Caravan satellite dish guide: everything you need to know

What you need to know about caravan satellite systems

What will you need

• A caravan satellite system
• A satellite decoder. Many 12V TVs have a built-in decoder.
• A TV
• The relevant cables

You may also need:

• A satellite finder app or a compass. If you use a compass, you'll also need direction and elevation angle.
• A satellite signal meter

How does a portable satellite dish work?

The Earth is surrounded by orbiting satellites, some of which bounce TV channels back to Earth. In Britain, we mainly use Astra 2, which is in a geostationary orbit (it moves with the Earth's rotation) in the southern sky. Astra 1, Astra 3, Hotbird, and Thor satellites are also popular choices.

A satellite dish focuses the radio waves from the satellite onto its LNB (low noise block) downconverter. This downconverter converts the waves into a signal and sends them down a cable to a receiver unit, which decodes the signal for your TV.

Types of satellite dishes

There are three main types of caravan satellite dishes:

Suction-mounted satellite system:

Tripod-mounted satellite system:

Fully automatic roof-mounted satellite system:

What is the best satellite dish for a caravan?

This is primarily a matter of personal preference and budget. UK travellers may find a smaller suction-mounted unit suitable for occasional use, while hardy European caravanners will need a larger dish.

Do I need a satellite dish for a caravan?

If you like to watch TV while on holiday in your caravan, satellite systems are a worthy alternative to streaming services. After the initial investment, they are also cheaper to use.

They are great for European travellers as UK channels can be enjoyed without the complications of data roaming.

How to fit a caravan satellite dish to your caravan

The three main types of satellite dishes give each caravan owner options. Suction-mounted and tripod-mounted systems are 'stand-alone' and can be used when required or moved to another caravan. A roof-mounted system is a doddle to use but will be fitted permanently.

How to find TV satellite signal in your caravan

• Assemble the satellite dish and tripod/suction mount
• Point the dish due south. A compass or phone app can be used
• Connect the cable to the LNB
• Connect the other end of the cable to the TV (if it has a built-in decoder) or to the satellite decoder unit. If necessary, connect the decoder to the TV
• Point your dish at the relevant satellite using a free app such as DishPointer or SatFinder Lite. These apps use 'augmented reality' to map each satellite. A compass can be used, but it tends to be less accurate
• Set to the correct elevation. The Dish Align app can help
• Fine-tune satellite reception with a signal finder. They cost £20 or so from all good retailers

Things to consider when using a portable satellite system

A satellite dish needs a clear line of sight to receive a signal, so tall buildings and trees will likely obscure this. If you use a tripod or suction-mounted system, ensure they are fixed or pegged securely in inclement weather.

Roof-mounted systems are often easier to use and can offer increased reliability should the weather turn, but the cost reflects this.

FAQ

How do I find satellite TV stations?

All new Avtex TVs have a preloaded channel list, so your TV will work once a signal is found. If you use a TV with no preloaded channels, locate the satellite first and scan for new channels.

Can I use my Sky box?

Before Sky Q, the answer was yes. All previous Sky boxes are compatible with Maxview systems; plug them in like a free-to-air receiver. However, Sky Q receivers work differently, therefore the standard range of automatic systems is incompatible.

Consequently, Maxview has launched Sky Q-compatible Precision (tripod-mounted manual system) and a Sky Q-compatible Target (roof-mounted automatic system). Alternatively, if you have a manual or portable system, you can upgrade the LNB.

What size caravan satellite dish do I need?

A 40cm dish is sufficient for the UK and, possibly, the very edge of northern France. A 55cm satellite dish extends the coverage to northern France. The middle of France requires a 65cm dish, 75cm covers most of France, and the French-Spanish border is achievable with an 85cm dish.

How much elevation is needed for a caravan satellite dish?

In the UK, the Astra 2 satellite is between 21 degrees (Scotland) and 28 degrees (southern England).

How much is a satellite dish for a caravan?

A good-quality, branded, suction-mounted system for a caravan will likely cost £150, with a larger tripod-mounted satellite system being around £250. Roof-mounted systems are upwards of £1,400.

Final thoughts

Caravan satellite systems allow folks to watch their favourite TV shows from destinations across the UK and Europe. Once purchased, they won’t eat into your phone’s data plan or attract additional charges when overseas.

They do, however, require line of sight to the satellite, which trees and tall buildings can block. Choose a dish type based on your future travel plans, and you’ll be able to receive satellite TV from within the UK, France, or Spain.