I must be getting too strong for my age. :D ... I went to crank up the batwing and as I went to rotate the Batwing direction the crank handle and directional handle came off into my hand. Of course the necessary spring(s?) and nylon bearing flew off somewhere yet to be determined in the MH. I just uploaded into the forum Files section a copy of the Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna Installation & Operation Manual which also has a nice parts diagram. I'll spend a bit more time searching for the wayward spring & bearing before opting for a replacement part.
Ron,
Recently replace the antenna on my old trailer. If you need a part I think I may still have the bits and pieces.
Keith
Mine just did the same thing. Think I have found all the parts and will file the shaft flat in one spot so it won't come off again or at least for a while. A big hardware store may have something you could use in their bins. The whole assembly does not give one much confidence as plastic seems ready to break each time I crank on it.
To Quote Pierce: "The whole assembly does not give one much confidence as plastic seems ready to break each time I crank on it."
Pierce: Have you tried spraying the mechanism (from on the roof) with a silicone or dry lubricant? I had the same concern when cranking, as there was considerable resistance. You will need a crescent wrench to loosen the plastic hex head cover at the base of the mount. I can't remember if it works best with the antenna raised or lowered, but will be immediately apparent once you are on the roof. A holler to your better half will save another trip up and down the ladder. Once hex cover is removed, you can see the spiral threads and just spray down in there. It greatly reduced the resistance when cranking. Lasts for a couple years.
I'll spend a bit more time searching for the wayward spring & bearing before opting for a replacement part.
Been there, done that.
Most RV sales facilities have these parts for the batwing antenna. It is a very popular item and our miscues are frequent, it seems.
Don,
Have not tried that one. Never liked the way it juddered going up or down but am too ADHD to remember to do anything about it.
Have it on my list now.
Thanks, good tip!
Pierce, like Don suggested I added that PM to my list. At least once per year I would remove the plastic nut on the roof and spray the whole thing down including the lift and lower gears with silicone. I makes a big difference. And Horace is right, most RV stores have the handles, springs, worm gear and ratchet gear in stock. That probably tells you that these parts break often.
The first time we attempted to use the batwing antennae in this coach, It almost refused to move. We did not ask it to. then, going down a bumpy bit of road, the whole thing flew apart and ricocheted around the coach. We have put it together, but do not use it until we can give it some "love".
I found the spring!!! :) My strength is still getting the better of me. When I tightened the hex screw on the handle I heard a troubling crack. 'seems I created a potential new problem by repairing the old. The good news is that I may not be the only one with experience in this area.
Thanks for the suggestions to check the local camping store. ^.^d I have a CW about 5 miles down the road from my home base.
Ron, after you replace the handle, raise the antenna and put some never seize on the gears.