Satellite Cable into 5th Wheel - RV-Dreams Community Forum

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

Satellite Cable into 5th Wheel

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

In our old RV we ran it up by the stairs since there was room. For a while I ran the cables through a window in our current RV, but now I put the modem and wireless router in the basement and and close the compartment door over the cables.

Note: I hope you found a good mobile installer since if you get one that won't help after the sale you are likely to be unhappy.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 27th of March 2010 08:03:55 AM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, it (again) sort of “depends” on your rig. You already mentioned two of the methods – here is a third that is a bit more “inventive” but not a big deal.

Most rigs have a “cable TV” cable from the outside to the area where the TV distribution point is. Like a “switch box” to select different sources of RF that feeds the TV(s). You could use that cable. I.e. remove it from the back of the switch box and connect it to the satellite receiver. Then connect the outside satellite cable to the outside “cable” connection on the side of the rig. If this idea seems totally foreign to you, then just “forgetaboutit.” But it does work just fine.

Just information: Satellite cable, “cable TV cable” and “off-air TV” or good old antenna cable is all the same. RG-6 is preferred, but in most cases the smaller stuff will work as long as the lengths are sort. I use RG-6, but that is just me and I’ve been doing this stuff a long time so I have it.

Good luck and safe travels.

Bill

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Are you talking about Internet satellite or TV satellite ? If TV there should be a place on the outside to plug in your cable.I have Dish Network with a DVR so I only need 1 cable coming from dish to rig to run both TV's. If internet, sounds like Bill has a pretty good idea.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Whoops I think I got two different threads mixed up.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

We get both internet and Direct TV from one cable from our rooftop satellite dish.

mailman01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

My camper has two cable connections on the outside, one for "satellite" the other for "cable." If yours has "cable" only connection, there is a provision to remove the TV booster box ( the one with the green light) from the wall and locate the cable in line and reconnect to another lead in the box for satellite. However, I believe this will prevent you from using the outside connection for "cable" service. I did this in a previous unit (a Starcraft) and it worked well. Starcraft had instructions for completing this procedure in their operations manuals.
Marty

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all the ideas and replies. It has given me something to think about.

We do have an outlet for cable TV on the exterior of the 5er. Do not want to use that, as it would prohibit use for TV, and we will have cable TV at our first work assignment.

Maxwell Satellite has an exterior mounting kit available for the cables and I might get that when I purchase the dish/setup.

BTW, this is for a portable dish setup with tripod, not one mounted permanently on the roof.

The sister dealer to the one where we bought the 5er is one our way to Livingston/Double Lake and they will be replacing our fireplace on April 9. I'll talk with them and see what they think, and see what kind of work they do with the fireplace. Might have them install the exterior mounting kit. Don't know if that is something Dave will want to tackle.

Again, thanks for all the ideas!

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would think an 09 Montana would have a satellite port somewhere close to the cable one. Most newer rigs do.

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

You know, this has crossed my mind, too, that one would think there might already be a port on our 5er. I'll try to get some time tomorrow in the light of day and see if I can locate one. That would be wonderful.

Grant · RV-Dreams Family Member

Racerguy wrote:

I would think an 09 Montana would have a satellite port somewhere close to the cable one. Most newer rigs do.

Montana didn't add a satellite port until just the past few months. Our 2010 Montana built at the end of 2009 only has a port labled Cable\Satellite. I just met someone with a 2010 Montana built in February 2010 and it has both a Cable and a Satellite port.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our 5th wheel has a Utility Compartment where the power cord, fresh water hose, cable tv cord and phone cord can be connected. This is all behind a door with an adjustable flap where the cables and cords enter to keep out the elements and critters.

I discovered at the top of this compartment is a removable panel (4 screws) which provides access to the space under our TV where a DVD Player and Radio are located as well as where I put the Satellite Receiver.

So I simply ran the cable from the Sat Dish through the panel, screw it back in place and hooked up the Sat Receiver.

When we move I roll up the Sat cable along with the Shore Power Cord, phone cord and cable TV cables and hang them inside the cabinet.

vetrncwby · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have a related question. I have a satellite dish that has 2 cables coming out of it. How do I connect it to the single satellite connection on the side of my 5er? It is a Dish Network 500. Thanks for any advice.

mick22 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks thebear2. That is a great idea. Easy way to add the cable and place to store it .

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Look at the other thread you posted it on where I answered your question. smile

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have connections for Sattelite TV, Cable TV and internet also. However back when we had the Cambridge 5th wheel. I installed a base plate that had outside to inside connections for Sattelite TV and internet at the time I was using the Maxwell (Hughes net) on a Tri-Pod and Direct-Tv. Total cost was less that $10.00. The wiring system we have now is the best we have ever had. We have HDTV in both ends and it works off the roof top mounted Sattelite dish or the Tri-Pod mount. GBY....