Skip to main content
Tiffin Motorhomes Knowledge Base

Winegard Travler

clipboard_efbf017eb015359cbed680946519c07a6.png

Before Installing the Antenna

clipboard_e0ec292edf3fa8d74b4c4f4465702206d.png

Specifications

clipboard_e0623bfbd3a8b71b4c1d25e3b9ca91570.png

Safety Recommendations

Do not attempt to install this system in the rain or under any wet conditions. Moisture may affect electronics and void your warranty.

Do not paint this antenna. Painting the TRAV'LER antenna will void your warranty.

Pay attention to the pinch points as the antenna raises. The pinch points should be labeled on the antenna (see fig. 2).

clipboard_ee23fa08c30fe5e565e2bdb31bd7b1df8.png

Clearance Requirements

The arm of the TRAV'LER antenna extends 32.5" from the center of the base and may operate only 8" above the surface to which the TRAV'LER antenna is mounted. To ensure you have adequate clearance for the TRAV'LER antenna to safely operate, check that there are no obstructions taller than 8" within 32.5" of the center of the base.

Also, check that there are no obstructions (such as tree limbs) above the antenna that will prevent it from raising. At its highest point, the antenna will extend to 37" above the roof to which it is mounted (see fig. 3).

clipboard_ed837228c48531b25519f79adde7f7412.png

Parts

clipboard_e2924be77e65d649d03a40232a9bc56a6.png

Choosing a Location for the Antenna

1. For best performance and to reduce signal acquisition time, park the vehicle on a level surface that is free of obstructions such as trees or large buildings. Make sure you have a clear view of the southern sky.

2. Before removing the TRAV'LER antenna from its box, contract your RV dealer or manufacturer. Your RV may be pre-wired or have a reinforced area for this system.

3. Then, choose a location on the roof that meets the following requirements:

a. Offers enough support for a secure installation

b. Allows dish to raise and rotate without interference from other roof-mounted equipment.

c. Has a minimum roof space of 42" x 25" for the antenna (see fig. 4).

d. Lacks obstructions taller than 8" mounted within a 23.5" radius from the center of the TRAV'LER base

e. Has a gap of less than 3/16" between the bottom of the antenna and the roof.

clipboard_e4b22869b558c7a40fe7827bbcac133c4.png

f. Is within 5 degrees of level, or the system may require more time to locate satellitis (for bes toperation, must be within 3 degrees of level).

clipboard_e49dcf33d794112941932668766f98310.png

Choosing a Location for Cables to Enter the Vehicle

Once you have chosen a location for the TRAV'LER antenna, choose a location for the cables to enter the vehicle. Keep in mind the following:

1. The TRAV'LER interface box must plug into a well-ventilated 110V outlet.

2. the 24" AC power cord must be long enough to extend from the outlet to the interface box power supply, which will then connect to the interface box.

3. The 30' control cable must be long enough to extend from the mount base to the interface box.

4. One 30' coax cable will need to be run from the mount base to each receiver inside the vehicle. Note that the provided coax cables only include a connector on one end.

5. Wires should not be run through the striped area (see fig. 5). Anything in the striped area will interfere with the operation of the TRAV'LER antenna and may cause damage to the object or to the antenna.

Make sure cables are long enough to reach their destination points inside the vehicle. For cable runs longer than 30', an extension may be purchased. Winegard recommends using Model CL-SK26 25' extension cable. Do not exceed 55' of cable!

clipboard_e12247d620fe30690ff1c37d4c1f99cbf.png

clipboard_e6197b9c8d83039bfeb34059b79d2ac29.png

clipboard_e4e2ae7ec3aaddc512ea9e90cab8771a4.png

 

Installing the Antenna

1. Place th TRAV'LER antenna on the roof where you plan to install it. On the mount base, the transition plate is marked "FRONT" and "BACK". Rotate the TRAV'LER antenna until the front of the mount base faces the front of the RV. The TRAV'LER antenna must be installed on or parallel to the centerline of the coach. See figure 6.

clipboard_e2101a07dccc5b25585f4c4b349c3ef10.png

clipboard_e11e7a7b32afab1be9e384c0393f1f92c.png

2. Verify that the marked "FONT" of the transition plate is facing the front of the vehicle (see fig. 7).

clipboard_e856f4ec19fba03c86b81e3f1d1580234.png

3. Mark the location where the nine screw holes will go. It is important that you can see these marks on the roof of the RV. Then, move the mount base out of the installation area. It is recommended that you do not pre-drill the screw holes at this time.

4. To prevent water from getting into the mount base, use a solid line of approved sealant to connect the marks in the shape of the base. This step must be completed, or the unit will fail due to corrosion. Replace the TRAV'LER antenna base.

5. Before using the supplied mounting screws, check with your vehicle manufacturer for any special screw requirements. Then, screw the antenna base to the roof using nine mounting screws.

6. Run a solid bead of sealant around the edge where the transition plate meets the roof, making sure the cover each screw head. Be careful not to get any sealant above the transition plate.

Overall Setup

1. Drill a 1" hole in the roof, and push the power/control cable and coax cables through the hole. Place the supplied cable entry plate over the hole and cables, and screw the plate in place using eight of the supplied mounting screws. Seal the plate and screw holes with approved sealant (not included).

clipboard_e423dcc87d7fecd937f70197f8188d3ba.png

2. Connect the power/control cable running from the mount base to the "DC OUT/ANT. COMM." port of the interface box.

3. Connect the power supply to the "DC IN" port of the interface box.

4. Connect one end of the AC power cord to the power supply and the other end to a 110V outlet.

5. Connect a coax cable from the mount base to each receiver. The receiver(s) should already be connected to the TV(s). Note that the provided coax cable only includes a connector on one end.

Installing the Reflector

Once the sealant around the cable entry plate has begun to cure, check that there is nothing above the unit that might prevent the antenna from raising. Then, follow the instructions to raise the antenna for reflector installation. In some cases you may be able to install the reflector with the unit in the stowed position; if so, skip to step 3.

1. Press "POWER" and hold for two seconds to turn on the iclipboard_ec95fb8757fd9e4369e02b2ce913b7ddd.pngnterface box. Wait until the interface box finishes "connecting to antenna." The TRAV'LER antenna may enter the search routine after ten seconds. Pay attention to the pinch points as the antenna raises.

2. As the antenna raises, press "POWER" and "SELECT" at the same time. The antenna should stop moving.

3. Line up the four holes on the reflector with the four holes on the mounting bracket. Insert the four reflector bolts through the four holes on the front of the reflector. Thread a nut onto each bolt, and tighten the nut.

4. Press and hole "POWER" for two seconds to power on the unit. Press "POWER" again until the interface displays "Stowing"; this should lower the antenna to the stowed/travel position.

clipboard_ece8c6d0ad9f70e108a790d8d4f63af6f.png

clipboard_eb037bc1330eccfb5b86ea8fa8b68a52f.png

Operation for DISH Users

The TRAV'LER antenna offers a simple one-button operation. Simply press "POWER," and the antenna will automatically begin searching for satellites. The instructions assume that the antenna is already in the stowed position.

clipboard_eec0739950b296dbdcca418219f984495.png

User Menu

The interface includes a user menu for some advanced features. The options most commonly used are the ability to change the dish type, check software/hardware versions, change desired satellite configuration, or manually move the dish.

clipboard_ec71e21503ee6c823858bb627839a01e0.png

Ready to Travel?

The TRAV'LER antenna is not meant for use while traveling. To stow the unit when you are ready to travel, press "POWER" one time. The unit will stop what it is doing and return to the stowed position. The TRAV'LER interface will not turn off unless the TRAV'LER antenna is successfully stowed. Visually inspect that the antenna is in the stowed/travel position before traveling. Do not move the vehicle until the TRAV'LER antenna is stowed.

Emergency Manual Stow

If unable to stow the TRAV'LER antenna, it may be necessary to use emergency manual stow. Emergency manual stow is meant as a last resort and i snot meant for common usage! To use emergency manual stow, unplug the interface box. Then, remove the black plastic bolt from the back of the mount. Insert a 5/16" socket extension into this auxiliary drive. Turn the auxiliary drive clockwise to lower the unit. Do not use a drill!

Emergency Power Off

The antenna comes with an emergency power off feature. To activate it, press and hold "POWER" and then press "SELECT" while still holding "POWER".  The TRAV'LER antenna will stop and turn off. If the emergency power off feature is used, the antenna may not be in a safe position for travel. Do not move the vehicle until the unit is stowed.

Manual Operation

The TRAV'LER antenna is a versatile satellite antenna and can be manually set to find many difference satellites individually. This function is rarely used. The instructions assume that the antenna is already in the stowed position. Note: Diagnostics and Installation menus are not required for normal operation and should only be entered by a trained professional.

clipboard_e97ce009a5765a154388f95294280cb0b.png

DISH Receiver Setup

The following instructions assume that the TRAV'LER antenna has found and locked onto satellites 110º, 119º, and 129º. There should be an asterisk net to 110º, 119º, and 129º on the TRAV'LER interface. The following instructions are based on Hopper3 or Wally receiver. If your receiver differs from the options shown below, you may need to consult your receiver manual. The wording and display used in your receiver may differ slightly.

clipboard_e38fbf3b57286367efe0869ac30137f95.png

 

Troubleshooting

clipboard_e72ed55481ba8fc25afc5e75fe113061e.png

  • Was this article helpful?