8 Best Portable RV Satellite Dishes to Watch TV in Best Quality

Imagine sitting back in your RV on a rainy day, watching your favorite shows or sports games in HD quality with your family and friends. That’s the joy of having a portable satellite dish for RV.

If you’re a frequent RVer, you know that there’s always downtime between those strenuous outdoor adventures. And during those times, what’s better than relaxing with your favorite shows or sports games?

A portable satellite dish for RV is the perfect way to get your HD entertainment fix, even when you’re off the grid. With so many portable satellite dishes on the market, and with technical terms like “dual arc satellite antenna” and “in-motion satellite dish” thrown around, it can be daunting to choose the right one for your camping needs and budget.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve compiled a list of the 8 best portable satellite dishes for camping, based on functionality, durability, and value.

These satellite dishes will perform well in a variety of camping settings, from remote wilderness areas to crowded RV parks. They’re also built to withstand the elements, so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

To help you make an informed decision, I’ll also explain the technicalities of portable satellite dishes in simple, beginner-friendly terms. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Quick Recommendations

• Best Satellite Dish and Receiver Bundle: Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R
• Best Value: KING VQ4550 Tailgater
• Affordable Bundle With Best Signal Strength: Winegard PL-7000R
• Best Dual Arc Satellite: ​​KING DTP4950 DISH
• Best With Multiple Providers: Winegard GM-6000 Carryout G2+
• Best In-Motion Satellite: Winegard RT2035T RoadTrip T4
• Most Affordable: DIRECTV Swim Mobile SWM SL3S

Portable Satellite Dishes For RV: The Basics

OTA Antennas vs Satellite Antennas

You might not be familiar with satellite dishes, but you might know about regular TV antennas for RVs. A satellite dish is just another type of TV antenna, and is also commonly called a satellite antenna.

In simple terms, satellite antennas receive signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, then rebroadcast these signals to your TV in the form of video contents. This means that you can watch satellite TV channels no matter where you are, even in remote areas. Satellite antennas are more expensive than OTA antennas and require a subscription to a satellite TV provider.

OTA antennas (over-the-air antennas) are the most common type of antenna used for RVs. They receive signals from local broadcast stations or towers and will give you over-the-air local channels totally free of charge, much like a radio. OTA antennas are typically inexpensive and easy to install. However, they may not be able to receive signals in remote areas or where there are tall obstacles.

Meanwhile, a satellite dish receives channels broadcasted by satellites located some 23,000 miles above the earth. This means that these satellite dishes can maintain excellent signal reception at all times. 

They are called “dish antennas” because their shape looks like a deep dish or shallow bowl. Unlike OTA antennas that broadcast free channels, satellite antennas broadcast paid content from a very few service providers, namely DISH and DirectTV, the two biggest players, and BellTV, a new kid on the block. 

If you currently have an active DirectTV or DISH account that you use for your home TV, you can enjoy the same shows you have subscribed to at home while traveling with a portable satellite dish for RV. 

Satellite Antennas and Receiver

Do note that while you can take your home DISH receiver with you for use with your portable RV satellite dish, you will need to call DISH to tell them your new address, which is not practical when you’re traveling.

It’s much easier to add a second receiver on your account for an additional fee, which you can use with your portable RV satellite dish. 

How They Work

The whole process starts with a service provider, say DISH, blasting signals from a ground station to one or several satellite stations in space. The satellites then transmit these signals in the form of electromagnetic waves to specific areas on the Earth surface. The further these waves have to travel, the weaker they become. 

This is why most satellite dishes have a concave bowl shape to collect the largest amount of disperse waves as possible. They then refocus these waves to increase their strength. The now boosted electromagnetic waves will be transmitted over to the satellite dish’s receiver, which passes the signals to your RV TV via a coaxial output cable so that you can enjoy many channels on your TV set. 

You may also like: Best TVs for RV To Keep You Entertained

“Portable” Satellite Dishes vs Roof Mounted Units

Before the times of portable satellite dishes, most TV antennas and satellite dishes were permanently installed on the roof of RVs. This comes with disadvantages, including contact with obstacles on the road like low hanging tree branches and exposure to harsh outdoor elements. 

In addition, sometimes you won’t have many options as to where to park your RV. If your RV is parked near a large physical obstacle or barrier like hills, mountains, dense forestry or some man made structures, these obstacles might interfere with signal reception.

This is where a portable satellite dish comes in. They can be flexibly set up anywhere on a tripod base, so you can choose a spot that’s free from obstructions and get the best signals. 

You just need to run a cable to your RV, where your TV and receiver are set up. You might be able to put the satellite dish several feet away from your RV, depending on how long the cable is. 

The Benefits of Portable Satellite Dishes

The occasional campers or the spontaneous travelers who only go on short trips might not have the needs for a variety of entertainment and contents, but for the full-time campers and those who travel with kids, your life on the road will be so much more wholesome with portable satellite dishes for RVs. 

Firstly, it’s essential that you keep yourself up-to-date with what happens in the world, including the latest weather forecast and news for the area you’re traveling to, so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

Secondly, on long trips, there will be a lot of downtime between those strenuous outdoor activities or when it’s raining or snowing outside. Being able to sit back, relax with a cup of hot coffee in hand and enjoy your favorite show with your companions would make life on the road so much more like home. 

Furthermore, any camper who travels on long trips with kids would tell you that having some means of entertainment is a life saver. Your kids can watch TV and leave you alone for some “me time”, or let you focus on driving to the next destination.

Certain satellite dishes for RV work even when your rig is in motion and thus will allow you to keep your kids preoccupied and well behaved in the back while you’re behind the wheel. 

8 Best Portable Satellite Dishes for RV: In-Depth Reviews

Without further ado, let’s dive right into this RV satellite dish reviews and comparison of the best 8 models on the market, all of which are fully functional, portable, durable and reasonably priced given what each has to offer. 

In case you’re not familiar with satellite dishes for camping use, it’s important to skip to the next section to learn more about important features and technical specifications, so that you can select the most suitable unit for your camping needs. 

1. Best Satellite Dish and Receiver Bundle: Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002 Satellite Dish

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Notable Features:

• Compatible with DISH
• Comes with DISH Wally receiver
• DISH Dual arc
• Automatic
• Supports multiple TV viewing
• Top tier 18 inch aluminum reflector for best signals
• Hard wearing dome shaped construction
• Coaxial cable length: 25 feet
• Easy-grip carry handle and security eyelet on the base for easy set up 

Why we love it:

Having a satellite dish that can receive signals from both of DISH’s Western arc and Eastern arc is always better, since you will get more channels wherever you go. If you so desire, you can now get the best deal ever with the Winegard Pathway X2 Dual Arc Satellite Antenna together with a DISH Wally receiver in a bundle.

The Pathway X2 is a long-standing best selling portable satellite dish for camping use, and one of the top tier units that’s functional in every way. The Pathway X2 PA6002R comes bundled with the Dish Wally high definition single-tuner receiver that is perfect for mobile use, so when you look at its over-$600 price tag, don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s overpriced for a satellite dish alone.

Firstly, in addition to being a dual arc unit, this satellite dish supports viewing on two TV sets, so no more arguments on who gets to watch what. Secondly, it is automatic, so there’s no need to adjust it manually to find the direction that allows the strongest signals. This conveniently takes the guesswork out of setting up.  

In addition, and perhaps most importantly, this compact dome shaped satellite dish boasts a state of the art aluminum reflector that will ensure the most stable, steady signal reception in any weather condition. You can count on getting HD quality contents wherever and whenever you are. 

Setting up is straightforward and can be done in minutes. The coaxial cable included in the kit is 25 feet length, which is ample. The satellite dish features an easy-grip carry handle and security eyelet molded into the base so you can easily attach it to a tripod or a permanent fixture on your RV. 

The unit is 20 inches tall when deployed and 15 inches when stowed, plus the compact dome shaped design adds to its hard wearing construction. All in all, this is one practical, functional and solidly constructed satellite dish that will deliver many years of excellent service to elevate your camping experience.

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2. Best Value: KING VQ4550 Tailgater Portable Satellite Dish

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Notable Features:

• Compatible with DISH
• Comes with DISH Wally receiver
• DISH Western arc only
• Automatic
• Supports multiple TV viewing
• 50 feet coaxial cable
• Dome protective case

Why we love it:

If you like the convenience of a satellite dish and receiver bundle but do not want to spend that much for the Winegard Pathway X2 and DISH Wally bundle, here’s another more affordable option that will also deliver ample HD channels for your entertainment needs. If you already have DISH at home, just add the Solo DISH HD receiver included in this KING VQ4550 Tailgater bundle to your account for one bill. 

The KING Tailgater Bundle includes the DISH Wally HD Receiver, with HDMI (HD) video output, RCA composite (SD) video output, and an RF remote control for powering the receiver. The satellite dish itself is powered through the  receiver with no separate remote or power source. An optional Wi-Fi USB adapter allows you to connect to a wireless network to enjoy streaming videos and other web apps.

This fully functional satellite dish is automatic and supports multiple TV viewing from the same satellite. The only flaw though is that this model only works with DISH’s Western arc, but you will still get ample channels to suit everyone’s interests. If you don’t mind this, this bundle really offers excellent value for money. 

The VQ4550 Tailgater can be mounted to most RV roofs without any additional brackets. If you want to set it up on a tripod for better mobility, you’ll need to buy the tripod separately, but the extra long 50 feet coaxial cable will allow you more versatility as to where to set up the satellite dish for optimal signal reception. 

At only 8 pounds, this low profile unit includes a built-in handle to make it easy to carry, and a dome shaped protective case to shield the satellite dish itself from Mother Nature. Like other options from KING in this list, the VQ4550 Tailgater also boasts KING’s solid weatherproof and shock-resistant construction, so you can expect it to last longer on the open road. 

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3. Affordable Bundle With Best Signal Strength: Winegard PL-7000R DISH Playmaker Portable Antenna

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Notable Features:

• Compatible with DISH
• Comes with DISH Wally receiver
• Automatic
• Military grade aluminum reflector for unmatched signal strength
• Dome protective case

Why we love it:

While the KING VQ4550 Tailgater bundle costs around $500, you can save a bit more money still with the Winegard PL-7000R DISH Playmaker bundle. It comes with a single tuner DISH Wally HD receiver, an RF remote with remote finder and built in apps, including Netflix.

At under $500, this is such a steal and considering the unit’s performance, this is definitely the best portable satellite dish for camping at this price range.

The PL-7000R DISH Playmaker portable satellite antenna is another fully functional, well constructed, portable, and easy to use option from Winegard.

What sets this particular model apart and makes it one of the best portable satellite dish for camping though is that it boasts a larger high-strength military grade aluminum alloy reflector for superior signal strength that is 20% stronger than competitors.

This automatic satellite dish will give you hundreds of channels in HD quality in mere seconds without the hassle of manual cranking, and you’ll get to continue binge watching your latest obsession without interruption or loss of video quality, wherever you set up camp. 

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4. Best Dual Arc Satellite: ​​KING DTP4950 DISH Tailgater Pro Premium Portable Satellite

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Notable Features:

• Dual arc
• Automatic
• Compatible with DISH
• Supports multiple TV viewing
• Concave shaped dish in dome shaped fiberglass protective case
• Weighs only 8 lbs
• Stable signals, HD quality

Why we love it:

The second pick on this list is not a convenient satellite dish and receiver bundle like the first one, but if we’re talking about the satellite dish alone, this KING DTP4900 DISH Tailgater Pro Premium is no doubt one of the best portable satellite dish for RV of all time. At $400, it is very reasonably priced for everything that it offers.

This fantastic satellite dish is a dual arc unit, allowing you to get plenty of channels no matter where you travel. Furthermore, one thing the KING Tailgater Pro Premium is particularly praised for is its superior signal reception even in inclement weather. Better yet, this portable dish antenna supports HD output so you can enjoy your favorite shows in crystal clear clarity, uninterrupted.

As you can expect from a best seller, this unit supports multiple TV viewing and is automatic. You just need to place the Tailgater Pro on any stable surface, point it at a clear patch of blue sky, then connect the coaxial cable, let the satellite dish work on its own to get the strongest signal possible, and follow the on screen prompts to enjoy your chosen channels. Or you can permanently mount the DISH Tailgater Pro on the roof of your RV without any additional brackets.

Another huge plus is that this KING Tailgater Pro comes with an unmatched compact and lightweight profile, weighing only 8 pounds, which is about half of most models on the market, and stands at less than 14 inches tall in operation, which is again shorter than average. Its light weight makes for extra practical handling and mobility.

Furthermore, this means that even when mounted on the roof of your RV, this satellite dish will lay low and less likely be damaged by obstacles like low hanging tree branches on the road. 

In addition to its humble profile, another feature that greatly adds to the unit’s capacity to withstand physical beatings and thus contributes to its longevity is its solid construction.

The Concave shaped dish is enclosed in a dome shaped fiberglass protective case, which shields it from whatever Mother Nature throws at it. The KING Tailgater Pro is made to last, and this makes its already reasonable price even more attractive. 

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5. Best With Multiple Providers: Winegard GM-6000 Carryout G2+ Automatic Portable Satellite

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Notable Features:

• Automatic
• Compatible with DISH, DirectTV, BellTV
• Supports multiple TV viewing
• Solid construction: Aluminum reflector, glass infused base, UV protected glass dome
• Integrated Turbo satellite tuner

Why we love it:

Here’s the best portable satellite dish for RV for campers who travel with kids and thus might need a richer selection of contents. The Winegard GM-600 Carryout G2+ is compatible with not only DISH and DirectTV but also BellTV, so there’s something for everyone onboard despite age and interests. 

Do note that it’s not dual arc, although you would have more channels than you would ever imagine, wherever you go, and you can watch different channels on two TVs, as long as they are from the same satellite. For DirectTV, it receives signals from satellites 101° and 119°, for DISH it’s 110°, 119° and 129°, while for BellTV it’s 91° and 82°.

As a standalone satellite dish that’s not bundled with the receiver, this unit is surely on the expensive side. That said, it is a state of the art, future-proof product with innovative technology. For instance, it includes a power inserter which removes the need for a power cable and allows for switching of providers from inside your RV. 

Secondly, it boasts a patented search algorithm and last location recall for faster signal acquisition, plus ultra-robust stepper motor for faster channel surfing and signal acquisition. On top of that is the integrated Turbo satellite tuner and USB-based field upgrade port to reduce risk of obsolescence due to programming and satellite changes.

Another area where this unit shows great attention to detail is its superior construction. The glass infused base effectively protects against shock and vibration, while the UV-protected fiberglass dome contributes to weatherproofing capabilities, and the brass hardware is used for added strength and durability. The Winegard GM-600 Carryout G2+ has been tested to survive thousands of miles of harsh environmental conditions, so you know that this is a long term investment. 

As for setup, this unit allows for many mounting options, including roof mount, tripod mount, side or window mount, ladder mount and rear cab mount, although mounting accessories are sold separately. 

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6. Best In-Motion Satellite: Winegard RT2035T RoadTrip T4 RV Satellite Dish 

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Notable Features:

• In-motion
• Automatic
• Compatible with DISH, DirectTV, BellTV
• Supports multiple TV viewing
• UV protected plastic dome

Why we love it:

If you want something to keep your hyperactive kids from behaving in the back while you’re driving, get this in-motion satellite dish from Winegard. The Winegard RoadTrip T4 lets you watch live HD programming from DISH, DirectTV as well as BellTV as you’re traveling down the road. 

This in-motion satellite dish is automatic for practical use and supports multiple TV viewing, so you can binge watch your latest Netflix obsession while you kids enjoy their daily Disney Channel dose. You’ll get uninterrupted and high definition contents wherever you travel, thanks to the reliable DVB technology that delivers fast and accurate satellite acquisition.

In addition, the enhanced antenna design combined with the high gloss rounded dome provide for unmatched signal strength. This UV protected plastic dome also shields the satellite dish from the harsh outdoor elements and contributes to its longevity. 

As for mounting and setup, this unit is among the most lightweight and compact on the market for easy handling and mobility, at only 10 pounds and 13.5 inches tall. It has three mounting feet for flexible setup on any stable surface. Tripod mounts and roof mounts are sold separately though.

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7. Most Affordable: DIRECTV Swim Mobile RV Portable Satellite Dish Tripod Kit SWM SL3S

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Notable Features:

• Compatible with DirectTV
• supports HD output
• 50 feet longer RG6 coaxial cable
• Tripod included with carrying case
• 3 ground spikes for stabilizing tripod

Why we love it:

If you currently have a DirectTV subscription and want to spend less than $200 for a satellite dish to enjoy the same paid channels you have at home while traveling, the DIRECTV SWM SL3S Portable Satellite Dish Tripod Kit would be the most practical and affordable choice for you. 

For only under $200, you get a satellite dish, a tripod for mobile setup and everything you need to enjoy the full benefits of having the best portable satellite dish for RV on the go.

Although I was skeptical at first, given the low price, but I was pleasantly surprised to get pretty good signals with this unit, and this affordable satellite dish even supports HD viewing, so video quality is never a concern, even in more challenging weather conditions. 

What’s missing though is the capacity for multiple TV viewing, but that’s to be expected at this price point. Furthermore, this should not be a problem with single or couple travelers who would most likely watch one TV set at a given time.

I absolutely love the extra long 50 feet longer RG6 coaxial cable that allows for more flexibility during setup for optimal results. Also included in the kit is a heavy duty tripod, plus three ground spikes for stabilizing the tripod legs in high wind, and completed with a neat carrying case for all the accessories.

Given the price, these are such thoughtful additions that makes this unit super convenient and easy to use, even for the novice. If you are a budget or first time RV owner, you can’t go wrong with the DIRECTV SWM SL3S Kit.

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8. DIRECTV 4K SWM3 Portable RV Tailgate Satellite TV Antenna

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Notable Features:

• Compatible with DirectTV
• supports HD output
• 50 feet longer RG6 coaxial cable
• Tripod included

Why we love it:

Another budget friendly and convenient satellite dish all-in-one kit for DirectTV is the DirectTV 4K SWM3. It’s nothing fancy, but this straightforward, no-nonsense satellite dish offers good signal reception and supports HD output, even 4K ready, so you can enjoy your favorite shows in crystal clear quality without interruption.

Not all DirectTV-compatible satellite dishes on the market have this option, especially at this price, so this is quite a deal. Like the previous budget model, this unit also supports only one TV.

What I like about this unit is its extra long 50 feet RG6 coaxial cable, which allows you to set up the unit on a tripod further away from your rig on an optimal spot for the best reception. What I don’t like though is the size and design.

Unlike more expensive options on this list with a dome shaped low profile, the unit is quite protruding, and should you want to mount it on your rooftop, it might get knocked off in high wind. The kit conveniently comes with a tripod though, which is a plus. 

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How To Select The Best Portable Satellite Dish for RV

There are a few things you need to be aware of when looking to buy the best RV satellite system for your camping needs, especially if you have special requirements like your kids being able to watch paid TV when you’re driving, or if you want the largest collection of channels possible.

The following are the most crucial specifications and criteria for portable satellite dishes for RVs.

Western Arc and Eastern Arc

DISH satellite TV uses two Arcs to broadcast its channels, namely the Western and Eastern arc.

The Western Arc consists of 3 satellites — 110°, 119°, and 129°. The newer arc, the Eastern Arc, also consists of 3 satellites — 61.5°, 72.7°, and 77°. 

Depending on where you travel, you may need to use a specific arc to receive the DISH local TV stations that are nearby. Of course, it’s always best to have a satellite dish that can pick up the programming on both arcs so that you get to enjoy more channels.

While some of the best portable satellite dishes for RV can do this, certain models only pick up either the Western arc or the Eastern arc, so make sure you check the product description. 

Service Provider Compatibility

The two major providers of satellite service in the US are DISH and DirectTV. Most satellite dishes are designed to be compatible with either one of the two, but a handful of models on the market offer both DISH and DirectTV programs. Some even throw in channels from a third newer provider on top, which is BellTV, so you have a wide variety of contents for everyone onboard. 

Single or Multiple TV Viewing

There are two types of satellite dishes, that is those with built-in single coaxial outputs and those with dual coaxial outputs. Models with single coaxial outputs will only broadcast channels on a single TV, while the best portable RV satellite dish often come with dual outputs to support viewing on two TVs.

So you can watch your latest Netflix obsession while your kids enjoy their Disney Channel show. Note that watched programs must be on the same satellite though. 

In-Motion Satellite Dish

The majority of satellite dishes on the market are for stationary use, that is they will only receive satellite signals and broadcast channels to your TV when your RV’s parked at the campground.

If you want to be able to let your kids watch their favorite show in the back while you’re driving, you will need the best RV satellite dish called “in-motion” units. With an in-motion satellite dish, you can enjoy entertainment or listen to the news wherever you go, whether you’re stationary or on the move. 

Construction and Design 

The best portable satellite dish for RV should boast a heavy duty construction that can withstand harsh weather and a broad temperature range. Most satellite dishes these days are made from plastic or aluminum or a combination of both. Both materials work well enough in various camping settings, but in general, the best RV satellite dish should be made from powder coated aluminum. 

Another important feature that would contribute to a unit’s lifespan is its design and overall profile. A neat satellite dish that does not protrude too high would be more tolerant of windy conditions. Furthermore, should you want to mount your portable satellite dish on your RV’s rooftop, as many models would allow you to, a neater and shorter unit would less likely fall victim to low lying tree branches or other obstacles on the road. 

In addition to the concave dish shaped satellite antenna, there’s also the dome shaped satellite unit. These are more compact than the conventional dish shape, and are contained within a fiberglass protective case, so it’s protected from inclement weather. These dome shaped satellite units are the most costly, but they are generally made to last longer.

Roof Mounting Option

One of the major advantages of a portable satellite dish compared to a permanently mounted TV antenna is that a portable satellite dish can be flexibly placed anywhere once you set up camp. As physical obstacles like mountains, thick forestry or tall man made structures might interfere with signal reception, portability would allow you to receive the best reception. 

In addition, you can easily move a portable satellite dish indoors in unwanted weather conditions. The best portable RV satellite dish for camping these days often comes with a solid tripod base to securely mount the unit, even in inclement weather. 

Should you want to mount your portable satellite dish high above the ground instead of setting it up on a tripod base on the ground, there are quite many models that come with a magnetic base. These units will allow you to instantly set up your satellite dish on the rooftop, but when you know a storm is coming, you can easily take it inside.

Portable Satellite Dish for Camping: FAQs