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Topic: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off (Read 1330 times) previous topic - next topic

Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

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 Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #1 –
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
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Ron Sedgley –
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.



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.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #3 –
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.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #4 –
 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.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #5 –
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 and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Don Hay –
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.

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 selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #7 –
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". 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Keith and Joyce –
Recently replace the antenna on my old trailer.  If you need a part I think I may still have the bits and pieces.

Keith
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp Jr. –
Most RV sales facilities have these parts for the batwing antenna. It is a very popular item and our miscues are frequent, it seems.

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 Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Winegard Sensar RV TV Antenna handle fell off

Reply #9 –
Ron, after you replace the handle, raise the antenna and put some never seize on the gears.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094