In this article we're look at how to upgrade some of the parts in a caravan Winegard TV antenna.
This article is specifically about swapping out some of the parts in a Winegard TV antenna system. You may consider this DIY job if your existing Winegard antenna is damaged, or if you are looking to improve your TV reception. Before we go any further, be aware you will need to work on a ladder to access the roof of your van. Only take on this job if you are very confident you are capable of working on a ladder.
How can this retrofit upgrade improve reception? Apparently in Australia, unlike some other countries, TV broadcasters transmit signals in two different ways to create better coverage. One signal method is transmitted in a vertical plane and the other in a horizontal plane. (Don’t ask us about the physics, we’re just installing an antenna!)
This can be an issue with earlier Winegard TV antennas because they are only designed to receive horizontal signals. This means you have less chance of being able to tune into your favourite channels while travelling.
The beauty of this retrofit kit is it enables you to retain your internal winding handle and mounting bracket on the roof and just swap over the new external antenna assembly. This is a fairly simple DIY task as it only requires a few basic tools, and you don’t need to drill holes in the roof or worry about creating seals or the like.
When you have finished the process below you will need to run through the auto-tune process on your TV and hopefully, you will pick up some more channels. Don’t forget it is still necessary to go through the process of rotating the aerial each time you set up camp to optimise your reception.
TV antenna swap
 STEP 1 — Inside the van, wind up the antenna a tiny amount to unload the winding gear |
 STEP 2 — On the van roof, find where the coax cable attaches to the antenna connection port |
 STEP 3 — Loosen the coax cable retaining nut with a spanner |
 STEP 4 — Disconnect the coax cable |
 STEP 5 — Pull the coax cable through the antenna boom |
 STEP 7 — Remove the coax cable from the antenna boom |
 STEP 7 — Find and remove the circlips retaining the two fixing pins |
 STEP 8 — Remove the two fixing pins |
 STEP 9 — Remove the antenna assembly from the mounting bracket |
 STEP 10 — Bring up the retrofit antenna assembly |
 STEP 11 — Insert the elevating gear into the boom |
 STEP 12 — Insert the retrofit antenna assembly into the mounting bracket |
 STEP 13 — It may be helpful to use a screwdriver or similar to align the elevating gear/boom/mounting bracket holes |
 STEP 14 — Insert the one pin into the hole where the elevating gear is located. The second pin is no longer required. |
 STEP 15 — A mallet may be required to softly tap the pin in |
 STEP 16 — Refit the circlip |
 STEP 17 — Insert the existing coax cable between the boom and the lower element assembly |
 STEP 18 — Connect the coax cable to the connection port on the antenna retrofit assembly port |
 STEP 19 — Very gently tighten the coax cable retaining nut with a spanner |
 STEP 20 — Secure the coax cable to the boom with cable ties |
 STEP 21 — Inside the van, wind the antenna up and down and rotate it to ensure it operates correctly |
If in doubt, consult a professional
Improper maintenance can lead to injury, death or property damage. Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by people with suitable competence. The information provided is general in nature, not comprehensive and should only be taken as a guide. Individual discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content accept no responsibility for loss or damage.
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