank handle or something on the roof. Chances are high that twigs or similar items might hinder the smooth flow of the crank gears.
But you don’t need to worry because I’ll give you the solution in this article. Therefore, without wasting a second, let’s jump into the blog.
Types of RV Antenna
RV antenna is a type of device in your RV that will enable you to enjoy movies or TV shows sitting in your RV. In short, it functions in a way such that it will receive digital signals.
It provides the connection to the TV in your RV, so you get connected to your house. The best part is that this antenna doesn’t require any type of cable hook up like that of in buildings.
Now, I’ll take you through the two types of RV antennas so that you can have a good view.
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Digital Antenna
The primary mechanism of a digital antenna is that it receives signals in the form of data packets. These data packets make the movies or shows accessible, which you’ll be watching lately.
It is a reliable option that will let you watch all the TV channels or live shows smoothly. You can fix this antenna inside or outside your RV and watch local channels.
The number of channels you’ll get will entirely depend on the type of frequency your digital antenna can pick up. However, your RV must be within the range of the tower to pick up signals. Or else there will be irregular streaming on your part.
Satellite Antenna
Satellite antennas function like traditional TV antennas and pick up the signals from the satellite. You’ll need to set the antenna on your RV’s outer part or the roof.
It directly connects with the satellite and lets you view the channels quickly. Apart from this, the number of channels will be higher as the signal here is from the satellite.
All you need to do is to have a monthly subscription from a service provider. Lastly, as the antenna will directly receive signals from the satellite, any obstruction would mean improper signals. That means to have a smooth experience, your RV should have an unobstructed view of the sky.
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Two Probable Reasons of RV Antenna Won’t Crank Up
It can be either a technical issue or a lack of regular maintenance that might lead to the RV antenna not cranking. Two of the most common phenomena most RV users face are discussed below.
1. Jammed-up gears
One of RV users’ most common problems while cranking up the antenna is jammed gears. Often the problem originates when something gets stuck or settling, causing many issues.
You can get a fast solution by lubing the gears in that situation. You will need to go up there and remove all the necessary parts. After that, you can use spray-type lubrication or white grease to make jammed-up parts go again.
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2. Damaged Worm Gear
The primary function of the worm gear is to process the shaft direction and rotation change. It is usually smooth and doesn’t produce much sound while operating. However, if these components aren’t appropriately lubricated, there will be issues in operations.
Since you need to crank up the RV antenna, the function 0f the worm gear is crucial. Not lubing it regularly may damage its teeth. In that case, you’ll require a replacement.
On the other hand, you can avoid this problem by regularly lubricating the worm gear. Someone needs to go up to the roof and lift the antenna a bit to check if the gear is working.
When you’re done with the checking, lay the antenna down and locate the black plastic nut on the base of the antenna. Then, remove the nut and crank one after another. The last step would be to lube the worm gear and wind it up.
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FAQs.
When the antenna in your RV doesn’t crank up, it will invoke a lot of queries in your mind about many things. Below, I have included some of the most common aspects you might ponder.
How to lubricate an RV antenna?
Lubricating the RV antenna involves covering three components: elevating gear, bearing surface, and rubber quad ring. You need to apply grease or lube on the elevating gear. After that, follow the same method for the other two components consecutively.
Why is the RV antenna not picking up channels?
There are high possibilities of loose connections or cracked wires causing this problem. On the other hand, if your RV has a satellite antenna, there must be an external obstruction.
How to rotate an RV antenna?
While you crank up the RV antenna, you can pull the outer ring a bit down. After pulling the ring bit down, you can rotate it quite quickly, which will help you turn the RV antenna.
How much does it cost to replace an RV antenna?
If your RV antenna breaks down or becomes faulty, you can replace it. The replacement will cost you $150-200, including the mechanic and parts costs.
Final Thoughts
A smooth entertaining experience is always sought-after by everyone. In this regard, such an experience while travelling is a big plus.
However, such an experience can often be ruined when the RV antenna in the roof won’t crank up. I recommend you always avoid such situations by always taking preventive measures. You should always check if something is stuck and lube the gears regularly.
The solutions I discussed are tried and tested ones. But the better approach is to avoid issues that result in trying those.
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Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.
Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.
