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Winegard Trav'ler and wind


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Several months ago we replaced our old dome satellite dish with a new Winegard Trav'ler. Now we are concerned about the amount of movement that we can hear in wind. Even at just 15 mph, if the wind is from the right direction you can hear a thunking noise as the dish is pushed back and forth. In heavy winds (today 23 mph according to the Weather Channel) there is a constant thunking noise.

So far it hasn't disrupted service but my primary concern is whether the rocking back and forth is putting stress on the roof that might cause problems down the road. Our roof is a combination of foam insulation with a layer of wood and fiberglass over it (very similar to the side walls).

 

I sent Winegard a message with a video of the movement. They said that as long as it doesn't disrupt service it's considered normal.

 

I'd be curious to know if others experience this same rocking issue and if there have been any problems related to it.

 

Thanks, Judy

Judy LeMosy

 

2007 New Horizons Summit 38' / 2001 610 Volvo with Smart Car on bed

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I asked this question of the installer when we had our Trav'ler installed. He said it's good for up to around 50 MPH winds.

 

However, we will put the dish down if strong winds (usually 30+ MPH) are blowing, particularly if they are blowing straight at the dish rather than from the side.

LindaH
2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K
2011 Kia Soul

 

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Well we have left ours up(inadvertently) in winds with gusts to 50 mph without service disruption, damage or obvious noise other than the wind itself but our roof is fiberglass on aluminum framing. One member whom I wouldn't embarrass by naming says the dish will withstand wind speeds over 60 mph! I would worry your issue is either the roof structure itself or how the dish mounted, but the dish itself should easily handle the wind you are talking about, Best Wishes, Jay

2015 Continental Coach Elegance by Forks RV, 41'; 2015 FL M2 112, DD 13, by 2L Custom Trucks; Trailer Saver air hitch; '48 Navigoddess with a Rand McNally GPS

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We've had ours now for about two years. The first strong wind that we left it up in, probably sustained 35-40MPH, and gusts probably exceeding 50MPH, ended up in the AM with the 'EL Motor Home' message. (Our first experience with this, and a long days drive ahead, so we were pleased with the help of this board. Had an answer within 30 mins on what to do. And, we had left a message with Winegard for help, and as we were going thru the process they called us back. They hung onto until we were sure all was working well.)

 

Our policy now is to bring it down when we have forecasts of over 35-40MPH. (Will sometimes fudge this, depending upon forecasted wind direction, in relation to the angle of the dish to the wind.) And have had only two other EL Motor Home events in this time.

 

I've notice no motion, or movement right to left, in these winds. And have been on the roof for other reasons in winds in the low 30's, and noted the slight rocking of the dish, but no back and forth twisting movement or noises. For that reason, I'd suggest calling and talking with Winegard, and ask them to record your concern if the still feel it is not a problem. Or, to send you an email stating that it is OK. This way you have documentation of in warranty reporting of what you feel uncomfortable about... And even if it really does turn out to be a non problem, peace of mind in at least having some communication with Winegard about the issue.

 

Best of luck to you,

Smitty

Be safe, have fun,

Smitty

04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life!

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We've had ours for ~6 years and rarely take it down unless we have a severe thunderstorm warning or other reason to expect winds >50 mph. My understanding is that the system is designed to be safe, when deployed, to the 50-60 mph wind level and, when stowed to >100 mph.

 

Two weeks ago we had unanticipated winds that had to have been in the ~40-50 mph range for ~20 minutes as a storm front went through. Our ~35,000 lb MH bounced like it rarely does. Lots of branches down, etc, but the Trav'ler was still accurately pointed when all was over.

Sandie & Joel

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Several months ago we replaced our old dome satellite dish with a new Winegard Trav'ler. Now we are concerned about the amount of movement that we can hear in wind. Even at just 15 mph, if the wind is from the right direction you can hear a thunking noise as the dish is pushed back and forth. In heavy winds (today 23 mph according to the Weather Channel) there is a constant thunking noise.

 

Judy, we're new here but have been using the Trav'ler on two different rigs, including the NH, since 2007. Never had it "rock." Might suggest, as you said this was a "replacement" for a dome antenna, perhaps the heavier weight and wind loading of the Trav'ler is more then the mounting points used for the older antenna which certainly had far less wind loading. Just a guess. But in 40+ MPH winds we've never had the sounds you are describing. Might warrant a closer inspection on the roof?

 

Bill

Bill & Linda
2014 New Horizons Majestic F37RLTSS 96
2016 RAM 5500HD \ 4-Wheel Drive \ Link Air Ride
Classy Chassis RV Hauler Bed Conversion \ Aux Fuel Tank

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We've had ours now for about two years. The first strong wind that we left it up in, probably sustained 35-40MPH, and gusts probably exceeding 50MPH, ended up in the AM with the 'EL Motor Home' message. (Our first experience with this, and a long days drive ahead, so we were pleased with the help of this board. Had an answer within 30 mins on what to do. And, we had left a message with Winegard for help, and as we were going thru the process they called us back. They hung onto until we were sure all was working well.)

 

Our policy now is to bring it down when we have forecasts of over 35-40MPH. (Will sometimes fudge this, depending upon forecasted wind direction, in relation to the angle of the dish to the wind.) And have had only two other EL Motor Home events in this time.

 

I've notice no motion, or movement right to left, in these winds. And have been on the roof for other reasons in winds in the low 30's, and noted the slight rocking of the dish, but no back and forth twisting movement or noises. For that reason, I'd suggest calling and talking with Winegard, and ask them to record your concern if the still feel it is not a problem. Or, to send you an email stating that it is OK. This way you have documentation of in warranty reporting of what you feel uncomfortable about... And even if it really does turn out to be a non problem, peace of mind in at least having some communication with Winegard about the issue.

 

Best of luck to you,

Smitty

 

Thanks Smitty. The motion that concerns me is the rocking forward and back of the dish. I didn't notice any twisting motion. The dish and the arm that holds it tip forward in the wind and then fall back when the wind subsides. My fear is that the motion is pulling on the mounting bolts and may eventually cause damage to the roof. I sent Winegard a video of the rocking motion and they provided the following response:

 

That is pretty normal movement for that antenna. As I had mentioned if you’re not losing the picture on the TV everything is OK. If you can hear the noise inside that may be where its mounted. If the ceiling is insulated in that area normally you wouldn’t hear much noise.

I have started bringing down the dish when we have winds that cause the dish to rock but since it seems to rock in fairly low winds, this will be an inconvenience. I'm planning to check with the folks who installed the dish to find out exactly what type of anchors they used. Hopefully that will give us some piece of mind.

 

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experience.

Judy LeMosy

 

2007 New Horizons Summit 38' / 2001 610 Volvo with Smart Car on bed

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Judy, we're new here but have been using the Trav'ler on two different rigs, including the NH, since 2007. Never had it "rock." Might suggest, as you said this was a "replacement" for a dome antenna, perhaps the heavier weight and wind loading of the Trav'ler is more then the mounting points used for the older antenna which certainly had far less wind loading. Just a guess. But in 40+ MPH winds we've never had the sounds you are describing. Might warrant a closer inspection on the roof?

 

Bill

Bill, Thanks for the info. The new dish was installed by the NH folks in Junction City and they did not put the new dish in the same location as the old dome. I'm pretty sure that the new bolt pattern did not match the old one. Mike (the tech that installed it) told us that he was using heavy duty anchors when he installed it. Since then we have had the roof coated with RV Flex Armor and I think they removed the satellite before they sprayed the coating on the roof. I need to check with them to see if they used the same type of anchors when they re-installed the dish.

 

I'm going to get up on the roof again to see if I can figure out if there might be some sort of adjustment that would keep the arm and dish from moving forward and back. When I looked at it previously, I didn't see any way to tighten it or brace it because I was afraid it might interfere with the ability to lower the satellite when needed.

Judy LeMosy

 

2007 New Horizons Summit 38' / 2001 610 Volvo with Smart Car on bed

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Bill, Thanks for the info. The new dish was installed by the NH folks in Junction City and they did not put the new dish in the same location as the old dome. I'm pretty sure that the new bolt pattern did not match the old one. Mike (the tech that installed it) told us that he was using heavy duty anchors when he installed it. Since then we have had the roof coated with RV Flex Armor and I think they removed the satellite before they sprayed the coating on the roof. I need to check with them to see if they used the same type of anchors when they re-installed the dish.

 

I'm going to get up on the roof again to see if I can figure out if there might be some sort of adjustment that would keep the arm and dish from moving forward and back. When I looked at it previously, I didn't see any way to tighten it or brace it because I was afraid it might interfere with the ability to lower the satellite when needed.

 

Judy, well, IMO, you may have found the source of the problem with the "re-installation" after the new roof. There is no need to brace the dish if securely / properly mounted to the roof. You might carefully check the tightest of the hold down screws to see if any are loose or, worst case, some of the mounting holes were stripped during the second installation. That could mean removing some of the Dicor calking and naturally replacing that caulking with fresh. Total speculation, but possible and that could explain the reason for the rocking.

 

Suffice to say, properly installed the antenna will not "rock" and there is no need for user installed bracing of any kind.

 

Hope to see you at the NHOG Rally this fall in South Dakota. Here's June's email if you would like to contact her or get other contact information - nhog2017@gmail.com.

 

Do let us know,

 

Bill

Bill & Linda
2014 New Horizons Majestic F37RLTSS 96
2016 RAM 5500HD \ 4-Wheel Drive \ Link Air Ride
Classy Chassis RV Hauler Bed Conversion \ Aux Fuel Tank

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Judy:

Should it be helpful - I finally found the model number for the roof reinforcement plate Winegard makes for use on roofs that might need additional reinforcement. An SKA-008 is a plate designed to reinforce the roof mounting area for the antenna. Not saying you need this. However, where the roof installer placed the antenna may not be appropriate. Have no idea. But this plate may be helpful. Just wanted to pass that info along.

Bill & Linda
2014 New Horizons Majestic F37RLTSS 96
2016 RAM 5500HD \ 4-Wheel Drive \ Link Air Ride
Classy Chassis RV Hauler Bed Conversion \ Aux Fuel Tank

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