Cellular Antenna - Temporary RV Mount  

Updated: 11/03/11

 

We have seen a couple RVs with a permanently mounted Wilson Cellular Trucker Antenna. This mounting would not work for us. Many times we camp in places where low tree branches will not permit that type of mounting. However, it is in these state parks and forest areas where we need the extra boost from an external antenna. Our mount is temporary because many times a signal boost is not necessary at our camping location.

The photographs below show the temporary antenna mount Fred made for our HHII. The mount is rust proof and easy to store. It is easy to install and remove without a ladder - he attaches it to the HH ladder with three knobbed bungee cords.

He did not want to cut the antenna cable. We could not locate a supplier with a variety of FME connectors - adding cable and connectors often decreases efficiency anyway. So, Fred made a pass-thru into our HHII. This mount gives me almost two feet of cable inside the HHII for connection to the AirCard in our wireless router. Our router is on a shelf behind our chairs. That give us a wireless network for our two computers.

The text on the photographs provides a lot of detail. Some additional information may be helpful to anyone wanting to use this mounting method.
-   cut about 2” off the 90 degree fitting so it does not scratch your RV
-   cement the conduit, 90 degree fitting and lower cap to keep rainwater out – DO NOT cement the upper cap so the antenna (and cap) can be removed for storage
-   drill out the interior of the RV door stop and smooth with a rattail file
-   measure from the window down (inside and outside) to insure you are above the floor level. Drill a ½” hole through your HH wall. The RV doorstop is tapered - use a rattail file to enlarge the inside and outside holes for a snug fit. Fred shortened the RV doorstop ¼” for a better appearance. Caulk around the RV doorstop inside and outside.
-   a double (single door) exterior electrical cover mounted horizontally protects the pass-thru from rainwater even when in use.

Pass the cable connector through slowly so it does not get damaged.

This arrangement has been working great for us.

 

1 antenna - antenna & cap text.JPG (36712 bytes)         2 antenna - cable access & 90 text.JPG (49957 bytes)

 

3 antenna - pass-thru doorstop text.JPG (59247 bytes)      4 antenna - pass-thru inside text.JPG (19308 bytes)      5 antenna - pass-thru outside text.JPG (15616 bytes)

 

  

 

 

 

In 2011, we upgraded to a 3G/4G external antenna. Fred permanently attached the antenna to 24" piece of conduit and used the same mast that was used with the Trucker antenna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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