Antenna broken?

[Steve and Rosemary]

Hi all,

We've been enjoying our Bigfoot 5th Wheel recently and one thing that's been bugging me is the antenna handle inside. You can see in the photos that the handle hangs down. This is how it was when we bought it -- it cranks up and down and seems to work but, honestly, we don't use it and are not sure how it's supposed to work.

I can get more detailed photos later, but has anyone seen this before? Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[tractors1]

Did you buy this used? Looks like the installer didn't shorten the shaft for your roof thickness. Google the antenna manufacturer and look for an installation manual if your rig didn't come with one.



My guess is the PO replaced a broken antenna with this one.

[Steve and Rosemary]

Ahhhh... that could be. I'll take a closer look at the paperwork I have and see if it matches what's in the trailer. Thanks!

[k corbin]

maybe you can make the handle shaft removable

[mary and bob]

Maybe PO liked the long handle, easier to reach and operate

[Jack L]

I had a handle like yours in my 94 Bigfoot. I think it was factory installed. It was for a television antenna that set in a cradle on the roof. I do not think the previous owner ever used it. I tried to crank the antenna to the upright position, but after 18 years, the gearbox on the roof was seized. I took the whole thing off and fiberglass patched the many holes in the roof. I never had the desire to watch TV when camping anyway.

[Steve and Rosemary]

Thanks for everyone's replies.

I looked through the documents I have and there's nothing about the antenna. As Jack L said, it is definitely for a television antenna for television and similar to Jack, we don't watch TV when camping (no TV in the trailer). However, we were thinking it might be a good place to attach a cell booster at a later date so aren't too keen on removing it altogether.

I took a few more closeups of the handle (attached) and plan to do a little more research. Having it hanging down isn't too big of a deal except I have managed to hit my head on it while reaching to the bed area. Don't ask me how I did it because I have no clue!

Thanks again!

[Jack L]

Could you post a photo of antenna hardware on the roof?

[Steve and Rosemary]

I'll try to get up there tonight to take photos. Thanks!