How to get a good TV signal in a caravan

Although most caravan parks have plenty to keep you and the family entertained, sometimes nothing beats just curling up in front of the TV—especially after a long day of activities.

Whether it’s a classic film, series, or just a general flick through the channels, knowing how to get a good TV signal in a caravan means you’ll never be stuck for something to do while you’re away.

Caravans tend not to be particularly blessed with space, so parents—we needn’t remind you how useful the TV can be for keeping little ones entertained if they’re normally used to running around.

Static or tourer, we’ve got you covered.

How to get a good TV signal in a touring caravan

The best way to get terrestrial TV in a touring caravan is to mount your aerial as high up as possible, and there are several ways of doing this.

You should be able to either fix a pole to the jockey wheel or attach a separate pole mount to the side of the caravan. You also need to make sure you have a DVB-T receiver or a set-top box.

However, if you tour more into the wilderness, you’re probably better off installing a portable satellite dish.

You can also improve your TV signal by being clever with where you set up base. Unless you’re staying on a designated caravan park, you should aim for high, level ground in a clear area.

Ideally, you don’t want to be positioned too close to metal buildings or surrounded by tall trees, as these can obstruct signals, too.

How to get a good TV signal in a static caravan

If you have a static caravan, your approach to getting a decent TV signal needn’t change too much. However, certain things will, of course, be different to a tourer.

You’ll still need to make sure your chosen aerial is suitable, but you won’t be dealing with things like jockey wheels and so on.

Depending on when your static caravan was built and how modern it is, it’s likely fitting a TV aerial won’t be too dissimilar from fitting one for a traditional bricks and mortar home. You may already be familiar with this process.

Many static caravans also have plastic fascia boards on the exterior, making it easier to attach aerials. And since static caravans are (in theory) built of sturdier stuff, the foundations are generally solid for attaching a TV aerial and getting a good signal.

What is the best TV aerial for a caravan?

Regardless of what type of caravan you have, we’d always recommend a lightweight aerial. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to TV aerials, and there are multiple factors at play when choosing one for your caravan.

However, on the whole, the more lightweight the aerial, the better. Some of the best TV aerial manufacturers for caravans include:

• Vision
• Antiference
• Triax
• Fraccaro
• Televes

Omni-directional vs directional TV aerials

Another thing to consider when choosing a TV aerial for your caravan is whether an omni-directional or directional aerial is best suited—but what’s the difference between the two?

An omni-directional aerial collects signals in all directions and doesn’t necessarily need any specific alignment to work. A directional aerial is essentially the opposite in that it collects the maximum signal strength possible but only in one particular direction.

If you have a touring caravan, one benefit of an omni-directional aerial is that you won’t need to keep adjusting it every time you move sites. Instead, just retune your TV. However, searching multiple directions for signal means the aerial won’t focus on any one area in particular, which could weaken the output signal strength.

In contrast, directional aerials concentrate all efforts in one area for the best signal output.

Related: Omni-directional versus directional—what’s the difference?

How to get a good TV signal in a caravan: additional points

We’ve covered most of the basics already, but before we leave you to sort your TV signal, here are a few additional points you might want to also consider:

• Signal finders—these can help identify the strongest signals in your environment
• Higher-spec antennas and cables—these can detect signals from further away, providing a much broader range and a better chance of getting a good TV signal
• Signal boosters/amplifiers—do exactly what they say on the tin

Related: How to get a good TV signal in a caravan—4 top tips

Specialist caravan insurance with Ripe Caravans

Whether it’s a static or touring caravan you have, you might also want to consider caravan insurance—especially now that you have a working TV!

With Ripe, specialist caravan insurance covers your caravan up to the value of £75,000 (for tourers) and £175,000 for statics. You can also choose additional cover to protect your contents, such as TVs and awnings.

We also offer public liability and free accidental death cover (for tourers) up to £10,000. All policies are underpinned by the Ripe Guarantee to ensure you won’t find the same level of cover for a better price anywhere else.

Click here to learn more about specialist caravan insurance with Ripe, and get an online quote today.

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