The RV life on the road can be exciting. But at some point, you have to park your trailer and take a break. In those time A TV can help you entertain yourself. And you need to have a good signal otherwise it can get quite hard to watch TV with all the places you will be traveling to.
The KING OA8500 Antenna is one of the best in its class as it strikes the perfect balance between feature packed and budget-friendly. You will not be dissatisfied with the service this antenna provides.
It is one of the best. But there are others just as good. While you can definitely go with this one, I highly recommend that you check out the other options on this list too. They all have their strengths and weaknesses so taking a good look at all of them will give you an idea as to which one is the right choice for you.
The 8 Best RV TV Antennas
These are the 8 best antennas I’ve used throughout my years of living on the road. And, from the customer reviews themselves you can tell that I’m not the only one that recommends these.
This is my best overall pick for a few different reasons. This might not be the most advanced or feature-packed one out there, but this delivers quality performance within a very pocket friendly budget range. All while being not too complicated.
The instructions are easy, the installation is also easy. You can install this and start enjoying your favorite programs on the road in no time. You will not even need any kind of professional help. All of this together makes this the best pick on this list.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8.9 inches
- Weight: 2.6lbs
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 80 Miles
Features:
Great Build: This is not the widest or largest of antennas and that is for good reason. It has a sturdy and stable build. With industrial-grade quality, you can go into rough terrain or harsh weather without having to worry about the antenna being damaged.
Resistance To Interruptions: With the lower height build and stable weight this antenna does not sway in the wind or get knocked by branches while driving. With its network locking technology, it can easily maintain a stable connection for low interruptions.
Easy Rotation: There is an indoor dial that helps you rotate the antenna without going outside. This antenna also does not have any dead zones so you can always rely on the signal to be crystal clear.
Pros:
- Stable connections always
- Easy to use
- Sturdy and strong build
- Resistant to interruptions
Cons:
- Less feature-packed than others
- Pricey compared to other feature-packed models
This is another solid option for those who want a bit more stability in their signals but don’t mind added weight or a smaller active range. The RZ-6000 Rayzar has a heavy build with added short small antennas, which gives you an added signal boost.
The downside of this antenna is its added weight. It is about twice the weight of the previous entry in this list. So you have to be careful as to where you are mounting it. A weak mount can mean that you risk it falling off.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 14.7 x 16.25 x 8.4 inches
- Weight: 5.75lbs
- Type: Outdoors
- Range: 50 Miles
Features:
Added Stability: The extra antenna bands on this unit gives you increased network stability. This means your channels appear crystal clear without any jitters or static. You can rely on it to capture the network in range properly without any hassles.
Weather Resistant: The Rayzar comes with a protective coating which means it is highly resistant to all sorts of weather damage. UV rays from the sun, rain, snow, can handle all sorts of harsh weather without sustaining any damage.
Aerodynamic Design: While it is on the heavier side it is still very slick and slim. The design is very aerodynamic which means it does not succumb to wind resistance. This is a very helpful thing to have when you are driving for long hours.
Pros:
- Stable networks
- Aerodynamic design
- Highly durable
Cons:
- A bit on the heavier side
- Has relative lower range
If you are looking for a more lightweight option that can be used elsewhere, this antenna is the one you are looking for. It is a lightweight and small antenna that is very similar in design to the old traditional antennas we are familiar with. But it does not cheap out on modern features.
Its lightweight design with modern features makes this antenna both aesthetically pleasing and great for everyday use. You can expect omnidirectional signal strength for uninterrupted sessions with your favorite TV programs.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16.61 x 15.07 x 6.42 inches
- Weight: 4lbs
- Type: Outdoors
- Range: 75 Miles
Features:
Omni Directional: This has an omnidirectional design that helps it capture signals from all directions without any sort of rotation. You do not need to worry about adjusting it to capture the signals properly.
Low Profile: The design is much more in line with a traditional TV antenna, which is what some people prefer. It looks clean and low profile and blends in well. You do not need to worry about a large footprint with this antenna.
Can Be Used Domestically Too: With how this antenna is designed, you do not need to think about where you are using it. You can use it both while camping in an RV or your brick-and-mortar house. The experience is the same in both scenarios.
Pros:
- Low profile design
- Omni directional
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- Flimsy build
- A bit complex installation
This option is on the pricier side of the spectrum. But if you want something that is more feature-packed and works with your Dish subscription then this is a great antenna for you. You can mount it on the roof of your house or RV. All parts are included.
You will need a Dish subscription with this satellite antenna. This unit helps you access a subscription-based tv service while on the road. Very helpful if you feel like you are missing out while on camping trips.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 22.7 x 20 x 16.2 inches
- Weight: 13.2lbs
- Type: Outdoor Satellite
- Range: 40 Miles
Features:
Feature Packed: This is a highly feature-packed satellite antenna for those who are searching for something more than just channel surfing on the available network. This antenna really brings home entertainment with you on the road. You can expect to see a lot of features that you wouldn’t otherwise expect in an RV antenna.
Highly Portable: This satellite antenna is very versatile. You can use it mounted on the roof of your RV, at your home, or even campsites with tents. You can use the included coaxial cable to set up the satellite outdoors to enjoy your Dish subscription anywhere.
Works With Your Dish Subscription: A lot of people have a dish subscription at home, and with this antenna, they can take that same subscription on the road and enjoy all the amazing services Dish provides.
Pros:
- Feature-packed
- Works with Dish
- Can use anywhere
Cons:
- Locked to Dish subscription service
- The unit is very heavy
While the previous option is great for Dish users, it leaves others blank. For users of DirecTV however, there is the VQ4800 Quest Pro. This offers the same high-quality experience from King with a ton of features and amazing network strength.
You can use this anywhere and access your DirecTV subscription to enjoy your preferred entertainment in the highest quality possible. You can mount this anywhere you want and even set it up outdoors with the coaxial cable.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 8lbs
- Type: Outdoor Satellite
- Range: 40 Miles
Features:
Great Picture Quality: With this satellite antenna using DirecTV, you can expect HD and Full HD quality channels wherever you go. You do not have to make any compromises to the quality of your entertainment just because you are on the road.
Highly Versatile: You can basically use this anywhere, mounted to a roof or not. It can use the DirecTV network and connect you to your favorite channels even when you set it up on the ground.
Works With Your DirecTV Subscription: You might already have a DirecTV subscription you use at your home. Why not bring that with you while on the road? You can do that with this satellite antenna. There is no need to buy a separate subscription. You can use the same subscription while on the road or at home.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Great picture quality
- Works anywhere
Cons:
- Locked to DirecTV subscription service
- The unit is quite heavy
This is a great low-profile option for those who are looking for an indoor antenna. This has a very low-profile pad-like build. You can just throw it anywhere the signal is strong or hang it on the wall or ceiling. Anything will work. One of the simplest installations and setup processes out there.
The ultra-thin antenna bands make this basically invisible. It comes with suction pads so you can stick it anywhere. The ultra-thin antenna bands pick up signals very efficiently. The low-profile design does not compromise signal quality.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 7 inches
- Weight: Under 1lbs
- Type: Indoor
- Range: 50 Miles
Features:
Ultra-Light Design: This indoor antenna from Winegard has one of the lightest and most low-profile designs out there. You can put it anywhere inside your RV and not have a large protrusion ruining the view. It is almost invisible.
Low Noise Amplifier: Indoor antennas can often be bothersome with the noise their amplifier produces. But that is not the issue with this model, this comes with a low noise amplifier that boosts the signal without causing any kind of annoying noise.
Almost No Installation: You do not need to mount this anywhere. No need to fiddle around with screws, bolts, or any kind of mounting mechanism. You can just put it on the table or stick it onto a wall with the suction cups and you are good to go.
Pros:
- Super low profile
- Easy to install
- Low noise amplifier
Cons:
- Build can feel flimsy to some
- The suction cups deteriorate over time
This antenna is the jack of all trades. This comes with a few different mounting mechanisms. And with the help of those, you can mount this anywhere. On the wall, on a table, rooftop, the exterior of your RV; indoors or outdoors does not matter, as long as you can mount it there, it will work.
With a respectable 65 Mile range, this is also a strong antenna. You can expect to pick-up crystal-clear signals without a hassle as it does not have any dead zones and is omnidirectional.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 3.66 x 14.96 inches
- Weight: 5lbs
- Type: Indoor and Outdoor
- Range: 65 Miles
Features:
Works Both Indoors and Outdoors: You can use this both indoors and outdoors, so it is basically up to your preference as to where you want to put the antenna. In both cases, this antenna will pick up signals flawlessly.
Flexibility In Mounting Options: This can be mounted in any way you want. The included mounts, stickers, pins; all work amazingly, you can even screw it in place or not even mount it. It is perfectly usable even when just put on a table.
Ready For Multi Usage: A lot of antennas need extra setup if you want to use them with multiple TVs. But this one is ready for at least 2 TVs straight out of the box.
Pros:
- Can use with multiple TVs directly
- Works both indoors and outdoors
- Low profile design
Cons:
- The signal is weaker indoors
- Has trouble picking up signals in remote areas
If you want a super small wall-mounted indoor TV antenna for your RV trips, then this is the one you are looking for. This is so compact and small it will almost feel like you have no antenna at all. This small antenna still packs a big punch as it supports all kinds of networks and supports HD quality too.
It is also relatively simple to mount on the wall too. No need for any kind of large power tools, everything can be done in under 30 minutes with the included instructions. It also has reversible black and white sides so you can make it blend in even more by matching colors. This antenna is built to be super low profile.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 6.75 x 13 inches
- Weight: Under 1lbs
- Type: Indoor
- Range: 40 Miles
Features:
Super Compact Design: This one is the smallest antenna in this entire list. It is so small that anyone not looking for it will not even notice that there is an antenna. This is helpful when you want to set up an indoor antenna as you do not want it sticking out like a sore thumb.
Easy To Install: With both traditional and adhesive mounts, you can install it however you want. There are included instructions in the box that will help you install everything in under half an hour. No need for any kind of professional help, you can do it all on your own.
Highly Compatible: This small antenna packs a lot of power. You can expect it to work with almost any TV and any network. It works with old TVs as well as new smart TVs, all without any kind of hassle.
Pros:
- Very compact Design
- Works with any device
- Multiple mounting options
Cons:
- Weak build quality
- Needs to be near windows to capture signal properly
Are TV Antennas Even Necessary If You Have Wifi?
Yes, indeed. Especially if you are always on the road. In your house you can get wired Internet which has higher speeds and stable connections. You can easily stream things with those. But, on the road, data plans and satellite net are your only options. And these are often unstable and interrupt your recreational time.
When you are always on the move, you are more likely to go out of range of your provider. And sometimes there may not even be an explanation for why your internet is down. On top of that, data plans and satellite internet are very expensive. And unless you really need them, getting them for only TV watching is a waste of cash.
Unless you’re a heavy internet user, you are better off with buying small economic data plans and buying an antenna for your TV. Also note many campgrounds have cable tv and Internet hookups.
Conclusion
I hope you are able to decide which one of these options you want to set up on your RV. If not, then my best pick is still the KING OA8500 Antenna and I suggest you go with that if you are still on the fence.
