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Bruce's assistant Bobby Ray Adams routes the wiring for the newly installed satellite-TV system.
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In this episode, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake demonstrates some important maintenance procedures to get an RV ready for a trip. In this final segment, our RV receives an upgrade with a new satellite dish. Assisting Bruce in this episode is automotive specialist Bobby Ray Adams.Materials: In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), some of the specialty tools used in this episode include test light, torque wrench, caulking gun, wire cutters and wire strippers, heat gun, oversized socket attachment, bearing packer, cleaning brush, degreaser and latex gloves. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools will is optional, but may be very helpful for this project. DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: The procedures shown in this episode are all fairly routine or straightforward. Overall, we gave these projects a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish this job. Depending on your vehicle and it's condition, and the nature of any problems you might encounter, your work time could vary. Allow yourself a full weekend to complete these projects properly.
Satellite-Dish InstallationThese days, going "on the road" in America isn't quite what it was when Steinbeck and Kerouac envisioned it. Now, among other conveniences, you can receive satellite-based digital television broadcasts -- beamed right into your RV practically anywhere on the North American continent. RV-mounted satellite dishes are available that not only receive satellite TV-transmissions, but will seek out, track and lock onto signals for uninterrupted reception while the vehicle is in motion. So you won't have to miss a minute of HBO, must-see-tv or (most importantly) DIY. Once the dish is installed, the cabling isn't much different from an ordinary home hook-up, and a plastic dome protects the roof-mounted dish from the elements.
In order to receive programming, however, you'll need to purchase a satellite service contract just as you would for a home satellite system. Following are the basic steps for installing the dish system.- The satellite dish comes pre-assembled (figure A) and with a handheld control unit (figure B). The unit simply needs to be mounted on the vehicle and wired.
- Important: When installing a unit like this one, make sure that the cabling that connects the dish to the receiver doesn't have any sharp bends that could crimp or damage the wire inside. If the wire is damaged, the cabling will need to be replaced.
- Safety Alert: Remember to add the height of the newly installed dish and dome to the overall height clearance of your RV.
To install the dish, position the unit and dome (figure C) and secure it to the roof using sheet-metal screws through the flange (figure D).As with the roof vent installed in the previous segment, apply self-leveling caulk over the screws for waterproofing.
Plug the remote-control cable into the multi-pin connector at the base of the unit (figure E), and hook up the cable to the coax connector (figure F).
Rout the cabling down through a vent or other opening (figure G), into the living area.Connect your television according to the manufacturer's instructions, and check to see that you're receiving a signal.Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts. Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guideto RV'ing
Author: Brent Peterson
ISBN: 002864171X
Publisher: Alpha Books
The RVer's Bible : Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, & Enjoying Your RV
Authors: Kim Baker, Sunny Baker
Publisher: Fireside
April, 1997
ISBN: 0684822679
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
The Rv Handbook: Essential How-To Guide for the RV Owner
Author: Bill Estes
ISBN: 0934798664
Publisher: Trailer Life Publications
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