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Topic: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover (Read 624 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Picked up an ADCO Tyvek cover that just covers the top of our LD over the winter months when we won’t be taking it out much. I’m planning on cleaning the roof prior to putting the cover on and also need to remove the antenna (not the TV antenna or Dish) and wanted to know if it just unscrews off at the base of what the proper procedure is before putting the cover on. Don’t want to rip the cover or damage the antenna. Is this the radio or CB antenna? It’s towards the front of the rig and is bare metal. Thanks in advance!
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
NE88 caravan club
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #1 –
My rig came with a radio and CB antenna and both will pivot horizontally when a screw at the base is loosened.
Steve
2003TK
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #2 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
Picked up an ADCO Tyvek cover that just covers the top of our LD over the winter months when we won’t be taking it out much. I’m planning on cleaning the roof prior to putting the cover on and also need to remove the antenna (not the TV antenna or Dish) and wanted to know if it just unscrews off at the base of what the proper procedure is before putting the cover on. Don’t want to rip the cover or damage the antenna. Is this the radio or CB antenna? It’s towards the front of the rig and is bare metal. Thanks in advance!
I am using an ADCO cover for the 2nd year and after the 1st year the two solar panels on my 30', which are lengthwise along the driver's side, both wore holes in the cover at the panel corners closest to the edge of the roof. These panels are close to the roof edge and there are no vent or a/c shrouds there to suspend the cover off of the panels. This is just a heads up. Potential damage will depend on the placement of the panels on your roof. I folded the antennas down and covered hinges with plastic food containers secured with duct tape. Anything that can potentially rub on the cover due to wind should be protected somehow. I patched the holes with left over EternaBond tape.

Chris 
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #3 –
These rubbery "solar panel corner protectors" might help avoid rubbing holes in a cover. Just a thought--as a full-timer I've never had a cover, so I haven't tried them in that application. (I did buy a set for other purposes.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #4 –
brewersarcade,
Your picture shows two metal antenna.  Usually  one for CB and one for AM / FM radio.  My experience indicates some will fold and some will Un screw from the base mount.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
These rubbery "solar panel corner protectors" might help avoid rubbing holes in a cover. Just a thought--as a full-timer I've never had a cover, so I haven't tried them in that application. (I did buy a set for other purposes.)
Cool! Thanks for the tip. Do they attach with adhesive?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #6 –
Yes, you'll need some kind of adhesive, and they don't come with any. It could be a sealant type such as 4200 or 5200, or maybe VHB tape. Since they're not load-bearing, it wouldn't take much. I'd probably go for a small dab of adhesive on each inner surface of the rubber corner. (I haven't applied mine yet, so I don't have firsthand experience.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #7 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
brewersarcade,
Your picture shows two metal antenna.  Usually  one for CB and one for AM / FM radio.  My experience indicates some will fold and some will Un screw from the base mount.

Thanks for this info! Ordered a set of the corner protectors as well. I’m also going to see if I can use some pieces of pool noodles for areas that may be sharp. We get some decent snows here in MD so I want to have a cover mainly for winter time.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
NE88 caravan club
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
I am using an ADCO cover for the 2nd year and after the 1st year the two solar panels on my 30', which are lengthwise along the driver's side, both wore holes in the cover at the panel corners closest to the edge of the roof. These panels are close to the roof edge and there are no vent or a/c shrouds there to suspend the cover off of the panels. This is just a heads up. Potential damage will depend on the placement of the panels on your roof. I folded the antennas down and covered hinges with plastic food containers secured with duct tape. Anything that can potentially rub on the cover due to wind should be protected somehow. I patched the holes with left over EternaBond tape.

Chris
Also, the genset exhaust end could rub on the cover. And if you exercise it the winter, be sure to fold and clamp the cover up above the exhaust tip while the genset is running.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #9 –
I have an ADCO cover and tarp the rig when I expect it to sit for at least 30 days (too much trouble for a week).  I loosen the set screw on the raidio antenna.  I Wash the rig, scrubbing the roof with an long handled auto brush and go over the sides with Wash/Wax All. I leave the tarp somewhat loose in hopes it doesn't chaff.  Over a couple of decades of using ADCO tarps on trailers and now the LD I developed a $100/year rule of thumb.  A $200 tarp lasts a couple of years and a $300 lasts about 3 years.  I figure a $100/yr budget and consider it a consumable.

YMMV
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
 
Re: How to remove antennas for a winter RV cover
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Also, the genset exhaust end could rub on the cover. And if you exercise it the winter, be sure to fold and clamp the cover up above the exhaust tip while the genset is running.

I went for the roof top cover style so its not rubbing on the entire rig. I want to protect it from standing snow over the winter when we most likely will have it sitting for longer than 30 days. I wanted to make sure I had easy access to the interior of the coach and the generator when I want to give it the monthly exercise session :D
RV Roof Covers, Tyvek ADCO RV Roof Covers
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
NE88 caravan club