McleoR0
United States
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Joined: 06/12/2009
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I recently pull the cover off my RV and install the Wingman RV-WING UHF Add-On. The installation was easier than I thought, however when I tried to lower my Antenna and my existing Air Conditioner was in the way (tail end of Wingman)preventing the antenna from retracting fully.I was really looking forward to this upgrade. Is there something I overlooked and/or modifications to correct this problem
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othertonka
Stockton, CA
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Joined: 11/15/2003
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I am afraid it won't work due to the orientation of your antenna in the down position. It can only go on one way. On mine the antenna head has the arms and coax on the AC side so there is plenty of room to add the Wingman because to points away from the AC. I can't see that there is any way to turn the antenna head around due to the way the arms have to be attached. I hope they will take it back. Too bad because the wingman does work. I don't know if there is/was a warning about this problem included with the wingman instructions, but there should be in my opinion
I just looked at the wingman instructions and it states to allow 10 inches clearance between the antenna and any obstructions or the edge of the roof.
Wingman
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS 8.1 Workhorse chassis
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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Mine did the same. When lowered it pointed TOWARDS the A/C. If I remember you need 10 inches of clearance in order for the antenna to lower down onto the roof without the wingman striking anything (A/C, roof vents, refrigerator vent, etc.). When I installed mine it would strike the A/C cover because I didnt have the minimum clearance needed. My choices were cut on the Wingman (didnt want to because I just bought it and I didnt want to alter it and take a chance of diminishing reception/performance) OR cut on the two antenna masts because the 6 inches of reduced elevation wont make a wit of difference. I removed the masts (square aluminum tubing) and cut 6" off of each tube and redrilled the holes for the pivot pins and the coax cable exit. I reinstalled the plastic anti-chafe bushing and the now shorter masts and viola' everything works just fine and now MORE TV reception! My antenna is now 6 shorter than before when fully raised (or lowered for that matter)
Even if others say it cannot be done, IT CAN. Bring it over and let me show you how.
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foosh1
Annapolis MD
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Joined: 11/19/2009
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Yes, the Wingman instructions clearly state that you have to have sufficient clearance on your roof so that it clears a/c units, vents, etc., in the stowed position.
On the positive side, if you can find a way to make it work, it is an amazingly cheap, enhancement to your OTA reception. I didn't believe it and was a total skeptic until I was convinced to try it.
08 Winnebago Journey 39Z, Cummins ISB 350 & Allison 3000MH
US Gear Unified Braking System, Blue Ox tow equipment
10 Wrangler Toad
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Dutch_12078
Great Sacandaga Lake, NY
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You may be able to unscrew and reseat the antenna base with the arms angled away from the AC cover just enough to provide the clearance you need.
Dutch
1995 Coachmen Catalina 322QBXL
F53 chassis, 460 V8, TST TPMS
Quadra Bigfoot EZE Levelers
2002 Toyota RAV4 AWD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/Blue Ox baseplate
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SCVJeff
Santa Clarita, CA.
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10" is insurance. 9" is closer
Do a deep search on Wingman and you'll find a couple of folks that reversed their batwings on the mast and they work fine.
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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Im just sayin' what Winegard says: 10" whether it is 9 or 10 is subjective.
The zero point of your taping measure is in the wrong spot. It should be against the head, not the base of the wingman, which should be included in the measurement.
I know, maybe I am nitpicking- probably because I havent had some coffee yet.
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RLS7201
Some Where
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Joined: 10/26/2002
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I did as Dutch_12078 suggested. Scrape off all the old caulking, remove the mounting screws, re-index the antenna. Install screws and re-caulk. You will also need to re-index the alignment ring on the ceiling.
Richard
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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YEs, there is no reason you can't reverse the Batwing
You can also cut the last director element off the wingman (in the photo up-thread you'd cut at about the 5 inch mark) This will slightly reduce it's performance but it will still be much better than without the wingman
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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modmidget
Woodland, CA
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Joined: 05/09/2002
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I shortened my antenna mast about 3" or 4" and installed the Wingman. It works great and I get a lot of new channels.
To some it's a six pack, to me it's a support group.
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