Do we need an aerial?

[BritAussie]

We are getting a new Knaus Boxstar 540 soon and it doesn’t have an aerial. Our dilemma is whether it is worth paying £350’ish for the dealer to fit an aerial, tv bracket and booster box, plus pay a similar amount for a tv, or whether there is another option to consider? I’m sad to say I don’t really understand modern technology options such as mifi, fire sticks, iptv contracts, etc, etc.

can anyone explain in simple terms what other options we could consider - or should we just bite the bullet and pay the money for an old fashioned TV set up? Thanks in advance!

 

[suavecarve]

Personal decision i think.
If you watch less than diddly squat telly and can make do with the news on a laptop then youre good to go but you might need enough GB of data to satisfy that need.
However, when you come to sell your van, the buyer may take money off the lack of aerial and TV so it might be worth doing to be able to use it in the meantime.
Aerial is up to £100. (comes with amps) or possibly as low as £50 or even a tenner if you buy one you can hang out the window on a magnet through the roof
Bracket is £20 or less
Tv £150 (19 inch 12 volt and a bit of internet searching)

Even if you paid a handyman a ton to fit it for you (only takes about an hour or 2 if everything is set up) it might be worth considering and you can use it in the meantime.

So it is entirely possible to set up a TV with bracket, (Possibly 6 self tappers) for less than £200 including aerial and no need for a handyman

 

[pappajohn]

If you don't understand internet based TV then part with your money and have a TV fitted.....you're going to need one for internet TV anyway unless you use a laptop

 

[Stealaway]

I thought all UK dealers fitted a TV aerial FOC. Mine does

 

[suavecarve]

I thought all UK dealers fitted a TV aerial FOC. Mine does

Roller Team didnt. I was taken a bit aback by it and obviously didnt read it thinking it was a "gimme" but I was wrong.

Hence I know the prices !!!!

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[Gaston aires]

We use a small amplified stick Ariel, £12 off eBay. Brilliant reception nearly all the time. It seems to work the WiFi better as well.
Phil

 

[BritAussie]

Personal decision i think.
If you watch less than diddly squat telly and can make do with the news on a laptop then youre good to go but you might need enough GB of data to satisfy that need.
However, when you come to sell your van, the buyer may take money off the lack of aerial and TV so it might be worth doing to be able to use it in the meantime.
Aerial is up to £100. (comes with amps) or possibly as low as £50 or even a tenner if you buy one you can hang out the window on a magnet through the roof
Bracket is £20 or less
Tv £150 (19 inch 12 volt and a bit of internet searching)

Even if you paid a handyman a ton to fit it for you (only takes about an hour or 2 if everything is set up) it might be worth considering and you can use it in the meantime.

So it is entirely possible to set up a TV with bracket, (Possibly 6 self tappers) for less than £200 including aerial and no need for a handyman

Thanks - I’m sure my partner could fit something himself but he’s concerned about affecting the warranty. I’m assuming that putting a permanent aerial to the roof requires a hole to be made? I have seen reviews on the magnetic aerials which suggest signals are pretty reliable so it may be worth a go. In terms of how much tv watching - not a lot unless the weather is cr@p! Plus the tv would need to be in front dinette, which is great when eating, etc but for watching the news first thing in the morning in bed, etc would need to be via tablets, so I’m thinking could we not just use them all the time?

 

[BritAussie]

We use a small amplified stick Ariel, £12 off eBay. Brilliant reception nearly all the time. It seems to work the WiFi better as well.
Phil

Thanks - I’m going to look into those - just not sure about cables trailing everywhere through window / roof hatch, but am sure we could work that out. Do you have a tv or do you use tablets, laptop etc?

 

[BritAussie]

I thought all UK dealers fitted a TV aerial FOC. Mine does

Certainly our dealer didn’t mention that! Webb’s of Reading.

 

[BritAussie]

If you don't understand internet based TV then part with your money and have a TV fitted.....you're going to need one for internet TV anyway unless you use a laptop

Thanks - well it’s the laptop / tablet alternative I’m wondering about. We just don’t really understand what is needed to make those work in the best way. I’m sure we could figure it out but need to make the decision on aerial fitting etc now as the van is in the workshop.

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[Gaston aires]

Thanks - I’m going to look into those - just not sure about cables trailing everywhere through window / roof hatch, but am sure we could work that out. Do you have a tv or do you use tablets, laptop etc?

Mainly TV but a Huawei dongle as well.
it’s power is by usb connection on the tv, and it’s sits inside the van. I often think how amazing this is for the money.
It works as well as any outside aerial we ever had.
Phil

 

[Blue Knight]

We are getting a new Knaus Boxstar 540 soon and it doesn’t have an aerial. Our dilemma is whether it is worth paying £350’ish for the dealer to fit an aerial, tv bracket and booster box, plus pay a similar amount for a tv, or whether there is another option to consider? I’m sad to say I don’t really understand modern technology options such as mifi, fire sticks, iptv contracts, etc, etc.

can anyone explain in simple terms what other options we could consider - or should we just bite the bullet and pay the money for an old fashioned TV set up? Thanks in advance!

You could try a Necvox ANT-536 for £35. It has a strong magnet which sticks to the roof even in extreme winds.

Here's a few more ideas ;-)

Which aerial or dome for our PVC?

We have an omnidirectional aerial, looks like a car aerial, which moves in the wind and pixelates the Avtex TV Knowing how Mike hates tuning things in (our first suitcase satellite dish nearly went into the bin) we need something 1. which will tune in easily, preferably on its own 2. Does...

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