Best RV Satellite Dishes for RVs and Tailgating

These antennas are all a little pricey, but they offer convenient features like multiple outputs and flexibility in service provider. Plus, they all have automatic satellite tracking, so they’ll search out a signal for you. Let’s take a look at the picks!

Best stationary satellite TV antenna for RV: Winegard TRAV'LER

If you’re looking for a powerful antenna with all the bells and whistles, the Winegard TRAV’LER is it. There are two versions, one for DIRECTV and one for DISH, and they support full HD programming for each provider. It also supports multiple receivers, so you can watch different programs on multiple TVs using just the one antenna—perfect for long camping trips with the extended family.

The main downside is that since each TRAV’LER is geared toward a single service provider, you’re essentially locked into either DISH or DIRECTV. And for installation, there’s no coax cable included to connect to your receiver, so you’ll need to supply your own.

For watching TV while you’re riding along in your RV, the Winegard RoadTrip offers the best overall experience. It’s the best option for folks who want entertainment while in-motion (the other satellite TV receiver dishes don’t work while the vehicle is moving). And it’s domed, so you don’t have to worry about scraping it on a tree branch or other campground items. And it supports both DISH and DIRECTV, so you have the freedom to choose your provider and switch whenever you like.

As a nice bonus, it’s available in both black and white, so you don’t have to ruin the look of your RV with an unmatched dish. Plus, this satellite TV antenna comes with a 25-foot coax cable and 25-foot power cable for easy installation.

Best satellite TV antenna for tailgating: KING One Pro

The KING One Pro is our pick for the best tailgating antenna for several reasons. First, it’s compatible with both DISH and DIRECTV, so you aren’t stuck with a single provider. Second, it’s fully automatic, so you’re ready to watch with just a button press—no need to fiddle with aiming the dish while your friends stare awkwardly. Finally, it’s got a super convenient handle that makes carrying the dish much easier while you find a setup spot with a clear view.

Check out all the KING satellite antennas on Amazon. 

You can get more than satellite dishes for more than TV in your RV. Satellite internet for RVs is now a possibility too, with Starlink RV. You can get both in-motion and stationary version of Starlink RV (now called Starlink Roam), but the in-motion equipment is particularly expensive. If its cost is too prohibitive, you can check out other ways to get internet for your RV.

If you just need portable internet to support your on-the-go adventures, check out our Portable Internet guide to check out your options. There are more than you think.

Satellite antennas are generally pretty straightforward devices, but there are a few important features you should look out for.

One of the biggest headaches with satellite dishes is aiming them to properly maximize signal strength. Automatic satellite dishes are able to track orbiting satellites and aim themselves to receive the strongest possible signal. These antennas generally cost more than their manual counterparts, but their ease of use more than makes up for it if you’re often changing locations (like traveling with an RV or sailing on a boat).

If you want to watch TV in your RV while you’re moving, you’ll need a special type of antenna with what’s known as a dome cover. The dome serves two purposes: it protects the antenna and it prevents the wind from causing interference. Domed dishes also make handy portable antennas for tailgating or camping thanks to the dome’s protection.

Not every satellite antenna that supports DIRECTV can receive an HD signal—even if you have an HD receiver. Due to the type of signal DIRECTV uses for HD programming, an antenna needs a special receiver. For this reason, most universal dishes that support both DISH and DIRECTV support only standard definition DIRECTV programming.

If you want to watch DIRECTV in HD, you’ll need an antenna specifically designed for it’s signal, and these typically work with only DIRECTV. That’s the reason the Winegard TRAV’LER has two versions: one fully supports DISH, while the other fully supports DIRECTV.

If you’re a DIRECTV customer, make sure you double-check the specs for any antenna you’re considering to make sure you can get the most out of your service.

There are several great satellite antennas on the market, depending on how you want to use them. If you’re looking for an RV-mounted dish, the Winegard TRAV’LER or RoadTrip are excellent options. If you’re looking for a portable antenna for tailgating and camping, the KING One Pro is just the ticket.

The KING One Pro is the best portable satellite dish for its universal compatibility, convenient carrying handle, and automatic tracking.

No, your DISH Tailgater won’t work with DIRECTV. For DIRECTV compatibility, you either need a universal antenna like the KING One Pro or a DIRECTV-specific dish like the Winegard TRAV’LER.

DIRECTV does sell a portable satellite dish kit, but you can also buy more advanced dishes from other manufacturers like KING and Winegard that are both portable and powerful. Check out Winegard’s tailgating dishes.

You can get several Ku-band antennas for satellite TV and some for internet, but there aren’t any Ku band satellite dishes that work for both internet and TV. You’ll need a separate Ku-band dish for your satellite TV service and another for your internet.

No, the DISH Playmaker Dual satellite TV dish doesn’t work while you’re in motion—you must have the vehicle parked for the satellite antenna to pick up a signal. This model is a good option for tailgating (with a tripod) or for roof mounting on your RV (although bear in mind that your passengers can’t get a signal while the vehicle is moving).

No, most satellite dish antennas made by Prodelin are not designed to be used for satellite TV in RVs. Prodelin manufacturers quality satellite dishes for satellite internet service and TV, but they are not designed for in-motion use or for mounting on an RV.