My vinegard tv antenna leading vane folded back and broke after only 18000 miles of wind resistance. I am in the process of ordering a replacement head but would like to know if this is a common failure. It is located alongside of the front a/c and is thus protected from overhead obstructions when in its travel position. If I had dummied up and left it in its upright position and fouled it I would expect the mast to be damaged not the vane just bent back. Any preventative measures would be useful info to not have a repeat. RV is a 2011 Georgetown 300
The same thing just happened to ours. We were between Needles and Barstow on I40 in very high winds. DW noticed a noise vibration on the road, we saw it was bent when we got home.
I have been in very high headwinds, enough to trim the gas mileage rate considerably.. Another justification for staying off the road in windy conditions probably exist here
It sounds like the nut inside the crank has come loose. While you think the antenna is laying flat on the roof, it may actually raise due to the wind while driving. The loose nut does not allow the gearing to hold it down.
I have also noticed that some manufactures/dealers install the antenna wrong. The antenna lowers towards the front.
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
A very aerodynamic replacement would be the Jack antenna. It would not bend in high winds. It can mount on your Winegard windup arms. As good as the Winegard in VHF reception (majority of digital stations.) Maybe not quite as good in VHF reception. Here is a link. Jack Antenna Head
MNtundraRet wrote: I have also noticed that some manufactures/dealers install the antenna wrong. The antenna lowers towards the front.
You misread my statment. The antenna is suposed to go down facing the rear. I have seen some going down facing forward which means they were installed wrong.
You are wrong. Look at their manual when you crank it down it need to go down towards the rear of the RV.
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