4 Quick Tips on Buying An RV Antenna: What To Look For

Let’s talk antennas for an RV!

We interviewed two RV industry veterans to get their best advice on picking an RV antenna. And then we asked our parent readers for their real-world feedback. Along the way, we came up with these tips to consider:

• Metal versus plastic. RV antennas are either made of metal (typically aluminum) or plastic. Based on research testing reports we looked at for this article, both types perform at about the same level. The issue is durability, as plastic can crack or degrade over time. That said, the plastic antennas we recommend in this article are from reputable brands that have a good track record for durability.

• Future proof technology. Older style RV antennas just brought in VHF/UHF channels, which many TV stations are now phasing out in favor of digital/HD signals. We eliminated older style antennas from this article in order to future-proof this purchase. Another tip: choose an antenna with 4G LTE filters. These signals can interfere with TV reception; the best RV antennas have a filter for this issue.

• Replacing a stock antenna. Many RV folks buy a new TV antenna to replace their factory or stock antenna. The best RV antennas have shafts for different roof thickness that make this swap easier.

• How easy is it to rotate? No matter how great your RV antenna is, you may have to rotate it to get the best signal—some antennas make this easier than others. Another tip: use self-leveling caulk to install an RV antenna to ensure the new antenna sits flat on the roof.

Here are the best RV antennas we found in our research:

Best Easy Install: Winegard RV-3095 Sensar III Batwing Amplified RV TV Antenna

This metal bat-wing style antenna is super easy to install—especially if you are replacing an older style Wineguard. That’s because they have the same screw-hole pattern. 

What We Liked

• Inside hand crank is easy to use to change direction.

• Picks a good many channels, including HDTV local broadcasts.

• Easy to install.

• Excellent range.

• Metal design is durable.

What Needs Work

• A bit heavy at 10 lbs.

Best Range: KING OA8500 Jack HDTV Directional Over-the-Air Antenna

When we asked our readers for their favorite RV antennas, this model by KING came recommended time and again—especially for folks who like exploring more remote areas on their RV trips. This antenna has excellent range, thanks to long-range signal finder electronics.

What We Liked

• Excellent for remote areas.

• Great picture and range.

• Clear picture.

• Only weighs 2.6 lbs.

• Built-in signal finder is helpful.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Best Low Profile: Winegard RZ-6000 Rayzar z1 RV TV Antenna

If you have a taller RV and are already pushing the height limit, a lower profile RV antenna makes more sense. After looking at seven different alternatives, we decided this model by Winegard is the best bet for most folks. At less than 9″ tall, you won’t have to worry about it hitting trees if you are in a tight space.

What We Liked

• Sturdy.

• Low profile.

• Easy to install.

• Small footprint.

• Easy to rotate.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Best Budget-Friendly:  KING OA1000 OmniPro Portable Omnidirectional HDTV Over-the-Air Antenna with Mount

Yes, RV antennas can get rather pricey—but we did find one of our reader favorite choices to be a decent choice if you are on a tight budget—King’s omnidirectional HDTV antenna. It works well without denting your wallet, say our readers.

What We Liked

• Easy to install.

• Good range and image quality.

• Good wind resistance.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t work as well in rural areas as other longer-range models.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!